A functional map of the nopaline synthase promoter.

This paper describes the first functional map of a promoter expressed from the plant chromosome. We have constructed a series of overlapping deletion mutants within the region upstream of the Ti-plasmid encoded nopaline synthase (nos) gene. By monitoring nos expression in tumour tissue we have inferred a functional map of the nos promoter. The maximum length of sequence upstream of the transcription initiation point required to express wild type levels of nopaline synthase is 88 bp. Within this region, the "CAAT" box is essential for maximal activity; deletion of this sequence reduced apparent nos expression by over 80%. Presence of an intact or partial "TATA" box in the absence of the "CAAT" box supports a barely detectable level of nopaline synthase. Removal of all sequences upstream of the nos coding sequence results in no detectable activity.

The right hand copy of the nopaline Ti-plasmid 25 bp repeat is required for tumour formation.

At either end of the nopaline Ti-plasmid T-region resides a copy of a 25 bp repeated element. The normal T-DNA endpoint is 1 bp internal of the right copy, with the transcription initiation site of the nopaline synthase (nos) gene being approximately 300 bp away in the same direction. Here we describe results which demonstrate that deletion of any combination of sequences between the nos initiation site and the right copy of the 25 bp repeat does not affect oncogenicity. Thus a mutant retaining the right copy and only 3 bp internal of it is indistinguishable from the wild type parent in its oncogenic properties. However deletion of a further 39 bp, including complete removal of the right copy abolishes crown gall tumour formation on Kalanchöe and tobacco. From these results we infer that unlike the left border, the right copy of the 25 bp repeat is required for T-DNA transfer and/or integration. This is the first conclusive demonstration of the involvement of a copy of the repeats in this process.

An apparatus for the anaerobic ultrafiltration of bile and other biological fluids.

A simple apparatus is described for the anaerobic ultrafiltration of a few millilitres of bile or other biological fluids. The principle employed enables viscous liquids which would normally block the membrane to be ultrafiltered successfully.