Discovery, Cloning, Expression, Purification, and Characterization of Phosphoglycolate Phosphatase from Staphylococcus Aureus


Book Description

"Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections. The multi-drug resistant nature of certain S. aureus strains makes the discovery of new drug targets for S. aureus vital. A newly discovered virulence factor from S. aureus was described as an ortholog of NagD from E. coli, a member of the nitrophenyl phosphatase family of the HAD (Haloacid Dehalogenase) superfamily. This thesis will show that this virulence factor is not an ortholog of NagD UMPase from E. coli, but rather a phosphoglycolate phosphatase (PGPase). If phosphoglycolate accumulates in the cell, it will inhibit the glycolytic enzyme triose phosphate isomerase (TPI). In S. aureus, TPI also serves as an adhesion protein that can bind to host cells; phosphoglycolate would interfere with this adhesion process and thus make it harder for S. aureus to infect host cells. Thus, this S. aureus PGPase may act as a virulence factor by degrading the TPI inhibitor phosphoglycolate. We cloned the gene, expressed and purified the protein, and determined and characterized its activity. We have subcloned this PGPase into a His·Tag vector, purified the protein using nickel affinity and size exclusion chromatography, and characterized enzymatic activity, optimal conditions (substrate, pH, and metal usage), and kinetics."--Abstract.




Sequence — Evolution — Function


Book Description

Sequence - Evolution - Function is an introduction to the computational approaches that play a critical role in the emerging new branch of biology known as functional genomics. The book provides the reader with an understanding of the principles and approaches of functional genomics and of the potential and limitations of computational and experimental approaches to genome analysis. Sequence - Evolution - Function should help bridge the "digital divide" between biologists and computer scientists, allowing biologists to better grasp the peculiarities of the emerging field of Genome Biology and to learn how to benefit from the enormous amount of sequence data available in the public databases. The book is non-technical with respect to the computer methods for genome analysis and discusses these methods from the user's viewpoint, without addressing mathematical and algorithmic details. Prior practical familiarity with the basic methods for sequence analysis is a major advantage, but a reader without such experience will be able to use the book as an introduction to these methods. This book is perfect for introductory level courses in computational methods for comparative and functional genomics.




Alternative Respiratory Pathways in Higher Plants


Book Description

Rapid developments in molecular and systems biology techniques have allowed researchers to unravel many new mechanisms through which plant cells switch over to alternative respiratory pathways. This book is a unique compendium of how and why higher plants evolved alternative respiratory metabolism. It offers a comprehensive review of current research in the biochemistry, physiology, classification and regulation of plant alternative respiratory pathways, from alternative oxidase diversity to functional marker development. The resource provides a broad range of perspectives on the applications of plant respiratory physiology, and suggests brand new areas of research. Other key features: written by an international team of reputed plant physiologists, known for their pioneering contributions to the knowledge of regular and alternative respiratory metabolism in higher plants includes step-by-step protocols for key molecular and imaging techniques advises on regulatory options for managing crop yields, food quality and environment for crop improvement and enhanced food security covers special pathways which are of key relevance in agriculture, particularly in plant post-harvest commodities Primarily for plant physiologists and plant biologists, this authoritative compendium will also be of great value to postdoctoral researchers working on plant respiration, as well as to graduate and postgraduate students and university staff in Plant Science. It is a useful resource for corporate and private firms involved in developing functional markers for breeding programs and controlling respiration for the prevention of post-harvest losses in fruit, vegetables, cut flowers and tubers.




Aquaculture Genome Technologies


Book Description

Genomics is a rapidly growing scientific field with applications ranging from improved disease resistance to increased rate of growth. Aquaculture Genome Technologies comprehensively covers the field of genomics and its applications to the aquaculture industry. This volume looks to bridge the gap between a basic understanding of genomic technology to its practical use in the aquaculture industry.




Microbial Growth on C1 Compounds


Book Description

The 5th International Symposium on Microbial Growth on C Compounds was held at the Biological 1 Center of the University of Groningen, Haren, The Netherlands, 11-16 August 1986. The meeting attracted well over 200 participants from 15 countries. This volume contains the formal presentations made at that time, which, because of the breadth of topics covered, were divided into seven sections of related papers. This meeting, under the chairmanship of Wim Harder, was both scientifically and socially very successful. This success cannot only be credited to the main presentations, but also to the well cared for 121 poster presentations, whereof the abstracts have been published separately. The series of Symposia will be continued in 1989, in the Federal Republic of Germany. We wish to acknowledge the invaluable help of Joke Daniels, Roberta Stroer-Schneider, Karin Uyldert, Hansje Bartelson and Josine van Verseveld-Stroer, who retyped the manuscripts resulting in a uniform presentation of these proceedings.




The Ecology of Phytoplankton


Book Description

This important new book by Colin Reynolds covers the adaptations, physiology and population dynamics of phytoplankton communities. It provides basic information on composition, morphology and physiology of the main phyletic groups represented in marine and freshwater systems and in addition reviews recent advances in community ecology.




Bacterial Physiology and Metabolism


Book Description

Recent determination of genome sequences for a wide range of bacteria has made in-depth knowledge of prokaryotic metabolic function essential in order to give biochemical, physiological, and ecological meaning to the genomic information. Clearly describing the important metabolic processes that occur in prokaryotes under different conditions and in different environments, this advanced text provides an overview of the key cellular processes that determine bacterial roles in the environment, biotechnology, and human health. Prokaryotic structure is described as well as the means by which nutrients are transported into cells across membranes. Glucose metabolism through glycolysis and the TCA cycle are discussed, as well as other trophic variations found in prokaryotes, including the use of organic compounds, anaerobic fermentation, anaerobic respiratory processes, and photosynthesis. The regulation of metabolism through control of gene expression and control of the activity of enzymes is also covered, as well as survival mechanisms used under starvation conditions.




Encyclopedia of Biology


Book Description

Contains approximately 800 alphabetical entries, prose essays on important topics, line illustrations, and black-and-white photographs.




Algal Biorefinery: An Integrated Approach


Book Description

This book critically discusses different aspects of algal production systems and several of the drawbacks related to microalgal biomass production, namely, low biomass yield, and energy-consuming harvesting, dewatering, drying and extraction processes. These provide a background to the state-of-the-art technologies for algal cultivation, CO2 sequestration, and large-scale application of these systems. In order to tap the commercial potential of algae, a biorefinery concept has been proposed that could help to extract maximum benefits from algal biomass. This refinery concept promotes the harvesting of multiple products from the feedstock so as to make the process economically attractive. For the last few decades, algal biomass has been explored for use in various products such as fuel, agricultural crops, pigments and pharmaceuticals, as well as in bioremediation. To meet the huge demand, there has been a focus on large-scale production of algal biomass in closed or open photobioreactors. Different nutritional conditions for algal growth have been explored, such as photoautotrophic, heterotrophic, mixotrophic and oleaginous. This book is aimed at a wide audience, including undergraduates, postgraduates, academics, energy researchers, scientists in industry, energy specialists, policy makers and others who wish to understand algal biorefineries and also keep abreast of the latest developments.




Oxidative Damage to Plants


Book Description

With contributions that review research on this topic throughout the world, Oxidative Damage to Plants covers key areas of discovery, from the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs), their mechanisms, quenching of these ROSs through enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and detailed aspects of such antioxidants as SOD and CAT. Environmental stress is responsible for the generation of oxidative stress, which causes oxidative damage to biomolecules and hence reduces crop yield. To cope up with these problems, scientists have to fully understand the generation of reactive oxygen species, its impact on plants and how plants will be able to withstand these stresses. Provides invaluable information about the role of antioxidants in alleviating oxidative stress Examines both the negative effects (senescence, impaired photosynthesis and necrosis) and positive effects (crucial role that superoxide plays against invading microbes) of ROS on plants Features contributors from a variety of regions globally