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Light-driven periodic changes in urocanase activity of a heterotrophic bacterium

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Summary

Urocanase activity in Pseudomonas putida cells showed periodic changes corresponding to a light-dark cycle. Apparent interconversion of the active and inactive forms of urocanase was accomplished by photoactivation by nearultraviolet light and by dark thermal inactivation. The purified enzyme exhibited similar behavior. This system suggests a possible molecular basis for an hour-glass timer. Photoinactivation by light of 290 nm alternated with photoactivation at 340 nm also generated regular changes in urocanase activity.

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Hug, D.H., Roth, D. & Hunter, J.K. Light-driven periodic changes in urocanase activity of a heterotrophic bacterium. Archiv. Mikrobiol. 86, 83–90 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00412402

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00412402

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