The dynamical structure of the RNA in alfalfa mosaic virus studied by 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance

The structure of the viral RNA in alfalfa mosaic virus (AlMV) was investigated by means of 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). It was found that the 31P-NMR line width of AlMV Top a particles is significantly smaller than that of the larger Bottom particles. At low temperatures, the totational correlation time of the 31P nuclei essentially equals the tumbling rate of the virus particle, indicating that the RNA is contained rigidly inside the virion. At more elevated temperatures, the NMR line width sharpens more than expected on the basis of viscosity changes and the RNA exhibits internal mobility. The occurrence of internal mobility is paralleled by an increased internal mobility of the N-terminal part of the coat protein, as could be observed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The influence of EDTA on the 31P-NMR line width appeared to be negligible, which is in agreement with the idea that AlMV does not 'swell' like several other RNA-containing plant viruses.     

Effect of the phase state of lipids on their interaction with cobra cytotoxin

Interaction between cytotoxin of the Central Asia cobra venom and dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer depending on its phase state was studied by ESR with spin label. A conclusion can be drawn that the efficiency of cytotoxin effect on the membranes depends on their phase state. Cytotoxin molecules are incorporated into myophile region of the bilayer, only if the latter is in the liquid crystal state. The interaction between cytotoxins and lipids of the bilayer in a gel state is in the main conditioned by electrostatic forces.     

The effect of exogenous hormone treatment on spermiation and vitellogenesis in the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus L.

The effects of mammalian gonadotropins, methyltestosterone and partially purified salmon gonadotropin on spermiation and oocyte maturation were studied in adult grey mullet. Methyltestosterone was a potent spermiating agent in both prespawning and spawning trials. The most effective dose was 5 mg/100 g body weight. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) was moderately effective at a dose rate of 20 IU/100 g body weight. Both hormones blocked resorption of milt in captive animals. The HCG, FSH/LH combination, Synahorin+mullet pituitary homogenate, and partially purified salmon gonadotropin were equally effective, at the doses used, in inducing oocyte maturation and preventing onset of atrophy before completion of vitellogenesis. Atrophy occurred in all experimental fish at mean oocyte diameter of 750 μ. The significance of this finding is discussed. (Oceanic Institute Contribution No. 98).     

Measurement of profiles of potassium activity and electrical potential in the intact root

Summary Profiles of potassium activity and electrical potential in the vacuoles of cells across the intact root of Helianthus annuus have been measured. No gradient in either potassium activity or potential difference was detected from epidermis to pericycle. The trans-root electrical potential was found to be made up of two components, a large P.D. between the outside solution and the outer cells and a small P.D. at the pericycle-xylem interface. The results indicated that all the living cells of the root have the same capacity to actively accumulate potassium.