Kinetics of accumulation of a photodynamically induced cell-surface polypeptide in a species of Arthrobacter

Cells of a species of Arthrobacter were incubated in the light with methylene blue, a dye that sensitizes photooxidative reactions by the production of singlet oxygen. An early and major response by the cells to these conditions was stimulation of synthesis of a single cell-surface polypeptide, 21,000 daltons in mass. The rate of synthesis of this polypeptide reached a maximal level about 30 min after the start of illumination. As a consequence, the amount of this polypeptide increased at least 10-fold during a period of 5 h. The presence of histidine or methionine, scavengers of singlet oxygen, markedly diminished synthesis and accumulation of this polypeptide. Concomitant with the accumulation of this polypeptide on the cell surface was the appearance of an extensive array of pili.