Microbes and membrane biology.

General principles of membrane function have been elucidated by the study of lactic acid bacteria. In this review, the operation and function of ion pumps, secondary transport systems and solute ATPases will be discussed. Despite their differences in kinetics and mechanisms between the transport systems, structural similarities can be recognized among these proteins irrespective of whether they originate from prokaryotes, lower or higher eukaryotes.     

Isolation of Onchocerca gibsoni tissue from frozen nodules for biochemical use

A new procedure is described which enables gram quantities of adult Onchocerca tissue to be isolated from frozen connective tissue nodules, thus minimizing the risk of enzymatic degradation. Bovine connective tissue nodules containing adult Onchocerca gibsoni worms were obtained from Australia frozen at −70°C and sectioned while still frozen into 3 mm thick slabs. The sections were thawed immediately before use, worm segments removed, rinsed, pelleted, and flash frozen in liquid nitrogen. Quality of the isolated material was demonstrated by the presence of an intact adult epicuticle as determined by electron microscopy, and by the presence of viable uterine larvae and cells. This procedure is applicable to other nodule-forming worms such as Onchocerca volvulus and is suitable for investigations which require the isolation of labile molecules or those present in minute quantities.     

Microbes and membrane biology

Abstract General principles of membrane function have been elucidated by the study of lactic acid bacteria. In this review, the operation and function of ion pumps, secondary transport systems and solute ATPases will be discussed. Despite their differences in kinetics and mechanisms between the transport systems, structural similarities can be recognized among these proteins irrespective of whether they originate from prokaryotes, lower or higher eukaryotes.