Protein degradation and synthesis of cyanophycin granule polypeptide in Aphanocapsa sp

Cyanophycin granule polypeptide content increased by 2- to 3-fold, soluble protein content decreased by 1.5-fold, and carbohydrate content increased by 2-fold within 6 h of chloramphenicol addition to exponentially growing cells of Aphanocapsa sp. strain 6308. Analysis of 14C- and 3H-labeled cells transferred to unlabeled medium and analysis of pulse-labeled cells both suggested cyanophycin granule synthesis from preformed protein breakdown.