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Analyses of the gene and amino acid sequence of thePrevotella (bacteroides) ruminicola 23 xylanase reveals unexpected homology with endoglucanases from other genera of bacteria

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Abstract

The DNA sequence for the xylanase gene fromPrevotella (Bacteroides) ruminicola 23 was determined. The xylanase gene encoded for a protein with a molecular weight of 65,740. An apparent leader sequence of 22 amino acids was observed. The promoter region for expression of the xylanase gene inBacteroides species was identified with a promoterless chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene. A region of high amino acid homology was found with the proposed catalytic domain of endoglucanases from several organisms, includingButyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, andClostridium thermocellum. The cloned xylanase was found to exhibit endoglucanase activity against carboxymethyl cellulose. Analysis of the codon usage for the xylanase gene found a bias towards G and C in the third position in 16 of 18 amino acids with degenerate codons.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fermentation Biochemistry Research, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1815 N. University Street, 61604, Peoria, Illinois, USA

    Terence R. Whitehead

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  1. Terence R. Whitehead
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This manuscript is dedicated to the memory of my father, William C. Whitehead, 1920–1992.

The mention of firm names or trade products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over other firms of similar products not mentioned.

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Whitehead, T.R. Analyses of the gene and amino acid sequence of thePrevotella (bacteroides) ruminicola 23 xylanase reveals unexpected homology with endoglucanases from other genera of bacteria. Current Microbiology 27, 27–33 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01576830

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