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ThepufQ gene product ofRhodobacter capsulatus is essential for formation of B800-850 light-harvesting complexes

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Abstract

Thepuf operon ofRhodobacter capsulatus contains genes that encode structural proteins found in photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes, as well as the recently discoveredpufQ gene. We have investigated the function of thepufQ gene product and found that it is essential for the formation of mature B800-850 light-harvesting complexes. However, we have also shown thatpufQ does not seem to affect transcription, mRNA accumulation, or translation of the B800-850 complex structural genes. Therefore, the role of thepufQ gene product is posttranslational, and it may function in assembly of pigments and proteins into photochemically active B800-850 complexes, as well as in bacteriochlorophylla biosynthesis (2).

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Author notes

  1. Anthony P. Zucconi

    Present address: Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, M5S 1A8, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, University of British Columbia, V6T 1W5, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Mary E. Forrest, Anthony P. Zucconi &  J. Thomas Beatty

  2. Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, V6T 1W5, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    J. Thomas Beatty

Authors
  1. Mary E. Forrest
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  2. Anthony P. Zucconi
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  3. J. Thomas Beatty
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Forrest, M.E., Zucconi, A.P. & Thomas Beatty, J. ThepufQ gene product ofRhodobacter capsulatus is essential for formation of B800-850 light-harvesting complexes. Current Microbiology 19, 123–127 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01570579

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01570579

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