An intermediate in cyclic beta 1-2 glucan biosynthesis

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1985 Jan 16;126(1):352-7. doi: 10.1016/0006-291x(85)90613-8.

Abstract

Incubation of UDP-[14C]Glc with the inner membranes of Agrobacterium tumefaciens leads to the formation of cyclic beta 1-2 glucan and trichloroacetic acid-insoluble compounds. The proteolysis products of the latter show a positive charge in acid and a negative charge in alkaline buffers. The cyclic beta 1-2 glucan and the trichloroacetic acid insoluble compounds yield the same products on partial acid hydrolysis. Addition of excess non-radioactive UDP-Glc to the reaction mixture nearly stops the formation of radioactive beta 1-2 glucan and leads to a rapid fall of radioactivity in the trichloroacetic acid precipitate. Alkaline treatment of the insoluble compounds under conditions of beta-elimination leads to the partial release of free saccharides (about 30%). It is concluded that beta 1-2 glucan chains are built up joined to a protein and then released as free cyclic beta 1-2 glucan.

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Paper
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Glucans / biosynthesis*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Models, Chemical
  • Rhizobium
  • beta-Glucans*

Substances

  • Glucans
  • beta-Glucans
  • beta-1,2-glucan