Altered fatty acid composition in regulatory mutants of Streptomyces cinnamonensis

Abstract cDNA-RNA liquid hybridization analysis was used to compare the RNA sequence homology between two members of the Nudaurelia β virus family, Trichoplusia ni virus ( T.ni V) and Dasychira pudibunda virus ( D.p V). Heterologous hybridization experiments demonstrated that these viruses shared little sequence homology. Using oligo(dT) chromatography and oligo(dT)_12–18 as a primer for cDNA synthesis it was shown that neither T.ni V nor D.p V RNA genomes possess a poly(A) tract at the 3' end.     

A field-reversed magnetic configuration and applications of high-temperature FRC plasma

As applied to a tokomak, a magnetic trap for confinement of a plasma with an inverted field or a magnetic field reversed configuration (FRC) is one of the most promising alternatives of the systems with high β. A brief review of the latest data on FRC and potential directions of using such configurations in addition to energy generation in thermonuclear reactors (TNRs) is proposed.     

Can zoosporic true fungi grow or survive in extreme or stressful environments?

Zoosporic true fungi are thought to be ubiquitous in many ecosystems, especially in cool, moist soils and freshwater habitats which are rich in organic matter. However, some of the habitats where these fungi are found may periodically experience extreme conditions, such as soils in extremely dry, hot and cold climates, acidic and alkaline soils, polluted rivers, anaerobic soil and water, saline soil and water, periglacial soils, oligotrophic soils, tree canopies and hydrothermal vents. It is clear that many ecotypes of zoosporic true fungi have indeed adapted to extreme or stressful environmental conditions. This conclusion is supported by studies in both the field and in the laboratory. Therefore, in our opinion, at least some true zoosporic fungi can be considered to be extremophiles.     

Inhibition of IAA-induced elongation in Avena coleoptile segments by lead: a physiological and an electron microscopic study.

A high resolution growth measuring apparatus was used to demonstrate the inhibition of auxin-induced cell elongation in oat coleoptile segments (Avena sativa L. var Holden) by lead at concentrations ranging from 2 x 10-6 M to 2 x 10-3 M. The inhibition was immediate, having no measurable lag period. Electron micrographs of lead-treated and control segments revealed that in the treated material, lead became localized as electron-dense granules in the cell walls and in vesicles associated with dictyosomes. These granules were found to be lead hydroxide phosphate by electron diffraction techniques. The possible significance of this localization and identification with regard to phosphatase activity is discussed.     

In vitro metabolism or testosterone by breast microcysts

Breast microcysts are considered to be a normal findings in the adult female breast without any increased risk of developing carcinomatous change. Breast cysts fluid contains steroid but not studies have been reported on the ability of breast microcysts to metabolise steroid hormones. It was, therefore, the aim of this study to identify the metabolites formed on incubation of radiolabelled testosterone with microcysts. In all instances dihydrotestosterone and androstenedione were formed. Oestrogens were not identified. Tis study, therefore, provides evidence for th presence of 5-alpha-reductase and 17-oxidoreductase enzyme systems in breast microcysts.