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R Calvayrac

Publications and source records attributed to R Calvayrac.

29 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Analysis and Characterization of 3-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-1,1-Dimethylurea (DCMU)-resistant Euglena: II. Modifications Affecting Photosynthesis during Adaptation to Different Doses of DCMU.

When grown in medium containing dl-lactate at 27 C in the light, Euglena gracilis Z populations underwent modifications of the pigment system in response to 0.05 to 250 micromolar 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU).Chlorophyll content dropped dramatically, the only remaining form being Chl a(673). Light-driven O(2) evolution was no longer detectable for the two highest DCMU concentrations tested. The energy-capture cross-section of detectable photosystem II units remained unchanged, although intersystem energy transfer no longer occurred. Euglena at this stage had chloroplast membranes destacked and swollen. A recovery phase then occurred, marked by enhanced photosynthetic properties. The initial forms of chlorophyll which were accumulated were highly efficient for O(2) evolution. The newly formed photosystem II antennae were connected and of small size. Finally, the third phase involved the recovery of photosynthetic capacity similar to that of the controls as the thylakoids regained their normal structures.Since these modifications occurred in the entire population and DCMU resistance persisted through successive cell generations, these adapted Euglena were considered to be a variant of the Z strain, designated ZR.

Journal Article↗

[Periodic, metabolic and structural phenomena in a protist, Euglena gracilis].

Sychronous divisions of Euglena gracilis strain Z can be obtained by various methods. When the cells are cultivated in a medium containing lactate as the sole carbon source, synchronous divisions are observed, independent of the conditions of illumination. Nevertheless, there exists a relationship between the phase of cell division and ther periods of light and darkness applied to the culture. During the cell cycle, the synthesis of macromolecules is discontinuous--this is true of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, ribosomal and nonribosomal RNA, and certain proteins (cytochrome c 558). Cyclic variations in the structure of mitochondria and chloroplasts are observed. In the course of the cell cycle, sequential metabolic processes accompany structural modifications of the organelles. Also, at the beginning of the cycle, at the start of phase G1, the cytoplasmic ribosomes are synthesized, and then, in green euglenids, nonribosomal RNAs are formed. These syntheses of RNA precede enlargement of the chondriome and plastids. In mid-G1 phase, a new synthesis of RNA begins, which precedes synthesis of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. At the end of G1 phase, division of organelles starts, beginning with the chondriome and plastids, arranged in a network.

Animals↗

Euglena gracilis: formation of giant mitochondria.

The addition of antimycin A (0.5 microgram per milliliter) to cultures of a bleached strain of Euglena gracilis in the logarithmic phase of growth on succinate as a carbon source results in (i) an interruption of growth for 24 hours and (ii) an increase in whole-cell respiration and the emergence of a novel succinoxidase activity within 2 to 4 hours. After 3 to 5 hours, the mitochondria enlarge, fuse, and form a sheathlike structure situated close to the periphery of the cell.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Les polyglycerophospholipides d'Euglena gracilis.

In light or dark grown Euglena gracilis cells, the DPG content, in contrast to the PG content, is dependent on the carbon source. These results are closely related to the electron microscopy observations, showing structural changes in mitochondria varying with the carbon source of the media.Two media have been used: the first one contains L-glutamic and DL-malic acid and the second contains DL-lactic acid. The phospholipidic analysis shows that PC and PE are the two main phospholipids.

Journal Article↗

Partial molecular analysis of the psbA gene in Euglena gracilis mutants exhibiting resistance to DCMU and atrazine.

Mutations conferring herbicide resistance have been detected in two new strains (ZR250 and ZR480) of Euglena gracilis Z by partial gene cloning and sequencing. These mutants were originally derived from Z cells grown in medium containing progressively increasing concentrations of DCMU. Each of these strains have been characterized by measuring their growth kinetics, O2 evolution, and resistance to DCMU and atrazine. Partial sequences of the psbA gene of these strains were compared to those published for strains Z and ZR25. The ZR250 and ZR480 strains were found to be double mutants. Besides the expected mutation S265A, they showed an additional point mutation at codon 219 (equivalent to codon 218 of other organisms). This mutation results in leucine being substituted by phenylalanine. For each of the ZR strains, two growth conditions (with or without DCMU in the medium) have been compared. The presence of the second mutation (at codon 219) leads to notable increase (20-fold) in resistance to DCMU, whereas the resistance to atrazine is only 2-fold. The presence of DCMU, as the selective agent, was responsible for an enhanced herbicide resistance, irrespective of the concentrations used. Substantial modifications in the rate of cell growth and O2 yields were observed when the maximal concentration (480 microM) of DCMU was used. These modifications were reversible on withdrawal of the DCMU. Thus the reversible adaptative modifications also adds to the mutational effect observed.

Animals↗