Immunolocalization of the uptake hydrogenase in cyanobacteria : Uptake hydrogenase in the marine Lyngbya majuscula CCAP 1446/4 and Nostoc spp.

ISBN-13: 9783639171167 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 60 str.

Rui Martinho

Opis

In N2-fixing cyanobacteria the reduction of N2 to NH3is coupled with the production of molecular hydrogen (H2), whichis rapidly consumed by an uptake hydrogenase, an enzyme that ispresent in almost all the diazotrophic cyanobacteria. Thecellular and sub-cellular localization of the cyanobacterial uptakehydrogenase remains unclear, and the previously available datafocuses mainly on heterocystous cyanobacteria.In this work the localization of the uptakehydrogenase in Lyngbya majuscula CCAP 1446/4, a non-heterocystouscyanobacterium, was investigated. The data obtained revealed higherspecific labelling associated with the thylakoid membranes of L. majuscula. Additionally, a comparative analysis was performedusing a unicellular - Gloeothece sp. ATCC 27152, and twoheterocystous strains - Nostoc sp. PCC 7120 and Nostoc punctiformePCC 73102. No labelling was found on the vegetative cells ofNostoc sp. PCC 7120, in contrast with the situation in N.punctiforme, in which labelling was detected in both vegetative cells andheterocysts.The results presented in this work will contribute toa better understanding of the field of H2 metabolism incyanobacteria.

O autorze

Rui obtained his degree in Biology from the University of Porto.
This work was
part of his MSc in Marine Sciences & Marine Resources. He is
currently pursuing his
PhD in Biodiversity, as well as participating in various projects
concerning subjects
such as "Teaching & Training", "Water Lifesaving" and "Social
Businesses &
Cooperatives".