bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The release of iron from horse spleen ferritin to 1,10-phenanthroline
Authors: Hoy Terence G. , Harrison Pauline M. , Shabbir Mohammad , Macara Ian G.
Published: August 2015

The rate of release of iron to 1,10-phenanthroline from ferritin fractions of different iron contents has been studied. The experimental results could be interpreted by a simple hypothetical model of the shape of the hydrous ferric oxide micelle at different iron contents, and reasonable correlation obtained between the rate of release and the calculated micelle surface areas. Initial rates of release did not correlate significantly with protein concentration.
The molecular weight of J chains derived from human immunoglobulin M
Authors: Ricardo Manuel J. , Brewer John M. , Inman Franklin P.
Published: August 2015

J chain was isolated from sulphonated human immunoglobulin M molecules by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels. When determined by electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gels, the molecular weight of the protein was about 27000. After suspension in 5m-guanidine hydrochloride solution for 21 days, two groups of three bands appeared on the gels. Most of the protein dissociated to components of molecular weight 15000. The molecular weight of purified J chain was also determined by ultracentrifugation. In borate–saline solution the average weight-average molecular weight was about 29000. The molecular weight slowly decreased upon prolonged exposure to guanidine hydrochloride, and after 14 days the minimum molecular weight was about 15000. Some association between chains still existed. These data suggest that J chain derived from the paraprotein exists in borate–saline solution as dimers held by strong non-covalent forces.
The incorporation of J chain into reassembled human immunoglobulin M
Authors: Ricardo Manuel J. , Inman Franklin P.
Published: August 2015

Human IgM (immunoglobulin M) was reduced with 24mm-mercaptoethylamine. This atreatment resulted in complete dissociation to IgMs subunits and free J chain. Intr-subunit interchain disulphide bonds remained intact. The mixture then was encouraged to reoxidize. The schlieren pattern of the reoxidized mixture showed the presence of a considerable quantity of IgM in addition to residual IgMs. The isolated reassembled IgM did not dissociate in 5m-guanidinium hydrochloride. It apparently contained the same amount of covalently attached J chain as did native IgM. The J chain was a part of the high-molecular-weight Fc fragment obtained from the reassembled IgM.
The amino acid sequences of cytochrome c from four plant sources
Authors: Brown Richard H. , Boulter Donald
Published: August 2015

Proposed amino acid sequences of cytochrome c from nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.), box-elder (Acer negundo L.), elder (Sambucus nigra L.) and parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) are presented. Because of the very limited amounts of cytochrome available from some plant sources, peptides derived from the cytochromes c have been sequenced by the semi-quantitative dansyl–Edman technique (Gray & Hartley, 1963) without supporting quantitative amino acid analyses. Because of the qualitative nature of the work, the sequences proposed must be regarded as tentative. Considerations of homology, although useful as a guide, have been kept to a minimum in the construction of sequences. Only the nasturtium sequence relies on considerations of homology for a complete ordering of the peptides. Where material permitted, each residue of a proposed sequence was determined at least once from both a tryptic and a chymotryptic peptide.
Enzyme purification by hydrophobic chromatography: an alternative approach illustrated in the purification of aspartate transcarbamoylase from wheat germ (Short Communication)
Authors: Yon Robert J.
Published: August 2015

Two adsorbents containing similar numbers of hydrocarbon (C10) chains but different numbers of carboxyl groups were made by chemical modification of Sepharose. The use of these adsorbents to purify proteins, under conditions where hydrophobic adsorption is partly resisted by electrostatic repulsion, is illustrated in the purification of aspartate transcarbamoylase (EC 2.1.3.2) from wheat germ.
A simple graphical method for determining the inhibition constants of mixed, uncompetitive and non-competitive inhibitors (Short Communication)
Authors: Cornish-Bowden Athel
Published: August 2015

A new method is described for plotting kinetic results for inhibited enzyme-catalysed reactions. It provides a simple way of determining the inhibition constant, K′i, of an uncompetitive, mixed or non-competitive inhibitor.
Gas–liquid-chromatographic determination of light-dependent acetylcholine concentrations in moss callus
Authors: Hartmann Elmar , Kilbinger Heinz
Published: August 2015

Acetylcholine was identified and quantified by g.l.c. in moss callus. The acetylcholine concentrations in the moss callus were found to be regulated by phytochrome. The highest concentrations of acetylcholine occurred after irradiation with red light. Moss callus grown in the dark contained no acetylcholine.
Influence of an 18-hydroxyl group on the interaction of oestrogens and hydroxysteroid oxidoreductases
Authors: Findlay John K. , Breuer Heinz
Published: August 2015

1. Partially purified 17β-hydroxy steroid–NAD+ oxidoreductases, prepared from Pseudomonas testosteroni (EC 1.1.1.51), human term placenta (EC 1.1.1.62) and the cytoplasmic fraction of rat liver (EC 1.1.1.–) were tested for their ability to catalyse the oxidoreduction of 18-hydroxyoestradiol-17β and 18-hydroxyoestrone. The products of incubation were identified by chromatographic procedures and by mass spectrometry. 2. The Pseudomonas enzyme catalysed both the oxidation of 18-hydroxyoestradiol-17β and the reduction of 18-hydroxyoestrone; in contrast, the placental and rat liver enzymes only catalysed the reduction of 18-hydroxyoestrone. 3. These results were confirmed, by using a spectrophotometric assay; equimolar quantities of oestradiol-17β and 18-hydroxyoestradiol-17β were oxidized at approximately the same rate by the microbial enzyme. 4. These findings suggest that 18-hydroxyoestradiol-17β may be a normal oestrogen metabolite. 5. The differences in ability of the mammalian and microbial enzymes to metabolize 18-hydroxylated oestrogens is explained on the basis of recognition sites with different geometrical dimensions, characteristic of the placental (Descomps & Crastes de Paulet, 1969) and the microbial steroid enzymes (Fosset & Crastes de Paulet, 1967).
Thermostability of mammalian brain ribosomes and the effects of nucleoside triphosphates on their heat-sensitivity
Authors: Grove Barbara Kay , Johnson Terry C. , Gilbert Brian E.
Published: August 2015

Mammalian brain ribosomes were found to be heat-labile. On preincubation of the ribosomes at 37°C, their ability to participate in polypeptide-synthesis reactions was substantially diminished. Despite the sensitivity of ribosomal protein synthesis to heat-inactivation, preincubation resulted in no significant alterations in ribosomal sedimentation profiles or changes in the integrity of the ribosomal RNA. The thermolability of brain ribosomes was shown to be associated with their inability to bind both template RNA and aminoacyl-tRNA. Similar experiments with brain ribosomal subunits demonstrated that the small (40S) subunit was more sensitive to heat-inactivation than the large (60S) subunit. The presence of ATP (1mm) protected ribosomes from thermal inactivation, although this protection was shown to be temporary. The protection appeared to be specific to nucleoside triphosphates, since GTP and UTP also stabilized ribosomes to thermal denaturation whereas nucleoside diphosphates (ADP) and nucleoside monophosphates (AMP and cyclic AMP) did not alter ribosomal sensitivity to heat. Although 1mm concentrations of nucleoside triphosphates protected ribosomes from heat-inactivation, the presence of higher concentrations resulted in complete inactivation of ribosomal activity.
The action of nitrous acid on C-teichoic acid (C-substance) from the walls of Diplococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Watson M. J. , Baddiley J.
Published: August 2015

1. C-teichoic acid (C-substance) from the walls of Diplococcus pneumoniae contained free amino groups accessible to attack by nitrous acid. Treatment with nitrous acid, followed by reduction with borohydride and hydrolysis with acid, gave ribitol, glucitol and their respective phosphates. 2. Hydrolysis of the polymer with alkali followed by treatment of products with nitrous acid yielded glucose. 3. When alkali hydrolysis was followed by treatment with a phosphomonoesterase, nitrous acid degradation of C-substance yielded glucose and a disaccharide identified as 2-O-(N-acetylgalactosaminyl)-d-ribitol. 4. A partial structure for C-teichoic acid was deduced in which the order of the constituent residues and the position of phosphodiester linkages were established.
The organization of the major protein of the human erythrocyte membrane
Authors: Boxer D. H. , Jenkins R. E. , Tanner M. J. A.
Published: August 2015

The enzyme lactoperoxidase was used to catalyse the radioiodination of membrane proteins in intact human erythrocytes and in erythrocyte ‘ghosts’. Two major proteins of the erythrocyte membrane were isolated after iodination of these two preparations, and the peptide ‘maps’ of each protein so labelled were compared. Peptides from both proteins are labelled in the intact cell. In addition, further mobile peptides derived from one of the proteins are labelled only in the ‘ghost’ preparation. Various sealed ‘ghost’ preparations were also iodinated, lactoperoxidase being present only at either the cytoplasmic or extra-cellular surface of the membrane. The peptide ‘maps’ of protein E (the major membrane protein) labelled in each case were compared. Two discrete sets of labelled peptides were consistently found. One group is obtained when lactoperoxidase is present at the extra-cellular surface and the other group is found when the enzyme is accessible only to the cytoplasmic surface of the membrane. The results support the assumption that the organization of protein E in the membrane of the intact erythrocyte is unaltered on making erythrocyte ‘ghosts’. They also confirm previous suggestions that both the sialoglycoprotein and protein E extend through the human erythrocyte membrane.
3-O-Hydrosulphato-4-hydroxyphenethylamine (dopamine 3-O-sulphate), a metabolite involved in the sclerotization of insect cuticle
Authors: Bodnaryk Robert P. , Brunet Peter C. J.
Published: August 2015

Dopamine 3-O-sulphate (3-O-hydrosulphato-4-hydroxyphenethylamine) was isolated from newly ecdysed cockroaches, Periplaneta americana (L.), and its structure established by chemical and physical techniques and by synthesis. Relatively high concentrations (about 1μmol/g wet. wt.) of dopamine 3-O-sulphate exist in the newly ecdysed insect, and these concentrations decrease sharply as sclerotization of the cuticle proceeds. At least 40% of the radioactivity of 14C-labelled dopamine 3-O-sulphate injected into newly ecdysed nymphs was recovered in the sclerotized cuticle 7–12 days after the injection. However, less than 1% of the radioactivity of injected dopamine 3-O-[35S]sulphate was recovered, and this value was not appreciably different from that for the incorporation of Na235SO4. Apparently, little or none of the sulphate moiety of dopamine 3-O-sulphate is incorporated directly into the cuticle as the intact sulphate ester. These observations are discussed in relation to current concepts of cuticular sclerotization in insects.
The partial characterization of purified nitrite reductase and hydroxylamine oxidase from Nitrosomonas europaea
Authors: Ritchie G. A. F. , Nicholas D. J. D.
Published: August 2015

Nitrite reductase has been separated from cell-free extracts of Nitrosomonas and partially purified from hydroxylamine oxidase by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. In its oxidized state the enzyme, which did not contain haem, had an extinction maximum at 590nm, which was abolished on reduction. Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate was a potent inhibitor of nitrite reductase. Enzyme activity was stimulated 2.5-fold when remixed with hydroxylamine oxidase, but was unaffected by mammalian cytochrome c. The enzyme also exhibited a low hydroxylamine-dependent nitrite reductase activity. The results suggest that this enzyme is similar to the copper-containing `denitrifying enzyme' of Pseudomonas denitrificans. A dithionite-reduced, 465nm-absorbing haemoprotein was associated with homogeneous preparations of hydroxylamine oxidase. The band at 465nm maximum was not reduced during the oxidation of hydroxylamine although the extinction was abolished on addition of hydroxylamine, NO2− or CO. These last-named compounds when added to the oxidized enzyme precluded the appearance of the 465nm-absorption band on addition of dithionite. Several properties of 465nm-absorbing haemoprotein are described.
Chemical and physical properties of an arabinogalactan-peptide from wheat endosperm
Authors: Fincher G. B. , Sawyer W. H. , Stone B. A.
Published: August 2015

1. An arabinogalactan-peptide from wheat endosperm was studied by using physicochemical techniques and some aspects of its chemical structure were determined. 2. The arabinogalactan-peptide is a non-associating, polydisperse macromolecule ([unk]=22000) which exhibits only minor non-ideal effects in aqueous solution. 3. Examination of the products of partial acid hydrolysis of the polysaccharide component showed that arabinose is present in the α-l-arabinofuranosyl configuration, and i.r.-absorption spectroscopy and optical-rotation studies suggest that the d-galactopyranose residues are linked by glycosidic linkages in the β-anomeric configuration. 4. The arabinogalactan is linked to a peptide which represents 8% (w/w) of the arabinogalactan-peptide and which may be present as a molecular core. Partial degradation of the polymer by successive treatment with oxalic acid and NaOH showed that the linkage between polysaccharide and peptide involves galactose and hydroxyproline residues and is glycosidic in nature. A tentative model is proposed for the structure of the wheat endosperm arabinogalactan-peptide. 5. The subcellular location and function of the arabinogalactan-peptide is discussed in relation to previous work with related molecules.
Co-operative action by endo- and exo-β-(1→3)-glucanases from parasitic fungi in the degradation of cell-wall glucans of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary
Authors: Jones David , Gordon Alex. H. , Bacon John S. D.
Published: August 2015

1. Two fungi, Coniothyrium minitans Campbell and Trichoderma viride Pers. ex Fr., were grown on autoclaved crushed sclerotia of the species Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which they parasitize. 2. in vitro the crude culture filtrates would lyse walls isolated from hyphal cells or the inner pseudoparenchymatous cells of the sclerotia, in which a branched β-(1→3)-β-(1→6)-glucan, sclerotan, is a major constituent. 3. Chromatographic fractionation of the enzymes in each culture filtrate revealed the presence of several laminarinases, the most active being an exo-β-(1→3)-glucanase, known from previous studies to attack sclerotan. Acting alone this brought about a limited degradation of the glucan, but the addition of fractions containing an endo-β-(1→3)-glucanase led to almost complete breakdown. A similar synergism between the two enzymes was found in their lytic action on cell walls. 4. When acting alone the endo-β-(1→3)-glucanase had a restricted action, the products including a trisaccharide, tentatively identified as 62-β-glucosyl-laminaribiose. 5. These results are discussed in relation to the structure of the cell walls and of their glucan constituents.
The influence of osmolarity on the reduction of exogenous cytochrome c and permeability of the inner membrane of Jerusalem artichoke mitochondria
Authors: Palmer John M. , Kirk Betty I.
Published: August 2015

The stimulation of succinate–cytochrome c reductase in Jerusalem artichoke mitochondria by lowering osmolarity was found to be associated with conformational changes in the inner membrane rather than with rupture of the outer membrane. This conclusion is based on the following evidence. (1) When the activation of succinate dehydrogenase was measured by using either K3Fe(CN)6 or exogenous cytochrome c as an electron acceptor, electron flow to cytochrome c was always 7% of that to K3Fe(CN)6 throughout the activation process. (2) The rate of exogenous cytochrome c reduction by succinate and NADH was directly related to the maximum rate of electron flow as determined by oxygen utilization. These two observations are not consistent with the low rate of succinate–cytochrome c reductase being limited by a permeability barrier at the outer membrane. (3) In addition to stimulating the succinate–cytochrome c reductase, lowering the osmolarity caused simultaneous changes in the permeability of the inner membrane to ferricyanide and NADH. The data show that lowering the osmolarity results in progressive changes in the permeability of the inner membrane. The first change detected was an increased permeability to K3Fe(CN)6, then a simultaneous increase in accessibility of the respiratory chain to exogenous cytochrome c and an increased permeability to NADH, followed finally by rupture as measured by the release of malate dehydrogenase.
Role of membrane-bound and free polyribosomes in the synthesis of cytochrome c in rat liver
Authors: González-Cadavid Néstor F. , De Córdova Carmen Sáez
Published: August 2015

The functional distinction of membrane-bound and free polyribosomes for the synthesis of exportable and non-exportable proteins respectively is not so strict as was initially thought, and it was therefore decided to investigate their relative contribution to the elaboration of an internal protein integrated into a cell structure. Cytochrome c was chosen as an example of a soluble mitochondrial protein, and the incorporation of [14C]leucine and δ-amino[14C]laevulinate into the molecule was studied by using different ribosomal preparations from regenerating rat liver. A new procedure was devised for the purification of cytochrome c, based on ion-exchange chromatography combined with sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. In spite of cytochrome c being a non-exportable protein, the membrane-bound polyribosomes were at least as active as the free ribosomes in the synthesis in vitro of the apoprotein and the haem moiety. The detergent-treated ribosomes could also effect the synthesis of cytochrome c, although at a lower rate. Since in liver more than two-thirds of the ribosomes are bound to the endoplasmic-reticulum membranes, it is considered that in vivo they are responsible for the synthesis of most of the cytochrome c content of the cell. This suggests that in secretory tissues the endoplasmic reticulum plays a predominant role in mitochondrial biogenesis, although free ribosomes may participate in the partial turnover of some parts of the organelle. The hypothesis on the functional specialization of the different kinds of ribosomes was therefore modified to account for their parallel intervention in the synthesis of proteins associated with membranous structures.
Glutamate and aspartate transport in rat brain mitochondria
Authors: Brand M. D. , Chappell J. B.
Published: August 2015

1. Rat brain mitochondria did not swell in iso-osmotic solutions of ammonium or potassium (plus valinomycin) glutamate or aspartate, with or without addition of uncouplers. 2. Glutamate was able to reduce intramitochondrial NAD(P)+; aspartate was able to cause partial re-oxidation. 3. These effects were inhibited by threo-hydroxy-aspartate in whole but not in lysed mitochondria. 4. The existence of a ‘malate–aspartate shuttle’ for the oxidation of extramitochondrial NADH was demonstrated. This shuttle requires the net exchange of glutamate for aspartate across the mitochondrial membrane. 5. Extramitochondrial glutamate did not inhibit intramitochondrial glutaminase under conditions in which the inhibition in lysed mitochondria was virtually complete. 6. The glutaminase activity of these mitochondria was not energy-dependent. 7. We conclude that these mitochondria do not possess a glutamate–hydroxyl antiporter similar to that of liver mitochondria nor a glutamate–glutamine antiporter similar to that of pig kidney mitochondria, but that they do possess a glutamate–aspartate antiporter.
A new nicotinamide–adenine dinucleotide-dependent hydroaromatic dehydrogenase of Lactobacillus plantarum and its role in formation of (-)t-3t-4-dihydroxycyclohexane-c-1-carboxylate
Authors: Whiting Geoffrey C. , Coggins Ronald A.
Published: August 2015

1. A new induced NAD-dependent hydroaromatic dehydrogenase was isolated from a cell-free extract of Lactobacillus plantarum 13a and purified 175-fold. 2. The enzyme catalyses the oxidation of (-)-quinate, (-)-shikimate, (-)-dihydroshikimate and (-)t-3,t-4-dihydroxycyclohexane-c-1-carboxylate with NAD+, and the reverse action with NADH. 3. The Km values at the optimal pH10.0 for these substrates are 0.85, 0.75, 0.52 and 0.74mm respectively, and the corresponding values for NAD+ are 0.45, 0.26, 0.34 and 0.36mm respectively. 4. The stereochemical requirements of the enzyme and the role it may play in the reduction of (-)-quinate to (-)t-3,t-4-dihydroxycyclohexane-c-1-carboxylate are discussed and a pathway is suggested.
Determination of volatile fatty acids in plasma after ethanolic extraction
Authors: Remesy Christian , Demigne Christian
Published: August 2015

1. A new rapid micro-method for measuring plasma volatile fatty acids is described. The volatile fatty acids are extracted from plasma with ethanol in the presence of a known quantity of internal standard (sodium isobutyrate). After evaporation of the ethanolic solution of the sodium salts, the residue is dissolved in a dilute solution of orthophosphoric acid to permit analysis by g.l.c. 2. A technique of g.l.c. analysis is described which permits the separation of all the volatile fatty acids from the other plasma constituents at temperatures below 100°C in 5 min. 3. Steam-distillation techniques are unsatisfactory when the acetic acid concentrations in the plasma are below 0.2mm. Heating of a number of plasma constituents in acid conditions gives rise to acetic acid. 4. The binding of volatile fatty acids to plasma proteins was studied; this binding is negligible for acetic acid, but increases with the length of the fatty acid carbon chain. 5. The limits of use of the method and the physiological implications are discussed.
The cell-envelope glycolipids of baker's yeast
Authors: Työrinoja K. , Nurminen T. , Suomalainen H.
Published: August 2015

Sphingolipids were found to dominate in the glycolipids from the cell envelope of baker's yeast. A relatively large quantity of ceramides was detected. Among the several complex phosphosphingolipids described, ceramide-(P-inositol)2-mannose was the main component. About 55% of long-chain bases in sphingolipids consisted of C18-phytosphingosine (4D-hydroxysphinganine). Other bases, found in decreasing concentrations, were C20-phytosphingosine, C20-dehydrophytosphingosine, C18-dihydrosphingosine (sphinganine) and C19-dihydrosphingosine. The presence of sterol glycosides, sulpholipids, cerebrosides and acylglucoses was demonstrated.
Isolation and characterization of mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid of Acanthamoeba castellanii
Authors: Hettiarachchy Navagnana S. , Jones I. Gwyn
Published: August 2015

DNA was prepared from isolated mitochondria of Acanthamoeba castellanii and was shown to behave as a single component in density gradients, on ‘melting’ and on renaturation. From measurements of renaturation kinetics, sedimentation coefficient and electron micrographs the genome size of the mitochondrial DNA was calculated to be about 3.4×107 daltons. A small proportion of the preparations could be isolated as relaxed circular molecules of mean contour length 16.2μm.
The behaviour of oligodeoxynucleotides on thin-layer chromatography on polyethyleneimine-cellulose and ion-exchange paper electrophoresis. Applications in fractionating and sequencing terminally labelled oligodeoxynucleotides
Authors: Morrison Alan , Murray Kenneth
Published: August 2015

The electrophoretic behaviour of oligodeoxynucleotides on ion-exchange papers was studied systematically with particular attention to applications in sequence analysis. Complex mixtures of larger oligonucleotides were fractionated by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate followed by t.l.c. on polyethyleneimine-cellulose. The behaviour of the oligonucleotides on polyethyleneimine-cellulose and on the two-dimensional system can provide a useful guide to their sequence. Detailed results from some of these experiments have been deposited as Supplementary Publication SUP 50031 (13 pages) at the British Library (Lending Division) (formerly the National Lending Library for Science and Technology), Boston Spa, Yorks. LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem. J. (1973), 131, 5.
Purification and subunit structure of legumin of Vicia faba L. (broad bean)
Authors: Wright David J. , Boulter Donald
Published: August 2015

Zonal isoelectric precipitation was shown to be an effective method for the preparation of legumin which was homogeneous as judged by ultracentrifugation and polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. The subunit structure of legumin was investigated by preparative sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and ion-exchange chromatography in urea. Five distinct subunits, of which two were acidic (α) and had a molecular weight of 37000, and three were basic (β) with molecular weights of 20100, 20900 and 23800, were identified. The α and β subunits were present in equimolar amounts in the legumin molecule and, in view of this and molecular-weight considerations, an α6β6 subunit model was proposed for legumin.
Conformational changes in gastric mucoproteins induced by caesium chloride and guanidinium chloride
Authors: Snary David , Allen Adrian , Pain Roger H.
Published: August 2015

1. Caesium chloride and guanidinium chloride were shown to cause conformational changes in the high-molecular-weight mucoprotein A of water-soluble gastric mucus with no change in molecular weight. 2. Increasing concentrations of CsCl decrease the viscosity of the mucoprotein bringing about a transition which is essentially complete in 0.1m-CsCl. The shear-dependence of viscosity of the mucoprotein is abolished by low concentrations of CsCl. The normally highly expanded molecule becomes contracted in CsCl to a molecule having the same symmetry but a smaller volume and decreased solvation, in keeping with an increased sedimentation coefficient (18.7S→33S). 3. This contracted form does not revert to the native conformation on removal of the CsCl. 4. A mechanism is discussed in terms of the effect of the Cs+and Cl−ions on water structure and the water–mucoprotein interaction. 5. Guanidinium chloride causes the CsCl-treated material to expand, in keeping with a decrease in s025,w (33S→26S). This is analogous to the known unfolding effect of guanidinium chloride on proteins and suggests that guanidinium chloride solubilizes groups involved in stabilizing the contracted structure. Removal of the guanidinium chloride results in a limited aggregation of four mucoprotein molecules. 6. These results show that caution must be exercised before interpreting the physical properties of mucoproteins which have been treated with CsCl and/or guanidinium chloride.
Analysis of the code relating sequence to conformation in globular proteins. Theory and application of expected information
Authors: Robson Barry
Published: August 2015

1. An information theory analysis of the folding of a globular protein is proposed. 2. The folding is seen as a transfer of information between two messages, the primary sequence and the biologically active conformation. 3. It is shown how the information transferred was estimated by inspection of proteins of known primary sequence and conformation. 4. In this estimation, concerted use of subjective (Bayesian) probabilities leads to a more robust approach which can be employed whether the number of proteins of known sequence and conformation is large or small. 5. Further, it is demonstrated that the problem then becomes a very simple algebraic formulation for information estimates. 6. Finally, it is shown how this process of information theory analysis can be reversed to predict the conformation of a protein by using its primary sequence and the above information estimates obtained from other proteins. 7. The present paper provides the theoretical basis for the derivation and application of a stereochemical alphabet (Robson & Pain, 1974a,c), and for an investigation of the effects of residues on the conformations of their neighbours (Robson & Pain, 1974b).
Thiol-blocking reagents and phosphate acetyltransferase catalysis, and the assessment of protection by adsorbed molecules (Short Communication)
Authors: Kyrtopoulos Sotirios A. , Satchell Derek P. N.
Published: August 2015

Phosphate acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.8) is shown to be unusually sensitive to thiol-blocking reagents, and one or more thiol groups probably catalyse the surface reaction. A novel method for assessing protection by adsorbed species is described. The adsorbed substrate molecules acetyl-CoA and phosphate are found to provide substantial protection against thiol-blocking reagents.
Hydrolysis of bradykinin and its higher homologues by angiotensin-converting enzyme
Authors: Dorer Frederic E. , Ryan James W. , Stewart John M.
Published: August 2015

The hydrolysis of bradykinin and its higher homologues by angiotensin-converting enzyme has been investigated by using an automated ninhydrin technique. The results show an inverse relationship of hydrolysis rate with size and charge of the peptide, which parallels the inactivation in the pulmonary circulation and offers an explanation for the selectivity of metabolism of these kinins by the lungs.
Concentration of elongation factor 2 in rat skeletal muscle during protein depletion and re-feeding (Short Communication)
Authors: Alexis Sunney D. , Young Vernon R. , Gill D. Michael
Published: August 2015

Rat skeletal-muscle elongation factor 2 was assayed by causing it to react with NAD+ by using fragment A of diphtheria toxin as the catalyst. Dietary protein restriction decreased the concentration of elongation factor 2 in homogenates of whole muscle. These decreases paralleled a decline in muscle RNA so that the number of molecules of elongation factor 2 per ribosome appeared to be independent of the diet. We conclude that elongation factor 2 is probably not the factor limiting the rate of muscle protein synthesis and is not responsible for the fall in the protein-synthetic rate in vivo observed in the muscles of animals whose dietary protein intake is inadequate.
Different mechanisms of regulation of nuclear reduced nicotinamide–adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent 3-oxo steroid 5α-reductase activity in rat liver, kidney and prostate
Authors: Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Pousette Åke
Published: August 2015

The regulatory mechanisms involved in the control of the nuclear NADPH-dependent 3-ketosteroid 5α-reductase (5α-reductase) activity were studied in liver, kidney and prostate. The substrate used was [1,2-3H]androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (androstenedione) (for liver and kidney) or [4-14C]androstenedione (for prostate). The hepatic nuclear 5α-reductase activity was greater in female than in male rats, was greater in adult than in prepubertal female rats, increased after castration of male rats, but was not affected by treatment with testosterone propionate or oestradiol benzoate. These regulatory characteristics are in part different from those previously described for the hepatic microsomal 5α-reductase. The renal nuclear metabolism of androstenedione, i.e. 5α reduction and 17β-hydroxy steroid reduction, was relatively unaffected by sex, age, castration and treatment with testosterone propionate. However, treatment of castrated male rats with oestradiol benzoate led to a significant increase in the 5α-reductase activity and a significant decrease in the 17β-hydroxy steroid reductase activity. Finally, the nuclear 5α-reductase activity in prostate was androgen-dependent, decreasing after castration and increasing after treatment with testosterone propionate. In conclusion, the nuclear 5α-reductase activities in liver, kidney and prostate seem to be under the control of distinctly different regulatory mechanisms. The hypothesis is presented that whereas the prostatic nuclear 5α-reductase participates in the formation of a physiologically active androgen, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, this may not be the true function of the nuclear 5α-reductase in liver and kidney. These enzymes might rather serve to protect the androgen target sites in the chromatin from active androgens (e.g. testosterone) by transforming them into less active androgens (e.g. 5α-androstane-3,17-dione and/or 5α-dihydrotestosterone).
The metabolism of macromolecules during the differentiation of myxamoebae of the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum containing different amounts of glycogen
Authors: Hames B. D. , Ashworth J. M.
Published: August 2015

1. Methods of obtaining myxamoebae of Dictyostelium discoideum strain Ax-2 (ATCC 24397) with glycogen contents in the range 0.05–5mg of glycogen/108cells are described. The changes in cellular glycogen, protein and RNA content during the differentiation of such myxamoebae were determined. 2. Myxamoebal glycogen is not conserved during differentiation and gluconeogenesis may occur even in cells that contain a large amount of glycogen initially. 3. There is a marked net loss of cellular protein and RNA during differentiation and associated with this there are also marked decreases in the sizes of the intracellular pools of amino acids, acid-soluble proteins and pentose-containing materials. 4. During the early stages of development some protein and pentose(s) are excreted, but this cannot account for the decreased cellular content of protein and RNA. 5. There is a linear rate of production of NH3 during development, and oxidation appears to be the fate of the major portion of the degraded protein and RNA. 6. However, provision of an alternative metabolizable energy source (glycogen) has little effect on the rate or extent of protein or RNA breakdown or on the changes in the sizes of the intracellular pools of amino acids, acid-soluble proteins and pentose-containing materials. 7. It is concluded that during development there is a requirement for the destruction of specific RNA and protein molecules for reasons other than the provision of oxidizable substrates. 8. The kinetic model of Wright et al. (1968) is discussed in relation to these changes in macromolecular content.
The specific radioactivity of the tissue free amino acid pool as a basis for measuring the rate of protein synthesis in the rat in vivo
Authors: Fern Edward B. , Garlick Peter J.
Published: August 2015

1. Rats were infused in vivo with [U-14C]glycine for periods of 2–6h, during which time the specific radioactivity of the free glycine in plasma and tissue approached a constant value. 2. Free serine also became labelled. The ratio of specific radioactivity of serine to that of glycine in the protein of liver, kidney, brain, jejunum, heart, diaphragm and gastrocnemius muscle was closer to the ratio in the free amino acid pool of the tissue than that of the plasma. 3. The kinetics of incorporation of [14C]glycine and [14C]serine into the protein of gastrocnemius muscle further suggested that the plasma free amino acids were not the immediate precursors of protein. 4. Infusion of rats with [U-14C]serine resulted in labelling of free glycine. The ratio of specific radioactivity of glycine to serine in the protein of liver, kidney, brain, jejunum and heart again suggested incorporation from a pool similar to the free amino acid pool of the tissue. 5. Rates of tissue protein synthesis calculated from the incorporation into protein of both radioactive glycine and serine, either infused or derived, were very similar when the precursor specific radioactivity was taken to be that in the total free amino acids of the tissue. Except for gastrocnemius muscle and diaphragm during the infusion of radioactive serine, the rates of tissue protein synthesis calculated from the specific radioactivity of the free glycine and serine in plasma differed markedly.
Comparative studies on 3-oxo acid coenzyme A transferase from various rat tissues
Authors: Fenselau Allan , Wallis Kathleen
Published: August 2015

1. Tissue activities, intracellular distribution as well as selected kinetic and molecular properties of succinyl-CoA–3-oxo acid CoA transferase (EC 2.8.3.5), which is an initiator of ketone body usage, were examined in rat kidney, heart, brain, skeletal muscle and liver. 2. The activities of the transferase in these tissues are similar to reported values and are somewhat affected by the homogenization medium. Higher recoveries of activity are obtained when a phosphate buffer is used during the homogenization; Tris solutions containing sucrose and mannitol lead to only slightly lower recoveries, but can be used in studies to determine the subcellular localization of the transferase activity. 3. A close correlation was observed between the relative activities of citrate synthase (a mitochondrial marker enzyme) and CoA transferase in the cytoplasmic, particulate and mitochondrial fractions from the five tissues. 4. The Km values for acetoacetate (measured in two different ways), the ratio of Vmax. values for the two enzyme-catalysed half-reactions, and succinate product inhibition are quite similar for the enzyme from each tissue. 5. The enzymes are also similar in molecular weight (with an approx. mol.wt. of 100000 as determined by gel filtration). All show an active band in isoelectric-focusing studies with pI 7.6, except for the enzyme from heart (pI 6.8). 6. The results demonstrate a mitochondrial origin for CoA transferase in these rat tissues and support the proposition that CoA transferase is a ketolytic enzyme, i.e. an enzyme uniquely involved in the complete oxidation of ketone bodies. The structural and functional similarities of these transferases suggest that factors other than differences in Km values account for differences in the utilization of ketone bodies by various tissues.
The effect of starvation on phosphodiesterase activity and the content of adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate in isolated mouse pancreatic islets
Authors: Capito Kirsten , Hedeskov Carl Jørgen
Published: August 2015

1. The concentration of cyclic AMP and the activity of phosphodiesterase were measured in isolated pancreatic islets from fed or 48h-starved mice. 2. Two different phosphodiesterases were detected. Neither the maximum activity nor the Km values of these enzymes were changed by starvation. 3. The concentration of cyclic AMP in non-incubated islets was the same in islets from fed and starved mice. 4. Incubation with 3.3mm-glucose for 5–30min had no effect on the concentration of cyclic AMP, irrespective of the nutritional state of the mice. Incubation with 16.7mm-glucose for 5–30min raised the concentration of cyclic AMP by about 30% in islets from fed mice. This rise was prevented by addition of mannoheptulose (3mg/ml). Incubation with 16.7mm-glucose had no effect on the cyclic AMP content in islets from starved mice. 5. In islets from fed mice 10min incubation with 5mm-caffeine had no effect on the concentration of cyclic AMP in the presence of 3.3 or 16.7mm-glucose, whereas the cyclic AMP content was increased approx. 150% in islets from starved mice. 6. After 10min incubation with 1mm-3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine in the presence of 3.3 or 16.7mm-glucose the concentration of cyclic AMP was raised by 250% in islets from fed mice and by 400% in islets from starved mice. 7. A threefold function of glucose in the insulin-secretory process is suggested, according to which the decreased islet glucose metabolism is the primary defect in the insulin-secretory mechanism during starvation.
Separation, purification and properties of β-lactamase I and β-lactamase II from Bacillus cereus 569/H/9
Authors: Davies Richard B. , Abraham E. P. , Melling J.
Published: August 2015

1. A procedure was devised which is suitable for the isolation of β-lactamase I and β-lactamase II from Bacillus cereus 569/H/9 on a large scale. After adsorption on to Celite both enzymes were eluted in good yield and separated by chromatography on Sephadex CM-50. 2. β-Lactamase I was separated into three main components by isoelectric focusing and into two components by chromatography. 3. The Zn2+-requiring β-lactamase II obtained by this procedure had a lower molecular weight (22000) than β-lactamase I (28000) and also differed from the latter in containing one cysteine residue. 4. The β-lactamase II contained no carbohydrate, but showed the thermostability of the enzyme isolated earlier as a protein–carbohydrate complex. 5. Amino acid analyses and tryptic-digest ‘maps’ indicate that some degree of homology between β-lactamase I and β-lactamase II is possible, but that β-lactamase I is not composed of the entire sequence of β-lactamase II together with an additional peptide fragment. 6. A 6-methylpenicillin and a 7-methylcephalosporin showed much lower affinities for both enzymes than did penicillins and cephalosporins themselves.
The molecular and crystal structures of 4-N-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-l-asparagine trihydrate and 4-N-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)-l-asparagine monohydrate. The X-ray analysis of a carbohydrate–peptide linkage
Authors: Delbaere L. T. J.
Published: August 2015

X-ray analyses have shown that the glucopyranose rings of GlcNAc-Asn [4-N-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-l-asparagine] and Glc-Asn [4-N-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)-l-asparagine] both have the C-1 chair conformation and also that the glucose–asparagine linkage of each molecule is present in the β-anomeric configuration. The dimensions (the estimated standard deviations of the last digit are in parentheses) of the glycosidic bond in GlcNAc-Asn and Glc-Asn are, respectively, C(1)-N(1) 0.1441(6)nm, 0.146(2)nm; angle O(5)-C(1)-N(1) 106.8(3)°, 105.7(8)° angle C(2)-C(1)-N(1) 111.1(4)°, 110.4(9)° angle C(1)-N(1)-C(9) 121.4(4)°, 120.5(9)°. The glycosidic torsion angle C(9)-N(1)-C(1)-C(2) is 141.0° and 157.6° in GlcNAc-Asn and Glc-Asn respectively. Hydrogen-bonding is extensive in these two crystal structures and does affect one torsion angle in particular. Two very different values of χ1(N-Cα-Cβ-Cγ) occur for the asparagine residue of the two different molecules; the values of χ1, −69.0° in GlcNAc-Asn and 61.9° in Glc-Asn, correspond to two different staggered conformations about the Cα-Cβbond as the NH3+group is adjusted to different hydrogen-bonding patterns. The two trans-peptide groups in GlcNAc-Asn show small distortions in planarity whereas that in Glc-Asn is more non-planar. The mean plane through the atoms of the amide group at C(2) in GlcNAc-Asn is approximately perpendicular (69°) to the mean plane through the C(2), C(3), C(5) and O(5) atoms of the glucose ring and that at C(1) is less perpendicular (65°). The mean plane through the atoms of the amide group in Glc-Asn makes an angle of only 55° with the mean plane through these same four atoms of the glucose ring. The N(1)-H bond of the amide at C(1) is trans to the C(1)-H bond in these two compounds; the N(2)-H bond of the amide at C(2) is trans to the C(2)-H bond in GlcNAc-Asn. The values of the observed and final calculated structure amplitudes have been deposited as Supplementary Publication SUP 50035 (26 pages) at the British Library (Lending Division), (formerly the National Lending Library for Science and Technology), Boston Spa, Yorks. LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies may be obtained on the terms given in Biochem. J. (1973) 131, 5.
Anion effects on pyruvate kinase (Short Communication)
Authors: Taylor Peggy Jo , Robinson James L.
Published: August 2015

Rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase is shown not to be activated by several anions (acetate, chloride, lactate, nitrate and sulphate) when tested as their tetramethylammonium salts. This contradicts the conclusions of Focant & Watts (1973).
Some evidence for the occurrence of ribonucleic acid in the lutoid fraction (lysosomal compartment) from Hevea brasiliensis latex
Authors: Marin Bernard , Trouslot P. , Pujarniscle S.
Published: August 2015

Some results are reported for the presence of some RNA species in the lutoid fraction from Hevea brasiliensis latex. The origin of this RNA is discussed.
Kinetic studies on the effect of uridine diphosphate galactose and manganous ions on the reaction between lactose synthetase A protein from human milk and p-hydroxymercuribenzoate
Authors: Kitchen Barry J. , Andrews Patrick
Published: August 2015

The inhibition of lactose synthetase A protein by p-hydroxymercuribenzoate at pH7.5 and 25°C, which involves the reaction of one molecule of inhibitor with each molecule of enzyme, was decreased in rate by UDP-galactose, especially in the presence of Mn2+. Pseudo-first-order rate constants for the reaction between 0.1mm-p-hydroxymercuribenzoate and free enzyme, the enzyme–UDP-galactose complex and the enzyme–Mn2+–UDP-galactose complex were 4.4×10−2, 1.9×10−2 and 0.3×10−2min−1 respectively. The results also indicated that dissociation constants for UDP-galactose in the enzyme–UDP-galactose and enzyme–Mn2+–UDP-galactose complexes were 313 and 16μm respectively, the latter value being similar to the Km for UDP-galactose in the lactose synthetase reaction. The protective effect of UDP-galactose and the role of Mn2+ ions in lactose synthetase are discussed.
An examination of the utility of photogenerated reagents by using α-chymotrypsin
Authors: Bridges Alex J. , Knowles Jeremy R.
Published: August 2015

As a test of the labelling characteristics of photogenerated reagents, an aryl azide was photolysed in the aromatic-binding locus of a protein of known tertiary structure. The acyl-enzyme derived from the reaction of α-chymotrypsin with the p-nitrophenyl ester of p-azido[14C]cinnamate was isolated and photolysed. About 60% of the acyl group is covalently bound to the protein after photolysis and deacylation, and labelled enzyme is inactive. The covalently attached label is localized in the C chain of chymotrypsin, and there are firm indications that the major labelled tryptic fragment of the C chain is that which constitutes the aromatic-binding locus of the enzyme. The high degree of labelling of that portion of the protein molecule predicted on the basis of the known chemistry and structure of α-chymotrypsin, provides gratifying confirmation of the utility of the photo-labelling method.
Glucose transport in Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Serrano Ramón , Reeves Richard E.
Published: August 2015

That the uptake of glucose by the parasitic amoeba Entamoeba histolytica occurs by an equilibrative transport system is supported by the following observations. 1. The rate of glucose uptake is several orders of magnitude greater than the uptake by pinocytosis. 2. The uptake of glucose exhibits saturation kinetics, with Km=1.6mm and Vmax. ranging from 2 to 5μmol/min per ml of cells at 37°C. 3. The glucose analogues 2-deoxyglucose, 3-O-methylglucose and d-xylose are transported by the glucose system although with much less affinity. Competitive inhibition was observed between pairs of substrates, with Ki values for any sugar closely coincident with the corresponding Km. 4. d-Xylose, a sugar not metabolized by the cells, equilibrated with 80% of the amoebal cell water. 5. Cells equilibrated with xylose exhibited countertransport of this sugar against its concentration gradient when another substrate was added to the medium. 6. Blocking of glycolysis by iodoacetate or F- has no immediate effect on transport. The presence of a glucose-transport system in E. histolytica contrasts with the situation found in the non-parasitic amoeba, where pinocytosis seems to be the only mechanism of solute uptake.