Open AccessThe Dual Genetic Control of Ornithine Carbamoyltransferase in Escherichia coli
Author(s) -
Legrain Christiane,
Halleux Paulette,
Stalon Victor,
Glansdorff Nicolas
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
european journal of biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1432-1033
pISSN - 0014-2956
DOI - 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1972.tb01814.x
Subject(s) - ornithine carbamoyltransferase , aspartate carbamoyltransferase , escherichia coli , biology , gene , genetics , enzyme , biochemistry , ornithine , amino acid , arginine
In Escherichia coli K 12 either of the two genes argF and argI is able to produce a functional ornithine carbamoyltransferase. When both are active in the same cell the two gene products interact to form a family of four hybrid trimeric isoenzymes of undistinguishable molecular weights, a situation presently unique in bacteria where very little genetic redundancy seems to occur. In E. coli B and W only the I gene product is found. Evolutionary implications of the structure and the genetic control of ornithine and aspartate carbamoyltransferase are discussed.