Multiple forms of acetylcholinesterase from rat erythrocytes. Effect of fat-free diet.

Electrophoretic patterns of acetylcholinesterase (acetylcholine hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7) from rat erythrocyte were studied. The enzyme was solubilized by the following treatments: a) Triton X-100, b) sodium deoxycholate, or c) ultrasonic irradiation. When the erythrocyte membrane was solubilized by Triton X-100 at concentrations higher than 0.3%, by 10 mM sodium deoxycholate, or by ultrasonic irradiation for more than 5 min, a single band of acetylcholinesterase activity appeared in the gel. Two bands of activity were stained in the gel when the membrane was solubilized by Triton X-100 at concentrations between 0.1--0.2%, or by ultrasound for 5 min. Electrophoretic patterns of acetylcholinesterase from rats fed a fat-sufficient diet were similar to those for the enzyme from animals fed a fat-free diet. The recombination of lipids with the enzyme eluted from the gels confirmed the "phenotypic allosteric desensitization phenomenon".     

Pigeon liver diacetyl reductase. Effects of pH on the kinetic parameters of the reaction.

(1) The pH dependence of the kinetic parameters of the reaction catalyzed by pigeon liver diacetyl reductase (EC 1.1.1.5) was investigated in the pH range 5.1-8.6. (2) From the results obtained it is postulated that: (a), a group of pK around 7, active in the protonated form, participates in the interaction of the enzyme with NADH and NAD. (b), a second group with a pK of 8.4, active in the protonated form too, takes part in the binding of diacetyl to E-NADH. (c) A third group of pK about 4.7-5, active in the unprotonated form, is involved at least in the dissociation of the complex E-NAD and in the attachment of diacetyl to E-NADH.     

XY gonadal dysgenesis with female phenotype (author's transpl)]

In this paper, we are dealing with the study of a case of multiple somatic malformations, with external female genitals and 46 XY caryotype. The anatomical and histological study of the genital organs, allows us to verify the existence of internal genital organs; consisting essentially in tubes, bicornous uterus, a gonadal ligament in a normotopical position, Wolffian remains and the absence of a vagina. The external female genitals are completely normal. When we interpreted these findings, we paid special attention to the relation existing between the abnormal presence of the Wolffian remains, male genotype, and typical female genital structures. Taking account of the latest scientific advances concerning genital development, we considered the possibility of the existence of secretions of a "masculinizing" substance from the gonad, before its morphological differentiation, which was interrupted by an etiological undetermined noxa. When this evolution was arrested, together with the secretions of the masculinizing substance, the genital development continued normally for a female. The terminal teratogenic period for this malformation is situated from the 5th to the 6th week of gestation (human embryos from 11 to 14 mm., Streeter Horizon XVII).     

Effect of antioxidants on the genetic stability of cryopreserved mint shoot tips by encapsulation–dehydration

The effect of antioxidants applied in one step of a cryopreservation protocol by encapsulation–dehydration on recovery and genetic stability of mint shoot tips has been studied. Glutathione (0.16 or 0.24 mM), ascorbic acid (0.28 or 0.43 mM) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) were added to the preculture medium (0.3 M sucrose). DNA was extracted from three different types of samples: leaves from shoots, callus at the base of shoots and callus. RAPD and AFLP markers were used to assess the genetic stability. The use of antioxidants did not improve recovery after cryopreservation. One of the genotypes, ‘MEN 198’, showed higher percentage of stable samples than the other one, ‘MEN 186’ (56 vs. 37?%; considering all treatments and types of explant). The use of vitamin E improved the percentage of stable samples with respect to control treatment (no antioxidant) in ‘MEN 186’. No differences in the percentages of stable samples were observed among cryopreserved and non-cryopreserved (treated similarly without immersion in liquid nitrogen) plant material. Recovered shoots of both genotypes showed higher stability (76–80?% stable samples) than callus samples (14–22?%).     

Copulatory mechanics in the wolf spider Agalenocosa pirity reveals a hidden diversity of locking systems in Lycosidae (Araneae)

Genital traits are among the fastest to evolve, and the processes that drive their evolution are intensively studied. Spiders are characterized by complex genitalia, but the functional role of the different structures during genital coupling is largely unknown. Members of one of the largest spider groups, the retrolateral tibial apophysis (RTA) clade, are characterized by a RTA on the male palp, which is thought to play a crucial role during genital coupling. However, the RTA was lost in several families including the species-rich wolf spiders (Lycosidae) leading to the hypothesis that the genital coupling is achieved by alternative mechanisms. Here, we investigate the genital interactions during copulation in the wolf spider Agalenocosa pirity (Zoicinae) on cryofixed mating pairs using electron, optical and X-ray microscopy and compare our findings with other lycosids and entelegyne spiders. We found an unprecedented coupling mechanism for lycosid spiders involving the palea and a membranous cuticle folding adjacent to the epigynal plate. Additionally, we show an uncommon coupling between the median apophysis and the contralateral genital opening, and confirmed that the terminal apophysis acts as functional conductor, as previously hypothesized for males of Zoicinae. Phylogenetic mapping of RTA indicated that the basal tibial process found in Agalenocosa is a secondary acquisition rather than a modified RTA.     

Genome Sequences of Burkholderia sp. Strains CCGE1002 and H160, Isolated from Legume Nodules in Mexico and Brazil

The genome sequences of Burkholderia sp. strains CCGE1002 from Mexico and H160 from Brazil, isolated from legume nodules, are reported. Their gene contents in relation to plant-microbe interactions and xenobiotic degradation are discussed.