Complementarity of regulation for the two glutamine synthetases from Bacillus caldolyticus, an extreme thermophile

Chromatophores from Rhodopseudomonas capsulata cells grown semiaerobically in the dark oxidize NADH, succinate, and dichlorophenolindophenol. In the presence of N₃^? these activities are inhibited, but light induces oxidation of dichlorophenolindophenol with O₂ as a terminal electron acceptor. Cyanide also inhibits electron transport but much higher concentrations are required to inhibit the photooxidation than the dark oxidation. The photooxidation was studied in a mutant strain of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata (YIV) which cannot grow anaerobically in the light, but similarly to the wild type, grows in the presence of oxygen. Chromatophores from YIV mutant catalyze photophosphorylation and dark oxidation activities with the same properties as those of the wild type. However, the rate of photooxidation in the mutant is only one-third that of the wild type. Based on the differential inhibitor sensitivity and on the mutation it is suggested that the photooxidase is different from the two respiratory oxidases and that this photooxidation activity might be essential for growth of the cells under anaerobic conditions in the light.     

Polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis: an improved design

An apparatus for polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis is decribed which combines all parts into one integral unit. It eliminates several steps in the process of sealing, pouring, and setting the gels. Construction is easy with modest workshop facilities and the design easily adapted to suit most requirements. The apparatus provides a high degree of versatility and is suitable for use with many slab gel electrophoretic techniques.     

Optimal conditions for breaking medically important yeasts by an inexpensive and simple method

Conditions for breaking various medically important yeasts using glass beads, 30 ml Corex centrifuge tubes, and a Vortex mixer were determined. From 75–95% ofCandida hyphal cells and all species of yeasts exceptSporothrix schenckii were broken when 10 g of 0.45–0.50 mm glass beads, 50–300 mg of wet cells in 5 ml of buffer, and 90 s of vortexing were employed. Yeasts ofSporothrix schenckii broke more efficiently when 0.25–0.30 mm beads were used.