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Octahedral crystals in Phycomyces. II.

T Ootaki, J J Wolken

    The Journal of Cell Biology
    |May 1, 1973
    PubMed
    Summary

    Octahedral crystals in Phycomyces blakesleeanus sporangiophores may function as photoreceptors. Their abundance varies with light intensity and growth stage, suggesting a role in light perception.

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    Area of Science:

    • Mycology
    • Biochemistry
    • Photobiology

    Background:

    • Phycomyces blakesleeanus sporangiophores contain numerous octahedral crystals.
    • Crystal abundance differs between wild-type and mutant strains, particularly those deficient in beta-carotene.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the properties and potential function of octahedral crystals in Phycomyces blakesleeanus.
    • To determine the relationship between crystal formation, light intensity, and developmental stage.

    Main Methods:

    • Isolation of crystals using sucrose density-gradient centrifugation.
    • Analysis of crystal composition, stability, fluorescence, and absorption spectra.
    • Comparison of crystal content across different growth conditions and mutant strains.

    Main Results:

    • Crystals are composed of nearly 95% protein and are stable in organic solvents.
    • Crystal fluorescence is affected by white light irradiation.
    • Absorption spectra of crystals align with phototropic and light-growth action spectra of Phycomyces.

    Conclusions:

    • The data suggest that these protein-rich crystals may contain a flavoprotein acting as the photoreceptor pigment in Phycomyces blakesleeanus.
    • Crystal formation is influenced by light intensity and developmental stage, supporting their role in light sensing.

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