Domain separation in the activation of glycogen phosphorylase a

The crystal structure of glycogen phosphorylase a complexed with its substrates, orthophosphate and maltopentaose, has been determined and refined at a resolution of 2.8 angstroms. With oligosaccaride bound at the glycogen storage site, the phosphate ion binds at the catalytic site and causes the regulatory and catalytic domains to separate with the loss of stabilizing interactions between them. Homotropic cooperativity between the active sites of the allosteric dimer results from rearrangements in isologous contacts between symmetry-related helices in the subunit interface. The conformational changes in the core of the interface are correlated with those observed on covalent activation by phosphorylation at Ser14 (phosphorylase b----a).     

An assessment of the nature conservation value of Majorca

In spite of increasing numbers of tourists each year, Majorca retains a variety of natural and semi-natural vegetation types. These are principally in the limestone sierra and around the coast. Of the fairly numerous species of endemic plants which occur, some are frequent. The Balearic Islands are also an important staging-post for migrant birds, and the wetlands of Majorca are the most valuable habitat from the ornithological standpoint. This paper summarizes the major vegetation types of Majorca and discusses the contribution made to the conservation value of the island by its 21 species of vascular plants that are recognized as endemic to the Balearic Islands and in 13 cases are exclusively Mallorcan. Finally, the conservation threats arising from urbanization, from indirect effects of development, and from changes in agricultural practice, are briefly discussed.     

关于内蒙古大兴安岭林区大径材培育的探讨

文章通过对内蒙古大兴安岭林区培育大径材的目的、意义、必要性及方法等方面的分析,论述了大径级材培育是促进林区生态、经济和社会协调发展的有力措施。     

Isotopic fractionation of stratospheric nitrous oxide

We propose an isotopic fractionation mechanism, based on photolytic destruction, to explain the 15N/14N and 18O/16O fractionation of stratospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) and reconcile laboratory experiments with atmospheric observations. The theory predicts that (i) the isotopomers 15N14N16O and 14N15N16O have very different isotopic fractionations in the stratosphere, and (ii) laboratory photolysis experiments conducted at 205 nanometers should better simulate the observed isotopic fractionation of stratospheric N2O. Modeling results indicate that there is no compelling reason to invoke a significant chemical source of N2O in the middle atmosphere and that individual N2O isotopomers might be useful tracers of stratospheric air parcel motion.     

Structure of the nucleotide activation switch in glycogen phosphorylase a

Adenosine monophosphate is required for the activation of glycogen phosphorylase b and for release of the inhibition of phosphorylase a by glucose. Two molecules of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) bind to symmetry related sites at the subunit interface of the phosphorylase dimer. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binds to the same site, but does not promote catalytic activity. The structure of glucose-inhibited phosphorylase a bound to AMP and also of the complex formed with glucose and ATP is described. Crystallographic refinement of these complexes reveals that structural changes are associated with AMP but not ATP binding. The origin of these effects can be traced to different effector binding modes exhibited by AMP and ATP, respectively. The conformational changes associated with AMP binding traverse multiple paths in the enzyme and link the effector and catalytic sites.     

Microspectrophotometry of photoreceptor organelles from eyes of the prawn Palaemonetes

Microspectrophotometric measurements of individual dark-adapted rhabdoms of the prawn Palaemonetes vulgaris reveal the presence of two light-sensitive pigments. A pigment with maximum absorbancy at 555 nanometers is converted by light to a long-lived intermediate with wavelength of maximum absorbancy at 496 nanometers. A second pigment with wavelength of maximum absorbancy at 496 nanometers bleaches in the light, seemingly without forming detectable products at wavelengths longer than 375 nanometers. Both pigments occur in each layer of microvilli.     

Respiratory exposure to lead: epidemiological and experimental dose-response relationships

Epidemiologic studies of blood lead levels in general and occupational groups show a logarithmic regression on estimated atmospheric exposure. Experimental results at the same and higher levels show a dose-response relationship which fits the same regression. The data imply that long-term increases in atmospheric lead will result in predictably higher blood lead levels in the exposed populations.