ISSN:
1574-6968
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract To study the physiological role of the red pigments in soil strain Pseudomonas K-62, we isolated a red pigment-deficient white mutant from the soil strain by treatment with mitomycin C and compared the phenotypic properties of the mutant and parent strain. The red pigments, which were classified as one of carotenoids based on their physicochemical properties, were separated into two groups, designated pigment A and B respectively on NH-Chromatorex HPLC.The crude pigments and pigment B which could react with Hg2+ in the wild-type Pseudomonas K-62 and its mercury-resistant plasmid-deficient strain were enhanced by the addition of Hg2+. The white mutant thus obtained showed a greater sensitivity to Hg2+ than the wild-type reddish strain despite containing the resistant plasmids. The major component in pigment B was identified by mass spectrometric analysis as 1-hydroxy-1-methoxy-1,2, 1′,2′,7′,8′-hexahydro-ψ,ψ-caroten-4-one, a carotenoid monoketone. These results suggested that red pigments, especially pigment B, may account, at least partially, for defense against Hg2+ in the bacterial environments.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-6968.1996.tb08007.x
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