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Nitrogenase activity in extracts of heterocystous and non-heterocystous blue-green algae

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Summary

Cell-free extracts capable of acetylene reduction and cyanide reduction have been prepared from heterocystous (Anabaena cylindrica) and non-heterocystous (Plectonema boryanum 594) blue-green algae. Extracts from Anabaena were obtained from cultures grown in blulk under aerobic conditions, while the Plectonema cultures were grown in bulk on nitrate-nitrogen, then washed free from nitrate and sparged with A/CO2 for 40 h after which time maximum nitrogenase activity was detected. The nitrogenases of both algae are similar and resemble in many respects nitrogenases from bacteria and legumes. Activity is located primarily in a 40,000xgx15 min supernatant fraction and the rate of C2H2 reduction observed is about 10 per cent of whole cell activity. ATP and a source of reducing power (Na2S2O4) are required for efficient functioning of the enzyme. ATP-dependent hydrogen evolution occurs, the extracts are cold labile and highly sensitive to oxygen and the oxygen inhibition is irreversible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland

    A. Haystead, R. Robinson & W. D. P. Stewart

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  1. A. Haystead
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  2. R. Robinson
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  3. W. D. P. Stewart
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Haystead, A., Robinson, R. & Stewart, W.D.P. Nitrogenase activity in extracts of heterocystous and non-heterocystous blue-green algae. Archiv. Mikrobiol. 74, 235–243 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00408884

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00408884

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