Studies on a Cytochrome Destroying System in Neurospora

Citation

Herzenberg, Leonard Arthur (1956) Studies on a Cytochrome Destroying System in Neurospora. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/X9PN-W252. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-03232004-140910

Abstract

The results of investigations on a cytochrome destroying system in Neurospora are presented. It is shown that the destruction is complex and dependent on the action of several enzymes as well-as non-catalyzed reactions. Poky particles exhibit a rapid and extensive hydrolysis of their own and added proteins whereas fast poky and wild-type particles do so to a much smaller extent. When cytochrome c is added to poky particles or particle-derived preparations, heme-peptides are produced. Several heme-peptides are partially characterized. Evidence is presented which suggests that poky particles, succinate and cytochrome c, when incubated together in air, produce a verdohemochrome. An ether soluble substance is found in poky and fast poky particles which combines with cytochrome c so that the iron is not reducible by ascorbate and the heme group is destroyed on reduction by hydrosulfite and reoxidation by oxygen. Purification of this substance and some of its chemical properties are described. It has been named "pokonic acid."

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