Open AccessInhibition of cell division blocks the synthesis of the second nitrogenase (Nif2) in the cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis
Author(s) -
ElShehawy R.,
Bergman B
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1016/s0378-1097(03)00020-x
Subject(s) - anabaena variabilis , nitrogenase , heterocyst , cyanobacteria , diazotroph , nitrogen fixation , cell division , biology , anabaena , botany , biophysics , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteria , chemistry , cell , genetics
Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413 belongs to the cyanobacteria that use a specific cell type, heterocysts, for fixation of atmospheric nitrogen under aerobic conditions. Nitrogen fixation under anaerobic conditions is catalyzed by a Mo‐dependent nitrogenase (Nif2) that is expressed in the vegetative cells. We demonstrate here using immunolocalization/light microscopy (LM) that the synthesis of NifH2 is mainly initiated in dividing vegetative cells along the trichomes. Blocking cell division by cephalexin abolished nitrogenase synthesis under anaerobic conditions.