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Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in plant nuclei
Y M Chen1, S Shall, M O'Farrell
1Department of Biology, University of Essex, England.
European Journal of Biochemistry
|August 15, 1994
Summary
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, an enzyme crucial for DNA repair, has been identified in plant nuclei of maize, pea, and wheat. This finding advances our understanding of DNA repair mechanisms across different species.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Plant Science
Background:
- Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is a key enzyme involved in DNA repair and other cellular processes.
- While PARP is well-characterized in animals, its presence and function in plants have been less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in plant nuclei.
- To identify the enzyme product and determine its biochemical properties.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme purification and characterization.
- Polymer product analysis using DNA sequencing gels and snake venom phosphodiesterase digestion.
- Enzyme activity assays at varying pH and temperatures.
- Inhibition studies using known PARP inhibitors.
- Molecular mass determination via SDS gel electrophoresis and gel filtration.
Main Results:
- Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity was detected in nuclei of maize, pea, and wheat.
- The enzyme product, poly(ADP-ribose), was identified with polymer chains up to 45 residues.
- Optimum activity was observed above pH 7.0 and at approximately 15°C.
- Plant PARP exhibited sensitivity to inhibitors that target animal PARP, with similar inhibition ratios.
- Estimated molecular mass of maize PARP was approximately 114 kDa.
Conclusions:
- Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase is conserved in plants and shares functional similarities with its animal counterpart.
- The characterization of plant PARP provides insights into DNA repair pathways in plants.
- This study establishes a foundation for further research into the specific roles of PARP in plant biology.