Understanding the chemistry of the artificial electron acceptors PES, PMS, DCPIP and Wurster's Blue in methanol dehydrogenase assays.

Methanol dehydrogenases (MDH) have recently taken the spotlight with the discovery that a large portion of these enzymes in nature utilize lanthanides in their active sites. The kinetic parameters of these enzymes are determined with a spectrophotometric assay first described by Anthony and Zatman 55 years ago. This artificial assay uses alkylated phenazines, such as phenazine ethosulfate (PES) or phenazine methosulfate (PMS), as primary electron acceptors (EAs) and the electron transfer is further coupled to a dye. However, many groups have reported problems concerning the bleaching of the assay mixture in the absence of MDH and the reproducibility of those assays. Hence, the comparison of kinetic data among MDH enzymes of different species is often cumbersome. Using mass spectrometry, UV-Vis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, we show that the side reactions of the assay mixture are mainly due to the degradation of assay components. Light-induced demethylation (yielding formaldehyde and phenazine in the case of PMS) or oxidation of PES or PMS as well as a reaction with assay components (ammonia, cyanide) can occur. We suggest here a protocol to avoid these side reactions. Further, we describe a modified synthesis protocol for obtaining the alternative electron acceptor, Wurster's blue (WB), which serves both as EA and dye. The investigation of two lanthanide-dependent methanol dehydrogenases from Methylorubrum extorquens AM1 and Methylacidiphilum fumariolicum SolV with WB, along with handling recommendations, is presented. Lanthanide-dependent methanol dehydrogenases. Understanding the chemistry of artificial electron acceptors and redox dyes can yield more reproducible results.

Zinc Switch in Pig Heart Lipoamide Dehydrogenase: Steady-State and Transient Kinetic Studies of the Diaphorase Reaction.

Elevation of intracellular Zn2+ following ischemia contributes to cell death by affecting mitochondrial function. Zn2+ is a differential regulator of the mitochondrial enzyme lipoamide dehydrogenase (LADH) at physiological concentrations (Ka = 0.1 µM free zinc), inhibiting lipoamide and accelerating NADH dehydrogenase activities. These differential effects have been attributed to coordination of Zn2+ by LADH active-site cysteines. A detailed kinetic mechanism has now been developed for the diaphorase (NADH-dehydrogenase) reaction catalyzed by pig heart LADH using 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol (DCPIP) as a model quinone electron acceptor. Anaerobic stopped-flow experiments show that two-electron reduced LADH is 15-25-fold less active towards DCPIP reduction than four-electron reduced enzyme, or Zn2+-modified reduced LADH (the corresponding values of the rate constants are (6.5 ± 1.5) × 103 M-1·s-1, (9 ± 2) × 104 M-1·s-1, and (1.6 ± 0.5) × 105 M-1·s-1, respectively). Steady-state kinetic studies with different diaphorase substrates show that Zn2+ accelerates reaction rates exclusively for two-electron acceptors (duroquinone, DCPIP), but not for one-electron acceptors (benzoquinone, ubiquinone, ferricyanide). This implies that the two-electron reduced form of LADH, prevalent at low NADH levels, is a poor two-electron donor compared to the four-electron reduced or Zn2+-modified reduced LADH forms. These data suggest that zinc binding to the active-site thiols switches the enzyme from one- to two-electron donor mode. This zinc-activated switch has the potential to alter the ratio of superoxide and H2O2 generated by the LADH oxidase activity.

Effect of artificial redox mediators on the photoinduced oxygen reduction by photosystem I complexes.

The peculiarities of interaction of cyanobacterial photosystem I with redox mediators 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP) and N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) were investigated. The higher donor efficiency of the reduced DCPIP form was demonstrated. The oxidized form of DCPIP was shown to be an efficient electron acceptor for terminal iron-sulfur cluster of photosystem I. Likewise methyl viologen, after one-electron reduction, DCPIP transfers an electron to the molecular oxygen. These results were discussed in terms of influence of these interactions on photosystem I reactions with the molecular oxygen and natural electron acceptors.

Characterization of a new aryl-alcohol oxidase secreted by the phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis.

The discovery of novel fungal lignocellulolytic enzymes is essential to improve the breakdown of plant biomass for the production of second-generation biofuels or biobased materials in green biorefineries. We previously reported that Ustilago maydis grown on maize secreted a diverse set of lignocellulose-acting enzymes including hemicellulases and putative oxidoreductases. One of the most abundant proteins of the secretome was a putative glucose-methanol-choline (GMC) oxidoreductase. The phylogenetic prediction of its function was hampered by the few characterized members within its clade. Therefore, we cloned the gene and produced the recombinant protein to high yield in Pichia pastoris. Functional screening using a library of substrates revealed that this enzyme was able to oxidize several aromatic alcohols. Of the tested aryl-alcohols, the highest oxidation rate was obtained with 4-anisyl alcohol. Oxygen, 1,4-benzoquinone, and 2,6-dichloroindophenol can serve as electron acceptors. This GMC oxidoreductase displays the characteristics of an aryl-alcohol oxidase (E.C.1.1.3.7), which is suggested to act on the lignin fraction in biomass.

Requirement for Asn298 on D1 protein for oxygen evolution: analyses by exhaustive amino acid substitution in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

PSII generates strong oxidants used for water oxidation. The secondary electron donor, Y(Z), is Tyr161 on PSII reaction center D1 protein and mediates electron transfer from the oxygen-evolving Mn(4)CaO(5) cluster to the primary electron donor, P680. The latest PSII crystal structure revealed the presence of a hydrogen bond network around Y(Z), which is anticipated to play important roles in the electron and proton transfer reactions. Y(Z) forms a hydrogen bond with His190 which in turn forms a hydrogen bond with Asn298 on D1 protein. Although functional roles of Y(Z) and His190 have already been characterized, little is known about the functional role of Asn298. Here we have generated 19 mutants from a green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, in which the Asn298 has been substituted by each of the other 19 amino acid residues. All mutants showed significantly impaired or no photosynthetic growth. Seven mutants capable of photosynthetic growth showed oxygen-evolving activity although at a significantly reduced rate. Interestingly the oxygen-evolving activity of these mutants was markedly photosensitive. The 19 mutants accumulated PSII at variable levels and showed a light-induced electron transfer reaction from 1,5-diphenylcarbazide (DPC) to 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP), suggesting that Asn298 is important for the function and photoprotection of the Mn(4)CaO(5) cluster.

Crystal structure and immunologic characterization of the major grass pollen allergen Phl p 4.

BACKGROUND: Phl p 4 is a major pollen allergen but exhibits lower allergenicity than other major allergens. The natural protein is glycosylated and shows cross-reactivity with related and structurally unrelated allergens. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the high-resolution crystal structure of Phl p 4 and to evaluate the immunologic properties of the recombinant allergen in comparison with natural Phl p 4. METHODS: Different isoallergens of Phl p 4 were expressed, and the nonglycosylated mutant was crystallized. The specific role of protein and carbohydrate epitopes for allergenicity was studied by using IgE inhibition and basophil release assays. RESULTS: The 3-dimensional structure was determined by using x-ray crystallography at a resolution of 1.9 Å. The allergen is a glucose dehydrogenase with a bicovalently attached flavin adenine dinucleotide. Glycosylated and nonglycosylated recombinant Phl p 4 showed identical inhibition of IgE binding, but compared with natural Phl p 4, all recombinant isoforms displayed a reduced IgE-binding inhibition. However, the recombinant protein exhibited an approximately 10-fold higher potency in basophil release assays than the natural protein. CONCLUSION: The crystal structure reveals the compact globular nature of the protein, and the observed binding pocket implies the size of the natural substrate. Plant-derived cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) appear to reduce the allergenicity of the natural allergen, whereas the Pichia pastoris-derived glycosylation does not. Our results imply yet undescribed mechanism of how CCDs dampen the immune response, leading to a novel understanding of the role of CCDs.

[Bioanode for a microbial fuel cell based on Gluconobacter oxydans inummobilized into a polymer matrix].

Acetic acid bacteria Gluconobacter oxydans subsp. industrius RKM V-1280 were immobilized into a synthetic matrix based on polyvinyl alcohol modified with N-vinylpyrrolidone and used as biocatalysts for the development ofbioanodes for microbial fuel cells. The immobilization method did not significantly affect bacterial substrate specificity. Bioanodes based on immobilized bacteria functioned stably for 7 days. The maximum voltage (fuel cell signal) was reached when 100-130 µM of an electron transport mediator, 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol, was added into the anode compartment. The fuel cell signals reached a maximum at a glucose concentration higher than 6 mM. The power output of the laboratory model of a fuel cell based on the developed bioanode reached 7 mW/m2 with the use of fermentation industry wastes as fuel.

Production of reactive oxygen species in decoupled, Ca(2+)-depleted PSII and their use in assigning a function to chloride on both sides of PSII.

Extraction of Ca(2+) from the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II (PSII) in the absence of a chelator inhibits O2 evolution without significant inhibition of the light-dependent reduction of the exogenous electron acceptor, 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP) on the reducing side of PSII. The phenomenon is known as "the decoupling effect" (Semin et al. Photosynth Res 98:235-249, 2008). Extraction of Cl(-) from Ca(2+)-depleted membranes (PSII[-Ca]) suppresses the reduction of DCPIP. In the current study we investigated the nature of the oxidized substrate and the nature of the product(s) of the substrate oxidation. After elimination of all other possible donors, water was identified as the substrate. Generation of reactive oxygen species HO, H2O2, and O 2 (·-) , as possible products of water oxidation in PSII(-Ca) membranes was examined. During the investigation of O 2 (·-) production in PSII(-Ca) samples, we found that (i) O 2 (·-) is formed on the acceptor side of PSII due to the reduction of O2; (ii) depletion of Cl(-) does not inhibit water oxidation, but (iii) Cl(-) depletion does decrease the efficiency of the reduction of exogenous electron acceptors. In the absence of Cl(-) under aerobic conditions, electron transport is diverted from reducing exogenous acceptors to reducing O2, thereby increasing the rate of O 2 (·-) generation. From these observations we conclude that the product of water oxidation is H2O2 and that Cl(-) anions are not involved in the oxidation of water to H2O2 in decoupled PSII(-Ca) membranes. These results also indicate that Cl(-) anions are not directly involved in water oxidation by the Mn cluster in the native PSII membranes, but possibly provide access for H2O molecules to the Mn4CaO5 cluster and/or facilitate the release of H(+) ions into the lumenal space.

Characterization of membrane-bound dehydrogenases from Gluconobacter oxydans 621H via whole-cell activity assays using multideletion strains.

Gluconobacter oxydans, like all acetic acid bacteria, has several membrane-bound dehydrogenases, which oxidize a multitude of alcohols and polyols in a stereo- and regio-selective manner. Many membrane-bound dehydrogenases have been purified from various acetic acid bacteria, but in most cases without reporting associated sequence information. We constructed clean deletions of all membrane-bound dehydrogenases in G. oxydans 621H and investigated the resulting changes in carbon utilization and physiology of the organism during growth on fructose, mannitol, and glucose. Furthermore, we studied the substrate oxidation spectra of a set of strains where the membrane-bound dehydrogenases were consecutively deleted using a newly developed whole-cell 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP) activity assay in microtiter plates. This allowed a detailed and comprehensive in vivo characterization of each membrane-bound dehydrogenase in terms of substrate specificity. The assays revealed that general rules can be established for some of the enzymes and extended the known substrate spectra of some enzymes. It was also possible to assign proteins whose purification and characterization had been reported previously, to their corresponding genes. Our data demonstrate that there are less membrane-bound dehydrogenases in G. oxydans 621H than expected and that the deletion of all of them is not lethal for the organism.

Comparative analysis of the catalytic components in the archaeal dye-linked L-proline dehydrogenase complexes.

Two types of hetero-oligomeric dye-linked L-proline dehydrogenases (α4ß4 and αßγδ types) are expressed in the hyperthermophilic archaea belonging to Thermococcales. In both enzymes, the ß subunit (PDHß) is responsible for catalyzing L-proline dehydrogenation. The genes encoding the two enzyme types form respective clusters that are completely conserved among Pyrococcus and Thermococcus strains. To compare the enzymatic properties of PDHßs from α4ß4- and αßγδ-type enzyme complexes, eight PDHßs (four of each type) from Pyrococcus furiosus DSM3638, Pyrococcus horikoshii OT-3, Thermococcus kodakaraensis KOD1 JCM12380 and Thermococcus profundus DSM9503 were expressed in Escherichia coli cells and purified to homogeneity using one-step Ni-chelating chromatography. The α4ß4-type PDHßs showed greater thermostability than most of the αßγδ-type PDHßs: the former retained more than 80 % of their activity after heating at 70 °C for 20 min, while the latter showed different thermostabilities under the same conditions. In addition, the α4ß4-type PDHßs utilized ferricyanide as the most preferable electron acceptor, whereas αßγδ-type PDHßs preferred 2, 6-dichloroindophenol, with one exception. These results indicate that the differences in the enzymatic properties of the PDHßs likely reflect whether they were from an αßγδ- or α4ß4-type complex, though the wider divergence observed within αßγδ-type PDHßs based on the phylogenetic analysis may also be responsible for their inconsistent enzymatic properties. By contrast, differences in the kinetic parameters among the PDHßs did not reflect the complex type. Interestingly, the k cat value for free α4ß4-type PDHß from P. horikoshii was much larger than the value for the same subunit within the α4ß4-complex. This indicates that the isolated PDHß could be a useful element for an electrochemical system for detection of L-proline.

A viability assay for Candida albicans based on the electron transfer mediator 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol.

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen with comparably high respiratory activity. Thus, we established a viability test based on 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP), a membrane-permeable electron transfer agent. NADH dehydrogenases catalyze the reduction of DCIP by NADH, and the enzymatic activity can be determined either electrochemically via oxidation reactions of DCIP or photometrically. Among the specific respiratory chain inhibitors, only the complex I inhibitor rotenone decreased the DCIP signal from C. albicans, leaving residual activity of approximately 30%. Thus, the DCIP-reducing activity of C. albicans was largely dependent on complex I activity. C. albicans is closely related to the complex I-negative yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which had previously been used in DCIP viability assays. Via comparative studies, in which we included the pathogenic complex I-negative yeast Candida glabrata, we could define assay conditions that allow a distinction of complex I-negative and -positive organisms. Basal levels of DCIP turnover by S.cerevisiae and C. glabrata were only 30% of those obtained from C. albicans but could be increased to the C. albicans level by adding glucose. No significant increases were observed with galactose. DCIP reduction rates from C. albicans were not further increased by any carbon source.

Evaluation of crude oil biodegradation using mixed fungal cultures.

The use of potent fungal mixed cultures is a promising technique for the biodegradation of crude oil. Four isolates of fungi, namely, Alternaria alternata (AA-1), Aspergillus flavus (AF-3), Aspergillus terreus (AT-7), and Trichoderma harzianum (TH-5), were isolated from date palm soil in Saudi Arabia. The mixed fungal of the four isolates have a powerful tool for biodegradation up to 73.6% of crude oil (1%, w/v) in 14 days. The fungal consortium no. 15 containing the four isolates (1:1:1:1) performed significantly better as a biodegradation agent than other consortium in a variety of environmental factors containing crude oil concentration, incubation temperature, initial pH, biodegradation time and the salinity of the medium. The fungal consortium showed better performance in the biodegradation of normal alkanes (n-alkanes) than that of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); the biodegradation efficiency of normal alkanes of the fungal consortium (67.1%) was clearly high than that of the PAHs (56.8%).

Structure and function of CinD (YtjD) of Lactococcus lactis, a copper-induced nitroreductase involved in defense against oxidative stress.

In Lactococcus lactis IL1403, 14 genes are under the control of the copper-inducible CopR repressor. This so-called CopR regulon encompasses the CopR regulator, two putative CPx-type copper ATPases, a copper chaperone, and 10 additional genes of unknown function. We addressed here the function of one of these genes, ytjD, which we renamed cinD (copper-induced nitroreductase). Copper, cadmium, and silver induced cinD in vivo, as shown by real-time quantitative PCR. A knockout mutant of cinD was more sensitive to oxidative stress exerted by 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide and copper. Purified CinD is a flavoprotein and reduced 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol and 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide with k(cat) values of 27 and 11 s(-1), respectively, using NADH as a reductant. CinD also exhibited significant catalase activity in vitro. The X-ray structure of CinD was resolved at 1.35 A and resembles those of other nitroreductases. CinD is thus a nitroreductase which can protect L. lactis against oxidative stress that could be exerted by nitroaromatic compounds and copper.

Antimicrobial mechanism of action of transferrins: selective inhibition of H+-ATPase.

Two bacterial species with different metabolic features, namely, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Lactococcus lactis, were used as a comparative experimental model to investigate the antimicrobial target and mechanism of transferrins. In anaerobiosis, P. aeruginosa cells were not susceptible to lactoferrin (hLf) or transferrin (hTf). In aerobiosis, the cells were susceptible but O(2) consumption was not modified, indicating that components of the electron transport chain (ETC) were not targeted. However, the respiratory chain inhibitor piericidin A significantly reduced the killing activity of both proteins. Moreover, 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP), a reducing agent that accepts electrons from the ETC coupled to H(+) extrusion, made P. aeruginosa susceptible to hLf and hTf in anaerobiosis. These results indicated that active cooperation of the cell was indispensable for the antimicrobial effect. For L. lactis cells lacking an ETC, the absence of a detectable transmembrane electrical potential in hLf-treated cells suggested a loss of H(+)-ATPase activity. Furthermore, the inhibition of ATPase activity and H(+) translocation (inverted membrane vesicles) provided direct evidence of the ability of hLf to inhibit H(+)-ATPase in L. lactis. Based on these data, we propose that hLf and hTf also inhibit the H(+)-ATPase of respiring P. aeruginosa cells. Such inhibition thereby interferes with reentry of H(+) from the periplasmic space to the cytoplasm, resulting in perturbation of intracellular pH and the transmembrane proton gradient. Consistent with this hypothesis, periplasmic H(+) accumulation was prevented by anaerobiosis or by piericidin A or was induced by DCIP in anaerobiosis. Collectively, these results indicate that transferrins target H(+)-ATPase and interfere with H(+) translocation, yielding a lethal effect in vitro.

Cholest-4-en-3-one-delta 1-dehydrogenase, a flavoprotein catalyzing the second step in anoxic cholesterol metabolism.

The anoxic metabolism of cholesterol was studied in the denitrifying bacterium Sterolibacterium denitrificans, which was grown with cholesterol and nitrate. Cholest-4-en-3-one was identified before as the product of cholesterol dehydrogenase/isomerase, the first enzyme of the pathway. The postulated second enzyme, cholest-4-en-3-one-Delta(1)-dehydrogenase, was partially purified, and its N-terminal amino acid sequence and tryptic peptide sequences were determined. Based on this information, the corresponding gene was amplified and cloned and the His-tagged recombinant protein was overproduced, purified, and characterized. The recombinant enzyme catalyzes the expected Delta(1)-desaturation (cholest-4-en-3-one to cholesta-1,4-dien-3-one) under anoxic conditions. It contains approximately one molecule of FAD per 62-kDa subunit and forms high molecular aggregates in the absence of detergents. The enzyme accepts various artificial electron acceptors, including dichlorophenol indophenol and methylene blue. It oxidizes not only cholest-4-en-3-one, but also progesterone (with highest catalytic efficiency, androst-4-en-3,17-dione, testosterone, 19-nortestosterone, and cholest-5-en-3-one. Two steroids, corticosterone and estrone, act as competitive inhibitors. The dehydrogenase resembles 3-ketosteroid-Delta(1)-dehydrogenases from other organisms (highest amino acid sequence identity with that from Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis), with some interesting differences. Due to its catalytic properties, the enzyme may be useful in steroid transformations.

Mycofactocin-associated mycobacterial dehydrogenases with non-exchangeable NAD cofactors.

During human infection, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) survives the normally bacteriocidal phagosome of macrophages. Mtb and related species may be able to combat this harsh acidic environment which contains reactive oxygen species due to the mycobacterial genomes encoding a large number of dehydrogenases. Typically, dehydrogenase cofactor binding sites are open to solvent, which allows NAD/NADH exchange to support multiple turnover. Interestingly, mycobacterial short chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs) within family TIGR03971 contain an insertion at the NAD binding site. Here we present crystal structures of 9 mycobacterial SDRs in which the insertion buries the NAD cofactor except for a small portion of the nicotinamide ring. Line broadening and STD-NMR experiments did not show NAD or NADH exchange on the NMR timescale. STD-NMR demonstrated binding of the potential substrate carveol, the potential product carvone, the inhibitor tricyclazol, and an external redox partner 2,6-dichloroindophenol (DCIP). Therefore, these SDRs appear to contain a non-exchangeable NAD cofactor and may rely on an external redox partner, rather than cofactor exchange, for multiple turnover. Incidentally, these genes always appear in conjunction with the mftA gene, which encodes the short peptide MftA, and with other genes proposed to convert MftA into the external redox partner mycofactocin.

Parameters for cellular viability and membrane function in chenopodium cells show a specific response of extracellular pH to heat shock with extreme Q10.

The effect of brief heat shock on Chenopodium cells was investigated by measuring biochemical parameters for cellular vitality, membrane function and integrity: extracellular pH, release of osmotic compounds, phosphatase, protein and betalain, and cellular reduction of DCPIP and MTT. A threshold temperature was found at 45 degrees C, where release of osmotic compounds, protein and betalain, and reduction of DCPIP and MTT indicate loss of vitality. Extracellular pH and an alkaline phosphatase responded 10-20 degrees C below this threshold, suggesting that extracellular alkalinization, and probably the release of a phosphatase, are part of a specific cellular response to abiotic stress induced by heat shock. The extracellular proton concentration did not increase above 45 degrees C: this may indicate equilibration of gradients driving this process or an inactivation of cellular mechanisms responsible for extracellular alkalinization. The response of extracellular pH to heat shock in Chenopodium cell suspensions was fast, i.e., up to +1 pH in 5 min. Addition of the K+/H+ antiporter nigericin to Chenopodium cells caused an extracellular alkalinization similar to heat shock. The heat shock-induced extracellular alkalinization was characterized by Q10 values for distinct ranges of temperature (Q10 of 56 for 24-31 degrees C, 2.3 for 31-42 degrees C, and 1.0 for 42-50 degrees C). To the author's knowledge, the Q10 of 56 is the highest found up to now. These results suggest that extracellular protons are involved in temperature sensing and signalling in plant cells, probably via a channel-mediated pathway.

Biochemical and quantitative histochemical study of reduced pyridine nucleotide dehydrogenation by human colonic carcinomas.

This study shows a marked increase in the activity of the soluble enzyme DT-diaphorase and of the histochemical activity of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate nitroblue tetrazolium menadione-mediated reductases in human colonic carcinomas when compared with the enzymatic activities of portions of the colon uninvolved by the carcinomatous process. The activity of the reductases in histological sections was quantitated with a microphotometer. It is believed that the increase in histochemical nitroblue-tetrazolium reductase activity in the histochemical reactions in colonic carcinomas is a real reflection of the activity of the DT-diaphorase, because the increase in the dehydrogenation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide equals the dehydrogenation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate when measured biochemically in the soluble fraction, or histochemically, by microspectophotometry in tissue sections; meanwhile, the biochemical dehydrogenation of NAD(P)H by the particulate fractions shows that the enzymatic activities are not altered by the neoplastic process. The biological significance of these changes is discussed in the text.

Bicarbonate, not CO2, is the species required for the stimulation of Photosystem II electron transport.

Evidence is presented that the bicarbonate ion (HCO3-), not CO2, H2CO3 or CO32-, is the species that stimulates electron transport in Photosystem II from spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Advantage was taken of the pH dependence of the ratio of HCO3- to CO2 at equilibrium in order to vary effectively the concentration of one species while holding the other constant. The Hill reaction was stimulated in direct proportion with the equilibrium HCO3- concentration, but it was independent of the equilibrium CO2 concentration. The other two carbonic species, H2CO3 and CO32-, are also shown to have no direct involvement. It is suggested that HCO3- is the species which binds to the effector site.

Separation of subchloroplast membrane particles by counter-current distribution.

Counter-current distribution in an aqueous Dextran-polyethylene glycol two-phase system has been used to fractionate membrane fragments obtained by press treatment of Class II chloroplasts. By the counter-current distribution technique membrane particles are separated according to their surface properties such as charge and hydrophobicity. The fractions obtained were analysed with respect to photochemical activities, chlorophyll and P-700 contents. The Photosystem II enrichment after counter-current distribution was better than that obtained by differential centrifugation of the disrupted chloroplasts. However, the best separation of Photosystem I and II enriched particles could be achieved if differential centrifugation was combined with the counter-current distribution technique. Each centrifugal fraction could be further separated into Photosystems I and II enriched fractions since the Photosystem II particles preferred the dextran-rich bottom phase while the Photosystem I particles preferred the polyethylene glycol-rich top phase. By this procedure it was possible, without the use of detergents, to obtain vesicles which were more enriched in Photosystem II as compared to intact grana stacks. The partition behaviour of undisrupted Class II chloroplasts and the Photosystem I centrifugal fraction was the same. This similarity indicated that the membrane which is exposed to the surrounding polymers by the Class II chloroplasts is the Photosystem I rich membrane of the stroma lamellae.