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The cytochromes of luminous bacteria and their coupling to bioluminescence

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Abstract

Vibrio fischeri andV. harveyi possess cytochromes a, b, and c, whereasPhotobacterium leiognathi andP. phosphoreum also contain cytochrome d. In all, cytochrome a as well as some of c binds carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide does not inhibit bioluminescence (in vivo or in vitro), but carbonyl cyanidem-chlorophenylhydrazone inhibits only in vivo bioluminescence. This inhibition is due to dissipation of the proton motive force which indirectly inhibits bioluminescence by interruption of aldehyde recycling. Bioluminescence is thereby indirectly coupled to the proton motive force.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 33199, Miami, Florida, USA

    M. A. Guerrero &  J. C. Makemson

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  1. M. A. Guerrero
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  2. J. C. Makemson
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Guerrero, M.A., Makemson, J.C. The cytochromes of luminous bacteria and their coupling to bioluminescence. Current Microbiology 18, 67–73 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01568834

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01568834

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