Purification and properties of threonine deaminase from the X-1 isolate of the genus Thermus

A systems approach to model natural variation in reactive properties of bacterial ribosomes

Background

Natural variation in protein output from translation in bacteria and archaea may be an organism-specific property of the ribosome. This paper adopts a systems approach to model the protein output as a measure of specific ribosome reactive properties in a ribosome-mediated translation apparatus. We use the steady-state assumption to define a transition state complex for the ribosome, coupled with mRNA, tRNA, amino acids and reaction factors, as a subsystem that allows a focus on the completed translational output as a measure of specific properties of the ribosome.

Results

In analogy to the steady-state reaction of an enzyme complex, we propose a steady-state translation complex for mRNA from any gene, and derive a maximum specific translation activity, T_a(max), as a property of the ribosomal reaction complex. T_a(max) has units of a-protein output per time per a-specific mRNA. A related property of the ribosome, T˜a(max⁡), has units of a-protein per time per total RNA with the relationship T˜a(max⁡) = ρ_a T_a(max), where ρ_a represents the fraction of total RNA committed to translation output of P_a from gene a message. T_a(max) as a ribosome property is analogous to k_cat for a purified enzyme, and T˜a(max⁡) is analogous to enzyme specific activity in a crude extract.

Conclusion

Analogy to an enzyme reaction complex led us to a ribosome reaction model for measuring specific translation activity of a bacterial ribosome. We propose to use this model to design experimental tests of our hypothesis that specific translation activity is a ribosomal property that is subject to natural variation and natural selection much like V_max and K_m for any specific enzyme.

The enzymes from extreme thermophiles: bacterial sources, thermostabilities and industrial relevance

This review on enzymes from extreme thermophiles (optimum growth temperature greater than 65 degrees C) concentrates on their characteristics, especially thermostabilities, and their commercial applicability. The enzymes are considered in general terms first, with comments on denaturation, stabilization and industrial processes. Discussion of the enzymes subsequently proceeds in order of their E.C. classification: oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases and ligases. The ramifications of cloned enzymes from extreme thermophiles are also discussed.

Partial purification and properties of Halobacterium cutirubrum L-alanine dehydrogenase

1. Halobacterium cutirubrum L-alanine dehydrogenase was purified approx. 100-fold. 2. It has a mol. wt. of 72 500, about one-third that of two well-studied alanine dehydrogenases from non-halophiles. 3. The activity of the enzyme increases with temperature up to 70 degrees C, but the protein itself is not thermostable. 4. In the reductive amination reaction, the enzyme is fully active in the presence of high concentrations of K+, Na+ or NH4+ and partially active with Cs+ or Li+, but for oxidative deamination it has an absolute requirement for K+.