ISSN:
1432-2145
Keywords:
Cell-wall lysins
;
Chlamydomonas
;
Serine proteases
;
Volvox
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary A cell-wall degrading enzyme has been isolated from mature sperm packets of the green flagellate Volvox carteri (Poona strain). This sperm lysin (S-lysin) is a Ca2+-dependent protease of 34 kDa with an essential serine group in its active centre. Neither SH group-blocking reagents nor transition metal chelators inhibit its action. S-lysin degrades the hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein structures of the cell walls of sheath cells and gonidia (eggs) of vegetative and sexual spheroids in a characteristic manner. In asexual spheroids the somatic envelope is totally disintegrated, whereas in sexual spheroids pores are formed by local lysis at sites of adjacent eggs. Although S-lysin is very similar to the G-lysin of the closely related Chlamydomonads, it is species specific and does not attack the mother or daughter cell walls of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. S-lysin resembles the aerosin of animal sperm cells in some aspects of its action.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00189945
