Folding and assembling of newly synthesized proteins is directed and effected by a group of relatively recently discovered proteins called molecular chaperones. These proteins not only control the assembling of native structures; they also remodel protein molecules that have wrong conformations. All molecular chaperones perform the same function, but structurally they are divided into groups of chaperones and chaperonins. These proteins are highly conserved in evolution and display an ATPase activity. Certain known chaperones and chaperonins are shown in the table, and their structures and mechanisms of action are described.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Characteristics of Triticale glutaminase].

The glutaminase (EC 3.5.1.2) isolated from seedlings of triticale (Triticale sp.) had a pH optimum of about 8, was inhibited with excess substrate (glutamine), and reaction products (glutamate and NH4+). A monovalent anion (Cl-) and a multivalent anion (phosphate) were shown to activate the glutaminase. Some features of the glutaminase from triticale were similar to those of animal glutaminase activated by phosphate and were different from features of the enzyme from Escherichia coli.

Ammonia↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Methionine sulfoximine and phosphinothricin--glutamine synthetase inhibitors and activators and their herbicidal activity (A review)].

Derivatives of methionine sulfoximine (MSO) and phosphinothrycin (PPT), which are analogues of glutamate, exhibit selective herbicidal activity. This effect is accounted for by impairments of nitrogen metabolism, resulting from inhibition of its key enzyme in plants, glutamine synthetase (EC 6.3.1.2). Inhibition of the enzyme causes ammoniac nitrogen to accumulate and terminates the synthesis of glutamine. Changes in the content of these two metabolites (excess ammonium and glutamine deficiency) act in a concert to cause plant death. However, low concentrations of MSO, PPT, and their metabolites produce an opposite effect: glutamine synthetase is activated, with concomitant stimulation of plant growth and productivity. The mechanisms whereby MSO and PPT affect glutamine synthetase activity are discussed in the context of nitrogen metabolism in plants.

Aminobutyrates↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Glutamine synthetase immobilization].

Highly purified glutamine synthetase has been isolated from Chlorella and immobilized on BrCN-sepharose. Its residual activity was 25-35%. Immobilized glutamine synthetase showed far greater thermal stability than glutamine synthetase in solution. During immobilization pH optimum of the enzyme was shifted towards the alkaline area, maximum rate of the reaction was reduced and KM remained unaltered.

Chlorella↗

PubMedDate not supplied