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Biomedical subjects

D M Gates

Publications and source records attributed to D M Gates.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Distribution of active gene sequences: a subset associated with tightly bound chromosomal proteins.

The distribution of active polyadenylate-messenger RNA sequences in fractionated chicken liver chromatin was examined. A portion of these active gene sequences is concentrated in a DNA fraction retained by tightly bound nonhistone chromosomal proteins, while the nonretained DNA fraction is substantially depleted of a portion of these sequences. These findings suggest that the tightly bound nonhistones are physically associated with a subset of active gene sequences.

Animals↗

DNA-binding activity of tightly-bound nonhistone chromosomal proteins in chicken liver chromatin.

We have isolated a nonhistone chromosomal protein fraction from chicken liver chromatin which possesses high affinity and preferential sequence DNA binding. Residually DNA-bound nonhistone chromosomal proteins after 2.0 M NaCl extraction of bulk chromatin are isolated. Bound proteins are released by dissociation of the complexes in 5.0 M urea/3.0 M NaCl. We have investigated the in vitro DNA-binding properties of this class. In contrast to other DNA-binding NHCP whose activities have been studied, direct DNA-binding activity is observed which is not abolished under conditions of high ionic strength (to 3.0 M NaCl). Strong preference in binding fractionated homologous DNA is observed, while binding of heterologous (E. Coli) DNA is negligible. The fractionation of homologous DNA permits the isolation of DNA for which this protein class displays strong binding preference, presumably through a concentration of binding sites. The composite data suggest sequence-specific interaction between this protein class and DNA, which is not abolished by high ionic strength.

Animals↗

DNA sequence selection by tightly-bound nonhistone chromosomal proteins.

Extraction of chicken reticulocyte chromatin with 2.0 M NaCl removed 96% of chromosomal protein and yields two DNA components after dialysis and high-speed centrifugation. The bulk of chromosomal DNA (ca. 99%) is rendered free of protein, and is thus soluble in 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0. The other component (ca. 1%) displays a high protein/DNA ratio, and is insoluble in 10mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0. These DNAs can be separated on the basis of their solubilities. Analysis of the reassociation kinetics with total chicken DNA of these DNAs reveals marked differences. Whereas total DNA and the soluble component (DNA-S) have rapidly reassociating components, the insoluble component (DNA-P) is devoid of these components, and is therefore composed completely of unique sequence DNA. Cot 1/2 values indicate that DNA-S is substantially depleted of some DNA-P sequences. We conclude that this segregation, as determined by tightly-bound nonhistone chromosomal proteins, selects a subset of total genomic DNA sequences, and suggests sequence-specific interaction between the tightly-bound nonhistones and DNA.

Animals↗

Solubility of gases and the temperature dependency of whole leaf affinities for carbon dioxide and oxygen: an alternative perspective.

An analysis of the kinetics of simultaneous photosynthesis and photorespiration at the end of a diffusion path is applied to observed net photosynthetic rate as a function of O(2) and CO(2) concentrations. The data of Ku and Edwards (Plant Physiol. 59: 991-999, 1977) from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are analyzed in detail. Ku and Edwards, using an analysis that ignored diffusion resistance between the intercellular air space and fixation site, the competitive effect of CO(2) on photorespiration, and the actual concentrations of gases at the fixation site, concluded that: (a) the affinity coefficient of the leaf for CO(2) was approximately 3.5 to 5 micromolar; (b) this affinity coefficient is independent of temperature between 25 and 35 C; (c) the effect of O(2) was independent of temperature over this range; and (d) competition between CO(2) and O(2) is responsible for the major share of CO(2) loss from photosynthesis due to photorespiration. They suggest that using gas concentrations calculated as equilibium values in the liquid phase is very important in reaching these conclusions. By applying a more complete analysis to their data which includes diffusion in the cell, it is concluded that: (a) the affinity coefficient of the leaf for CO(2) is 0.1 to 1.1 micromolar; (b) the temperature dependence of this affinity coefficient cannot be determined from existing data, but there is no evidence to refute independent temperature effect on the two functions of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase being important in the regulation of whole leaf net photosynthesis; and (c) the competitive interplay of CO(2) and O(2) at ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase may under certain conditions lead to a stimulation of fixation by the Calvin cycle because of photorespiration. These conclusions are reached whether CO(2) and O(2) are expressed as dissolved concentrations or as gas concentrations in the intercellular air space. The relative merits of these two expressions of concentration are discussed.

Journal Article↗

Use of the Hungate anaerobic technique in the isolation of phloroglucinol-negative mutants of Coprococcus species.

The Hungate anaerobic technique was used with a standard procedure for bacterial mutagenesis employing N-methyl-N-nitro-N'-nitrosoguanidine to obtain mutants of an obligate anaerobe. Three mutant strains were derived from a Coprococcus sp., strain Pe15, a rumen anaerobe capable of growing on phloroglucinol. The mutants did not grow on phloroglucinol but did degrade the compound in anaerobic washed-cell suspensions, producing the same end products in approximately the same proportions as the wild type. It was concluded that the mutants were blocked in a unique step or steps necessary for carbon skeleton or energy synthesis from phloroglucinol and not in formation of an enzyme involved in the pathway of phloroglucinol degradation.

Anaerobiosis↗

Products of anaerobic phloroglucinol degradation by Coprococcus sp. Pe15.

Under anaerobic conditions, resting cell suspensions of Coprococcus sp. Pe15 degraded 1 molecule of phloroglucinol to 2 molecules of acetic acid and 2 molecules of carbon dioxide. The organism metabolized the flavonoids rhamnetin and quercetin anaerobically in 20% rumen fluid medium but failed to grow under similar conditions at the expense of any of 39 other aromatic or flavonoid compounds tested.

Acetates↗

Leaf temperatures of desert plants.

Temperatures of small leaves of many desert plants are within 3 degrees C of air temperature in contrast to the temperature of Opuntia in the same locale; this plant has a temperature 10 degrees to 16 degrees C above air temperature. Theoretical4 justification for the observation is given based on an energy budget analysis.

Computers↗