Inhibition of cell division blocks the synthesis of the second nitrogenase (Nif2) in the cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis.
Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413 belongs to the cyanobacteria that use a specific cell type, heterocysts, for fixation of atmospheric nitrogen under aerobic conditions. Nitrogen fixation under anaerobic conditions is catalyzed by a Mo-dependent nitrogenase (Nif2) that is expressed in the vegetative cells. We demonstrate here using immunolocalization/light microscopy (LM) that the synthesis of NifH2 is mainly initiated in dividing vegetative cells along the trichomes. Blocking cell division by cephalexin abolished nitrogenase synthesis under anaerobic conditions.
El-Shehawy
R
R
Department of Botany, Stockholm University, 10691-, Stockholm, Sweden. rehab.shehawy@botan.su.se
Bergman
B
B
D000114:Acetylene / Q000378:metabolism; D017033:Anabaena / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology; D000693:Anaerobiosis; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002506:Cephalexin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003470:Culture Media; D004790:Enzyme Induction; D015151:Immunoblotting; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D009591:Nitrogenase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000096:biosynthesis; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003470:Culture Media; D009591:Nitrogenase; D002506:Cephalexin; D000114:Acetylene