PROTEIN SYNTHESIS AND VIABILITY IN X-IRRADIATED RHODOPSEUDOMONAS SPHEROIDES

Journal Article · Mon Jan 29 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Biochim. et Biophys. Acta

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-3002(62)90563-2· OSTI ID:4817351

Clayton, R K; Adler, H I

In the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas spheroides the capacity for induced catalase synthesis was inhibited by low doses of x rays to the same extent as the ability to form colonles. The inhibition was manifested fully within a few minutes after irradiation. The presence of catalase during and after irradiation did not modify the effect of x rays on survival, and the activity of intracellular catalase was not altered by x ray doses up to 100 kr. The effects of x rays on catalase synthesis and survival were potentlated to the same extent by oxygen. Experiments dealing with kinetics and external factors suggested that x rays act in an all-or-none manner, early in a sequence of events that culminates in synthesis of the enzyme. The syntheses of general cell protein, of proteins associated with bacteriochlorophyll in the chromatophores, and of constitutive catalase were inhibited by x irradiation to about the same extent as the synthesis of inducible catalase and the ability to form colonies. The lethal action of x rays is discussed in terms of the destruction of genetic material that directs the synthesis of proteins. (auth)

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn.
• NSA Number: NSA-16-008562
• OSTI ID: 4817351
• Journal Information: Biochim. et Biophys. Acta, Journal Name: Biochim. et Biophys. Acta Vol. Vol: 56
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BACTERIA
BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
CATALASE
CHLOROPHYLL
ENZYMES
GENETICS
LETHAL DOSE
LIFETIME
OXYGEN
PROTEINS
RADIATION DOSES
X RADIATION