Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
09:27
Functional Complementation Analysis (FCA): A Laboratory Exercise Designed and Implemented to Supplement the Teaching of Biochemical Pathways
Published on: June 24, 2016
Summary
Blakeslea trispora (-) strain synthesizes trisporic acid C sex hormone from precursors made by the (+) strain. Enzymes for this synthesis appear to be constitutive, as they are not inhibited by actidione.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Blakeslea trispora is a fungus known for its role in the biosynthesis of trisporic acids.
- Trisporic acids function as sex hormones, mediating mating and reproduction in fungi.
- The synthesis pathway involves distinct contributions from different mating strains (+ and -).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin and synthesis of trisporic acid C in Blakeslea trispora.
- To identify the nature of precursors synthesized by the (+) strain.
- To determine if the enzymes responsible for trisporic acid C synthesis in the (-) strain are inducible or constitutive.
Main Methods:
- Culturing of Blakeslea trispora (+) and (-) strains.
- Extraction of nonacidic precursors from the culture medium of the (+) strain using chloroform.
- Testing the effect of actidione on trisporic acid synthesis from isolated precursors in the (-) strain.
Main Results:
- The (-) strain of Blakeslea trispora synthesizes trisporic acid C from precursors provided by the (+) strain.
- These precursors are nonacidic compounds isolable via chloroform extraction.
- Actidione did not inhibit the synthesis of trisporic acid C from these isolated precursors.
Conclusions:
- The synthesis of trisporic acid C in the (-) strain of Blakeslea trispora utilizes precursors from the (+) strain.
- The enzymes involved in trisporic acid C synthesis within the (-) strain are constitutive, as indicated by the lack of inhibition by actidione.
Related Concept Videos
01:18ATP Synthase: Structure
ATP synthase or ATPase is among the most conserved proteins found in bacteria, mammals, and plants. This enzyme can catalyze a forward reaction in response to the electrochemical gradient, producing ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. ATP synthase can also work in a reverse direction by hydrolyzing ATP and generating an electrochemical gradient. Different forms of ATP synthases have evolved special features to meet the specific demands of the cell. Based on their specific feature, ATP...
01:28Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism
Lipids also are sources of energy that power cellular processes. Like carbohydrates, lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but these atoms are arranged differently. Most lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic. Major types include fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
01:29Amino Acid Biosynthetic Pathways
Amino acid biosynthesis is essential for cell growth, protein synthesis, and metabolic regulation. Cells generate essential and non-essential amino acids from metabolic intermediates to sustain vital biological functions. These intermediates originate from key metabolic pathways: glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Important precursors include α-ketoglutarate, pyruvate, oxaloacetate, phosphoenolpyruvate, and erythrose-4-phosphate, which provide...
01:27Production of Antibiotics
Penicillin, one of the earliest and most widely used antibiotics, is produced industrially by the filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum. Large stirred-tank bioreactors ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of liters maintain tightly controlled temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen conditions to support fungal metabolism and maximize antibiotic yield. Penicillin is a secondary metabolite, synthesized primarily during the stationary growth phase, which requires a carefully managed...
01:30Production of Pharmaceuticals
Industrial insulin production uses genetically engineered E. coli expressing a proinsulin gene controlled by a tryptophan promoter and containing a methionine linker for later cleavage. The cells also carry ampicillin resistance for selective growth. Seed cultures are stored at −80 °C and production begins by thawing a small amount to inoculate starter cultures, which are progressively scaled to a 50,000-L bioreactor. In the bioreactor, E. coli grow in nutrient-rich media under sterile, tightly...
01:21Antiprotozoal Agents
Leishmaniasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by several Leishmania species. It affects millions of people each year and remains a major public health problem in endemic regions. First-line treatment relies on pentavalent antimonials, including meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate. Even so, how these drugs work has not been fully clear, especially their interaction with parasite-specific biochemical pathways. One key target is trypanothione reductase (TR), an enzyme that...