The E. coli K-12 chromosome flanked by two IS10 sequences transposes

Summary Transposon are commonly found among prokaryotes and usually range up to 20 kilobases. In this study, we were interested to determine whether a larger DNA segment could transpose. We observed that the E. coli K-12 chromosome, 4,000 kilobases in size, when flanked by two IS10 sequences, could transpose to pACYC177 at a frequency of 10^-8 per cell per generation. We suggest that this transposition event occurs independently of the size and without duplication of the entire DNA sequence flanked by the IS10 elements.     

A new method for the dressing of free skin grafts

Using adhesive drapes and a disposable suction drain, a new method for the dressing of free skin grafts has been devised. The graft is compressed by pressure that is equivalent to the negative pressure of the suction drain. This method can apply uniform and constant pressure on the graft. Moreover, the graft can be observed through a transparent drape so that the existence of hematomas can be detected easily.     

Additional genes essential for replication of the mini-F plasmid from origin I

Summary We isolated a series of Tn5-insertional mutants from the mini-F plasmid, which has a deletion in the origin II region and replicates exclusively from origin I, and found that the mutants that had Tn5 in either the F4 or the F5 gene were defective in their replication. It is concluded that, in addition to the F3 gene on which we have reported previously, both the F4 and the F5 genes are essential for the replication from origin I.     

Synthesis and evaluation of 1-position-modified inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate analogs.

IP3 analogs were synthesized by the modification of phosphate at the 1-position, and their affinity for the IP3 receptor was analyzed by means of surface plasmon resonance measurements. Our results suggest that a hydrophobic and charged moiety linked to this position enhances the affinity for the IP3 receptor.