Biosynthesis of Plant and Algal Tetrapyrrole Pigment Precursors

这个项目的重点是了解四聚吡咯色素合成的重要方面，它是光合作用和呼吸作用过程中的基本成分，也是其他重要细胞反应的辅助因素。生物合成途径中的一个关键点涉及中间体5-氨基乙酰丙酸，参与合成该化合物的酶将在物理和动力学性质、辅因子要求、反应机理、可能的相互作用以及影响其合成和活性的因素方面进行表征。将产生分子探针，并用于研究生物对光的适应和发育变化过程中相关基因的表达调控。

This project is focused on understanding important aspects of synthesis of tetrapyrrole pigments that are essential components in the processes of photosynthesis and respiration and are cofactors in other important cellular reactions. A key point in the biosynthetic pathway involves the intermediate, 5-amino levulinic acid, and it is the enzymes involved in synthesis of this compound that will be chacterized in terms of physical and kinetic properties, cofactor requirements, reaction mechanisms, possible interactions, and factors affecting their syntheses and actvities. Molecular probes will be generated and used to study regulation of expression of the relevant genes during adaptation of the organisms to light and developmental changes.