Chromosome walking and gene cloning using a Neurospora crassa Linkage Group VI-specific library.

Chromosome walks from the cpc-1 and Bml loci were extended and the cys-2 locus cloned by sib-selection using a subset of the Orbach/Sachs Neurospora crassa genomic library

Identification of a cosmid clone containing the Neurospora crassa lys-5 and un-4 genes, isolation of a partial lys-5 cDNA and associated chromosome walking.

The un-4 gene of Neurospora crassa was cloned to determine the limits of a chromosome walk on linkage group VI (LGVI) and to allow analysis of un loci on LGVI. Subsequent analysis identified the lys-5 locus on the same cosmid clone as un-4. We have isolated and sequenced a partial lys-5 cDNA clone and initiated a chromosome walk from the lys-5, un-4 cosmid clone

Influence of water uptake on the aerosol particle light scattering coefficients of the Central European aerosol

The influence of aerosol water uptake on the aerosol particle light scattering was examined at the regional continental research site Melpitz, Germany. The scattering enhancement factor f(RH), defined as the aerosol particle scattering coefficient at a certain relative humidity (RH) divided by its dry value, was measured using a humidified nephelometer. The chemical composition and other microphysical properties were measured in parallel. f(RH) showed a strong variation, e.g. with values between 1.2 and 3.6 at RH=85% and λ=550 nm. The chemical composition was found to be the main factor determining the magnitude of f(RH), since the magnitude of f(RH) clearly correlated with the inorganic mass fraction measured by an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS). Hysteresis within the recorded humidograms was observed and explained by long-range transported sea salt. A closure study using Mie theory showed the consistency of the measured parameters

Light regulation of metabolic pathways in fungi

Light represents a major carrier of information in nature. The molecular machineries translating its electromagnetic energy (photons) into the chemical language of cells transmit vital signals for adjustment of virtually every living organism to its habitat. Fungi react to illumination in various ways, and we found that they initiate considerable adaptations in their metabolic pathways upon growth in light or after perception of a light pulse. Alterations in response to light have predominantly been observed in carotenoid metabolism, polysaccharide and carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, nucleotide and nucleoside metabolism, and in regulation of production of secondary metabolites. Transcription of genes is initiated within minutes, abundance and activity of metabolic enzymes are adjusted, and subsequently, levels of metabolites are altered to cope with the harmful effects of light or to prepare for reproduction, which is dependent on light in many cases. This review aims to give an overview on metabolic pathways impacted by light and to illustrate the physiological significance of light for fungi. We provide a basis for assessment whether a given metabolic pathway might be subject to regulation by light and how these properties can be exploited for improvement of biotechnological processes