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We located the binding sites of antioxidants resveratrol, genistein and curcumin on tRNA in aqueous solution at physiological conditions using constant tRNA concentration and various polyphenol contents. FTIR, UV–visible, CD spectroscopic methods and molecular modeling were used to determine polyphenol binding sites, the binding constant and the effects of polyphenol complexation on tRNA conformation and particle formation. Structural analysis showed that polyphenols bind tRNA via G-C and A-U base pairs through hydrophilic, hydrophobic and H-bonding contacts with overall binding constants of K res–tRNA = 8.95(±0.80) × 10 3 M −1 , K gen–tRNA = 3.07(±0.5) × 10 3 M −1 and K cur–tRNA = 1.55(±0.3) × 10 4 M −1 . Molecular modeling showed the participation of several nucleobases in polyphenol–tRNA adduct formation with free binding energy of −4.43 for resveratrol, −4.26 kcal/mol for genistein and −4.84 kcal/mol for curcumin, indicating that the interaction process is spontaneous at room temperature. While tRNA remains in A-family structure, major biopolymer aggregation and particle formation occurred at high polyphenol contents.

Dietary constituents of fresh fruits and vegetables may play a relevant role in DNA adduct formation by inhibiting enzymatic activities. Studies have shown the important role of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E in the protection against cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidant activity of vitamin A and beta-carotene may consist of scavenging oxygen radicals and preventing DNA damage. This study was designed to examine the interaction of calf-thymus DNA with retinol and retinoic acid in aqueous solution at physiological conditions using a constant DNA concentration and various retinoid contents. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence spectroscopic methods were used to determine retinoid binding mode, the binding constant, and the effects of retinol and retinoic acid complexation on DNA conformation and aggregation. Structural analysis showed that retinol and retinoic acid bind DNA via G-C and A-T base pairs and the backbone phosphate groups with overall binding constants of Kret = 3.0 (±0.50) × 103 (mol·L–1)–1 and Kretac = 1.0 (±0.20) × 104 (mol·L–1)–1. The number of bound retinoids per DNA were 0.84 for retinol and 1.3 for retinoic acid. Hydrophobic interactions were also observed at high retinol and retinoic acid contents. At a high retinoid concentration, major DNA aggregation occurred, while DNA remained in the B-family structure.

We studied the interaction between tRNA and three polyamine analogues (1,11-diamino-4,8-diazaundecane·4HCl (333), 3,7,11,15-tetrazaheptadecane·4HCl (BE-333), and 3,7,11,15,19-pentazahenicosane·5HCl (BE-3333)) using FTIR, UV-visible, and CD spectroscopic methods. Spectroscopic evidence showed that polyamine analogues bound tRNA via guanine N7, adenine, uracil O2, and the backbone phosphate (PO2–) groups, while the most reactive sites for biogenic polyamines were guanine N7/O6, adenine N7, uracil O2, and sugar 2′-OH groups as well as the backbone phosphate group. The binding constants of polyamine analogue – tRNA recognition were lower than those of the biogenic polyamine – tRNA complexes, with K333= 2.8 (±0.5) × 104, KBE-333= 3.7 (±0.7) × 104, KBE-3333= 4.0 (±0.9) × 104, Kspm= 8.7 (±0.9) × 105, Kspd= 6.1 (±0.7) × 105, and Kput= 1.0 (±0.3) × 105mol/L. tRNA remained in the A-family conformation; however, it aggregated at high polyamine analogue concentrations.

Despite considerable interest and investigations on cationic lipid-DNA complexes, reports on lipid-RNA interaction are very limited. In contrast to lipid-DNA complexes where lipid binding induces partial B to A and B to C conformational changes, lipid-tRNA complexation preserves tRNA folded state. This study is the first attempt to investigate the binding of cationic lipid with transfer RNA and the effect of lipid complexation on tRNA aggregation and condensation. We examine the interaction of tRNA with cholesterol (Chol), 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP), dioctadecyldimethylammoniumbromide (DDAB) and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), at physiological condition, using constant tRNA concentration and various lipid contents. FTIR, UV-visible, CD spectroscopic methods and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to analyze lipid binding site, the binding constant and the effects of lipid interaction on tRNA stability, conformation and condensation. Structural analysis showed lipid-tRNA interactions with G-C and A-U base pairs as well as the backbone phosphate group with overall binding constants of K(Chol) = 5.94 (+/- 0.8) x 10(4) M(-1), K(DDAB) = 8.33 (+/- 0.90) x 10(5) M(-1), K(DOTAP) = 1.05 (+/- 0.30) x 10(5) M(-1) and K(DOPE) = 2.75 (+/- 0.50) x 10(4) M(-1). The order of stability of lipid-tRNA complexation is DDAB > DOTAP > Chol > DOPE. Hydrophobic interactions between lipid aliphatic tails and tRNA were observed. RNA remains in A-family structure, while biopolymer aggregation and condensation occurred at high lipid concentrations.

Complexes of cationic liposomes with DNA are promising tools to deliver genetic information into cells for gene therapy and vaccines. Electrostatic interaction is thought to be the major force in lipid-DNA interaction, while lipid-base binding and the stability of cationic lipid-DNA complexes have been the subject of more debate in recent years. The aim of this study was to examine the complexation of calf-thymus DNA with cholesterol (Chol), 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP), dioctadecyldimethylammoniumbromide (DDAB) and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), at physiological condition, using constant DNA concentration and various lipid contents. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-visible, circular dichroism spectroscopic methods and atomic force microscopy were used to analyse lipid-binding site, the binding constant and the effects of lipid interaction on DNA stability and conformation. Structural analysis showed a strong lipid-DNA interaction via major and minor grooves and the backbone phosphate group with overall binding constants of K(Chol) = 1.4 (+/-0.5) x 10(4) M(-1), K(DDAB) = 2.4 (+/-0.80) x 10(4) M(-1), K(DOTAP) = 3.1 (+/-0.90) x 10(4) M(-1) and K(DOPE) = 1.45 (+/- 0.60) x 10(4) M(-1). The order of stability of lipid-DNA complexation is DOTAPDDABDOPEChol. Hydrophobic interactions between lipid aliphatic tails and DNA were observed. Chol and DOPE induced a partial B to A-DNA conformational transition, while a partial B to C-DNA alteration occurred for DDAB and DOTAP at high lipid concentrations. DNA aggregation was observed at high lipid content.

The anticancer platinum (Pt) drugs exert their antitumor activity by direct or indirect Pt-DNA binding. It has been shown that Pt drugs can induce major DNA damage and minor RNA damage during cancer treatment. A recent report showed that a new anticancer estradiol-Pt(II) hybrid molecule (CD-37) binds DNA bases indirectly, while being more effective than cis-diaminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) against several types of cancer. In this report, we examine the bindings of CD-37 and cisplatin drugs with transfer RNA (tRNA) in vitro and compare the results to those of the corresponding Pt-DNA complexes. Solutions containing various CD-37 or cisplatin concentrations were reacted with tRNA at physiological pH. Using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-visible, and circular dichroism spectroscopic methods, the drug binding mode, the binding constant, and RNA structural variations are determined for Pt-tRNA complexes in aqueous solution. Structural analysis showed direct binding of cisplatin drug to guanine and adenine N7 sites, while both direct and indirect interactions of CD-37 with tRNA bases and the backbone phosphate group were observed. The overall binding constants estimated were K(CD-37) = 2.77 (+/-0.90) x 10(4) M(1) and K(cisplatin) = 1.72 (+/-0.50) x 10(4) M(1). Major aggregation of tRNA occurs at high CD-37 concentrations, while RNA remains in the A-family structure.

Human DNase I is an endonuclease that catalyzes the hydrolysis of double-stranded DNA predominantly by a single-stranded nicking mechanism under physiological conditions in the presence of divalent Mg and Ca cations. It binds to the minor groove and the backbone phosphate group and has no contact with the major groove of the right-handed DNA duplex. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of DNase I – DNA complexation on DNA and protein conformations.We monitored the interaction of DNA with DNase I under physiological conditions in the absence of Mg2+, with a constant DNA concentration (12.5 mmol/L; phosphate) and various protein concentrations (10–250 µmol/L). We used Fourier transfrom infrared, UV-visible, and circular dichroism spectroscopic methods to determine the protein binding mode, binding constant, and effects of polynucleotide–enzyme interactions on both DNA and protein conformations. Structural analyses showed major DNase–PO2binding and minor groove interaction, with an overall binding constant, K, of 5.7 × 105± 0.78 × 105(mol/L)–1. We found that the DNase I – DNA interaction altered protein secondary structure, with a major reduction in α helix and an increase in β sheet and random structures, and that a partial B-to-A DNA conformational change occurred. No DNA digestion was observed upon protein–DNA complexation.

Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) binds right-handed DNA duplex via a minor groove and the backbone phosphate group with no contact to the major groove. It hydrolyses double-stranded DNA predominantly by a single-stranded nicking mechanism under physiological conditions, in the presence of divalent Mg and Ca cations. Even though DNase-RNA interaction was observed, less is known about the protein-RNA binding mode and the effect of such complexation on both protein and RNA conformations. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of DNase I-tRNA interaction on tRNA and protein conformations. The interaction of DNase I with tRNA is monitored under physiological conditions, in the absence of Mg2+, using constant DNA concentration of 12.5 mM (phosphate) and various protein contents (10 microM to 250 microM). FTIR, UV-visible, and CD spectroscopic methods were used to analyze the protein binding mode, the binding constant, and the effects of polynucleotide-enzyme interaction on both tRNA and protein conformations. Spectroscopic evidence showed major DNase-PO2 and minor groove interactions with overall binding constant of K = 2.1 (+/-0.7) x 10(4) M(-1). The DNase I-tRNA interaction alters protein secondary structure with major reduction of the alpha-helix, and increases the random coil, beta-anti and turn structures, while tRNA remains in the A-conformation. No digestion of tRNA by DNase I was observed in the protein-tRNA complexes.

Platinum(II)-based anticancer drugs are effective for the management and treatment of several types of cancer. Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) exerts its antitumor activity by binding to DNA via intrastrand cross-links to d(GpG) (dG = deoxyguanosine) and to d(ApG) (dA = deoxyadenosine), causing DNA bending and interfering with DNA replication and transcription. However, the exact binding modes of other platinum(II)-based antitumor drugs to DNA duplex and their mechanism of action have not been clearly investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the binding of a novel anticancer estradiol-platinum(II) hybrid molecule (CD-37) with calf-thymus DNA in vitro and to compare the results with those obtained with cisplatin drug. Solutions containing various CD-37 or cisplatin concentrations were reacted with DNA at physiological pH. Then, using Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet-visible, and circular dichroism spectroscopic methods, it was possible to characterize the drug binding mode, the binding constant, and structural variations of DNA in aqueous solution. Spectroscopic evidence showed that cisplatin binds to guanine N7 site with minor perturbations of the backbone phosphate group with an overall binding constant of K(cisPt) = 5.73 (+/- 0.45) x 10(4) M(-1). CD-37 binds to DNA duplex via H-bonding network at low drug concentrations with minor perturbations of guanine N7 site at high drug content and with a binding constant of K(CD-37) = 1.0 (+/- 0.15) x 10(4) M(-1). DNA aggregation occurs at high drug concentration, while DNA remains in the B-family structure.

Polyamine analogues show antitumor activity in experimental models, and their ability to alter activity of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents in breast cancer is well documented. Association of polyamines with nucleic acids and protein is included in their mechanism of action. The aim of this study was to examine the interaction of human serum albumin (HSA) with several polyamine analogues, such as 1,11-diamino-4,8-diazaundecane (333), 3,7,11,15-tetrazaheptadecane.4HCl (BE-333), and 3,7,11,15,19-pentazahenicosane.5HCl (BE-3333), in aqueous solution at physiological conditions using a constant protein concentration and various polyamine contents (microM to mM). FTIR, UV-visible, and CD spectroscopic methods were used to determine the polyamine binding mode and the effects of polyamine complexation on protein stability and secondary structure. Structural analysis showed that polyamines bind nonspecifically (H-bonding) via polypeptide polar groups with binding constants of K333 = 9.30 x 10(3) M(-1), KBE-333 = 5.63 x 10(2) M(-1), and KBE-3333 = 3.66 x 10(2) M(-1). The protein secondary structure showed major alterations with a reduction of alpha-helix from 55% (free protein) to 43-50% and an increase of beta-sheet from 17% (free protein) to 29-36% in the 333, BE-333, and BE-3333 complexes, indicating partial protein unfolding upon polyamine interaction. HSA structure was less perturbed by polyamine analogues compared to those of the biogenic polyamines.

Bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A (RNase A) catalyzes the cleavage of P-O5′ bonds in RNA on the 3′ side of pyrimidine to form cyclic 2′,5′-phosphates. Even though extensive structural information is available on RNase A complexes with mononucleotides and oligonucleotides, the interaction of RNase A with tRNA has not been fully investigated. We report the complexation of tRNA with RNase A in aqueous solution under physiological conditions, using a constant RNA concentration and various amounts of RNase A. Fourier transform infrared, UV-visible, and circular dichroism spectroscopic methods were used to determine the RNase binding mode, binding constant, sequence preference, and biopolymer secondary structural changes in the RNase–tRNA complexes. Spectroscopic results showed 2 major binding sites for RNase A on tRNA, with an overall binding constant of K = 4.0 × 105(mol/L)–1. The 2 binding sites were located at the G-C base pairs and the backbone PO2group. Protein–RNA interaction alters RNase secondary structure, with a major reduction in α helix and β sheets and an increase in the turn and random coil structures, while tRNA remains in the A conformation upon protein interaction. No tRNA digestion was observed upon RNase A complexation.

Vitamin A components, retinol and retinoic acid, are fat-soluble micronutrients and critical for many biological processes, including vision, reproduction, growth, and regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. The cellular uptake of Vitamin A is through specific interaction of a plasma membrane receptor with serum retinol-binding protein. Human serum albumin (HSA), as a transport protein, is the major target of several micronutrients in vivo. The aim of present study was to examine the interaction of retinol and retinoic acid with human serum albumin in aqueous solution at physiological conditions using constant protein concentration and various retinoid contents. FTIR, UV-vis, CD and fluorescence spectroscopic methods were used to determine retinoid binding mode, the binding constant and the effects of complexation on protein secondary structure. Structural analysis showed that retinol and retinoic acid bind non-specifically (H-bonding) via protein polar groups with binding constants of K(ret)=1.32 (+/-0.30)x10(5)M(-1) and K(retac)=3.33 (+/-0.35)x10(5)M(-1). The protein secondary structure showed no alterations at low retinoid concentrations (0.125 mM), whereas at high retinoid content (1mM), an increase of alpha-helix from 55% (free HSA) to 60% and a decrease of beta-sheet from 22% (free HSA) to 18% occurred in the retinoid-HSA complexes. The results point to a partial stabilization of protein secondary structure at high retinoid content.

Several models are presented here for the bindings of the antioxidant polyphenols resveratrol, genistein and curcumin with DNA in aqueous solution at physiological conditions. Multiple spectroscopic methods and molecular modeling were used to locate the binding sites of these polyphenols with DNA duplex. Structural models showed that intercalation is more stable for resveratrol and genistein than groove bindings, while curcumin interaction is via DNA grooves. Docking showed more stable complexes formed with resveratrol and genistein than curcumin with the free binding energies of −4.62 for resveratrol-DNA (intercalation), −4.28 for resveratrol-DNA (groove binding), −4.54 for genistein-DNA (intercalation), −4.38 for genistein-DNA (groove binding) and −3.84 kcal/mol for curcumin-DNA (groove binding). The free binding energies show polyphenol-DNA complexation is spontaneous at room temperature. At high polyphenol concentration a major DNA aggregation occurred, while biopolymer remained in B-family structure.

The binding sites of retinol and retinoic acid with tRNA are located in aqueous solution at physiological conditions using constant tRNA concentration and various retinoid contents. FTIR, CD, fluorescence spectroscopic methods and molecular modelling were used to determine retinoid binding sites, the binding constant and the effects of retinol and retinoic acid complexation on tRNA conformation and aggregation. Structural analysis showed that retinol and retinoic acid bind tRNA via G–C and A–U base pairs with overall binding constants of K ret–tRNA = 2.0 (±0.40) × 10 4 M −1 and K retac–tRNA = 6.0 (±1) × 10 4 M −1 . The number of binding sites occupied by retinoids on tRNA were 1.4 for retinol–tRNA and 1.7 for retinoic acid–tRNA complexes. Hydrophobic interactions were also observed at high retinol and retinoic acid contents. Molecular modelling showed the participation of several nucleobases in retinoid–tRNA complexation with free binding energy of −4.36 for retinol–tRNA and −4.53 kcal/mol for retinoic acid–tRNA adducts.

Summary In the present paper, we report the emission of S02 from 10 mM sulfite-treated birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh) leaves both in light and in the dark. The emission reaches maximum at around 60 min during treatment. In some leaves, maximum emission is noticed even after 5 to 10 min of initiation of sulfitetreatment. It is also observed in the presence of 3{3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-1 dimethylurea (DCMU). However, the emission rates are higher in light than in the dark or in the presence of DCMU. This emission is not observed with sulfate-treated leaves.

The photosynthetic activity of intact sugar maple leaves has been assessed in the presence of exogenous sulphite, bisulphite and sulphate under varying light conditions using photo-acoustic and modulated fluorescence methods. In the light, bisulphite was found to be more toxic than the other two, sulphate being the least toxic of all. Interestingly, the vitality index, Rrd, measured as the ratio of the modulated fluorescence decrease (Fd) to the steady-state fluorescence (Fs), which indicates the efficiency of the whole photosynthetic activity, was more affected than the total photosynthetic energy storage (PES) of PSII and PSI during linear and cyclic electron transport, and Fv/Fm (PSII activity). The severity of the damage appeared to be a function of light intensity. Bisulphite treatment in darkness resulted in a dramatic decrease in Rrd, a moderate decrease in PES and a marginal decrease in Fv/Fm. As for sulphite, the effect was negligible with a tendency for enhanced activity. It is inferred that the Calvin cycle is a good candidate for the primary site of bisulphite and sulphite action. Recovery of activity, especially at the Rrd level, obtained in the presence of ascorbate, glutathione and L-cysteine, indicated a contribution of O2 free radicals to the observed inhibition of the photosynthetic activity in the light.

A new portable photoacoustic and fluorescence photometer has been built. The instrument is especially made for field measurements but can also be used indoors. This new instrument has many advantages. It can measure the photosynthetic O2 evolution and energy storage, and the vitality index in the same sample. The system is very compact, which makes it easy to transport. A small electrical generator satisfies the 110 V power requirement for field applications. All manipulations are computer controlled including the data acquisition and treatment. The photoacoustic signal‐to‐noise ratio for carbon black is the same under field conditions as in the laboratory (∼2×104) at 130 Hz. Results obtained on declining sugar maple trees in the field are presented. The combination of photoacoustic and fluorescence measurements in one instrument represents a very powerful tool in photosynthesis research.

Photoacoustic spectroscopy has been used to monitor the photosynthetic activity of the leaves of sugar maple saplings treated by watering the soil with simulated acid rain at different pH levels (2.S, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 5.6). We also measured the relative growth rate of the plants and the pigment content of leaves. The results indicated an ambivalent effect of acidity: there was a linear decline (r = 0.92) in the photosynthetic O2 evolution as the pH of the simulated rain was lowered from 5.6 to 3.0 and a jump when it reached 25, with a stimulation effect on the relative growth rate at lower pH levels. The photochemical energy storage and the relative growth rate increased from pH 5.6 to pH 4.0–4.5, then decreased at pH 3.0 and increased again at pH 2.5. The pattern of variation of the photochemical energy storage was fairly well correlated with the pigment content of the leaves (r = 0.83). It was concluded that acid rain preferentially affects photosystem II (PSII), inhibiting O2 evolut...

Summary Photosynthetic action spectrum and quantum yield of photochemical energy storage were determined by recording photoacoustic spectra of sugar maple ( Acer saccharum Marsh.) leaves at a modulation frequency of 80 Hz. At this low frequency, the difference between the intensity of spectra in the presence and in the absence of a non-modulated background light indicated the relative magnitude of the photochemical energy storage, which is generally measured at high frequencies. The amount of energy stored per unit absorbed light energy is low in blue, intermediate in green and high in red regions of the spectrum, indicating the excitation energy transfer efficiency of photosynthetic pigments. Similarly, the relative quantum yield of energy storage was low in blue and high in red regions showing the red-drop phenomenon. The energy storage spectrum per unit incident energy showed a similar profile except for a decline between 520 and 570 nm. In 2 µL L -1 SO 2 fumigated leaves, the photochemical activity decreased relative to the control, confirming the SO 2 inhibitory site on the electron transport chain.

Biogenic polyamines, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are ubiquitous cellular cations and exert multiple biological functions. Polyamine analogues mimic biogenic polyamines at macromolecular level but are unable to substitute for natural polyamines and maintain cell proliferation, indicating biomedical applications. The mechanistic differences in DNA binding mode between natural and synthetic polyamines have not been explored. The aim of this study was to examine the interaction of calf thymus DNA with three polyamine analogues, 1,11-diamino-4,8-diazaundecane (333), 3,7,11,15-tetrazaheptadecane x 4 HCl (BE-333), and 3,7,11,15,19-pentazahenicosane x 5 HCl (BE-3333), using FTIR, UV-visible, and CD spectroscopy. Polyamine analogues bind with guanine and backbone PO2 group as major targets in DNA, whereas biogenic polyamines bind to major and minor grooves as well as to phosphate groups. Weaker interaction with DNA was observed for analogues with respect to biogenic polyamines, with K(333) = 1.90 (+/-0.5) x 10(4) M(-1), K(BE-333) = 6.4 (+/-1.7) x 10(4) M(-1), K(BE-3333) = 4.7 (+/-1.4) x 10(4) M(-1) compared to K(Spm) = 2.3 (+/-1.1) x 10(5) M(-1), K(Spd) = 1.4 (+/-0.6) x 10(5) M(-1), and K(Put) = 1.02 (+/-0.5) x 10(5) M(-1). A partial B- to A-DNA transition was also provoked by analogues. These data suggest distinct differences in the binding of natural and synthetic polyamines with DNA.

Photoacoustic spectroscopy was used to monitor acid damage to photosynthesis by measuring photosynthetic O2 evolution in leaves from com and sugar maple plantlets. For 2 months the seedlings were treated with simulated acid rain either by spraying the leaves or by watering the soil at different pH levels. The results indicated a decline of photosynthetic oxygen evolution as the pH of the foliar application of simulated acid rain decreased. The reduced photosynthetic activity was sometimes followed by depigmentation (below pH 3.5). For plantlets treated by watering the soil with an acid mixture, the results showed an increase in the growth rate at higher acidity levels without effect on the photosynthetic activity. All corn seedlings from seeds that germinated in media of different pH levels showed the same photosynthetic activity regardless of the pH, as measured by photoacoustic spectroscopy, but the growth rate was higher at lower pH values than at higher pH values. These results clearly indicate the importance of acid damage to photosynthesis at the foliar level, and the ability of photoacoustic spectroscopy to assess forest decline in its early stages. Key words: photoacoustic spectroscopy, photosynthesis, corn, maple, acid rain, oxygen evolution.

Photoacoustic spectroscopy is a new analytical technique which allows the detection of light-induced heat production due to non-radiative deactivation of light excitation. This paper gives an overview of the theory of photoacoustics and its application in photosynthesis research to measure energy conversion and storage, and for molecular structure and interaction studies as well as oxygen evolution in photosynthetic systems.

Photoacoustic spectroscopy was used to study the effect of sulfite and SO 2 on isolated corn mesophyll chloroplasts by monitoring the photochemical energy storage. Sulfite incubation of isolated chloroplasts, either in light or in darkness, caused a decrease in photochemical energy storage. The more pronounced decrease in light indicates a light-dependent sulfite inhibitory site(s) in chloroplasts. Also diphenylcarbazide caused a partial recovery of energy storage in sulfite treated chloroplasts indicating a possible site of damage at the water oxidizing system. Although the chloroplast membranes were found to be insensitive to high concentrations of SO 2 for relatively short exposure periods (10 min) in light, exposure of chloroplasts to 28·5 ng cm −3 SO 2 for 10 min caused a decrease in energy storage. An attempt was made to explain the mechanism of action of sulfite and SO 2 in chloroplasts.

DNA-RNase H adducts were used for site specific cleavage of RNA and DNA-RNA duplexes, whereas nonspecific DNA interaction with ribonuclease A (RNase A) has been observed. The aim of this study was to examine the complexation of calf-thymus DNA with RNase A at physiological condition, using constant DNA concentration (12.5 mM) and various protein contents (1 microM to 270 microM). FTIR, UV-visible, and CD spectroscopic methods were used to analyse protein binding mode, the binding constant and the effects of nucleic acid-enzyme interaction on both DNA and protein conformations. Our structural analysis showed a strong RNase-PO2 binding and minor interaction with G-C bases with overall binding constant of K = 6.1 x 10(4) M(-1). The RNase-DNA interaction alters the protein secondary structure with a major reduction of the alpha-helix and increase of the beta-sheet and random structure, while DNA remains in the B-family structure.

Reliable estimates of the stages of maturity of fruits are important for evaluating the efficiency of post-harvest treatments applied to delay senescence. Many objective criteria for judging maturity of strawberries have been used, for example, flesh firmness, titrable acidity, and determination of total anthocyanins.

The inhibition of photosynthetic activity by bisulphite was studied in intact leaves of abscisic acid (ABA)-treated and non-treated (control) barley plants. ABA inhibited the photosynthetic process as evidenced by lower values of chlorophyll fluorescence kinetic parameters Fv/Fm (photosystem 2 activity) and Rfd (vitality index, related to the whole photosynthetic activity) compared with ABA-non-treated plants. After bisulphite treatment, the extent of inhibition was smaller in ABA-treated plants than in the control ones indicating a protective effect of ABA. The protective action sites of ABA were the QA reduction and the Calvin cycle.

Short-term (4 hours) effect of different concentrations of SO(2) fumigation on in vivo photochemical activities of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) leaves was investigated using photoacoustic spectroscopy. The relative quantum yield of O(2) evolution (ratio of O(2) signal to the photothermal signal) and photochemical energy storage are increased by 0.05 microliter per liter of SO(2). This increase is more pronounced in 5 to 7 year old saplings than in 3 month old seedlings. Both oxygen-relative quantum yield and energy storage of seedlings are inhibited by increased concentrations of SO(2) and the inhibition is concentration dependent. The inhibition is greater in seedlings than in saplings at 2 microliters per liter of SO(2), indicating the more susceptible nature of seedlings. The present study indicates a concentration dependent differential effect of SO(2) on photochemical activities of sugar maple leaves.

The problem of air pollution and forest decline has become one of the most controversial subjects today. This is mainly due not only to economical and political implications but also to conflicting results obtained by many research groups using different methods which are more or less sensitive and reliable [1,2]. It therefore appears that more sensitive techniques used under controlled experimental conditions are needed. We have utilized the photo-acoustic spectroscopy (PAS) to study the effects of O3, SO2 and simulated acid rains on the photosynthetic activity of corn and sugar maple leaves.

The linear dichroism of single monolayers of lutein, zeaxanthin and a mixture of lutein and synthetic phosphatidylcholine has been measured. The angle of orientation of the carotenoid molecules was found to lie between 45° and 51° relative to the plane of the solid support. Although the adsorbed monolayers were mostly in a monomeric state, microscopic observations, as well as the II-A isotherms, indicated the existence of crystalline islets. The results have been interpreted in connection with Haidinger's polarization brushes.

Application de cette technique a la mesure de la cinetique et de la thermodynamique du developpement de la reaction de brunissement non enzymatique dans du lait en poudre

The molecular state of a single monolayer of lutein, zeaxanthin, and of a mixture of lutein and L-α-phosphatidylcholine-β-oleoyl-γ-stearoyl has been investigated using absorption and photoacoustic spectroscopies. Both methods, confirmatively, reveal that the two carotenoids are mostly in a monomer state coexisting with carotenoid crystals. We observe that the absorption as well as the photoacoustic bands are red-shifted relative to the bands in solution. The absorption bands are found to peak at mean values of 440.0, 464.8, and 503.8 ± 0.5 nm for lutein, and at 452.7, 475.9, and 513.7 ± 0.5 nm for zeaxanthin. The photoacoustic peaks are situated at 444.0, 467.2, and 502.4 ± 0.5 nm for lutein, and 455.4, 473.8, and 509.0 ± 0.5 nm for zeaxanthin. Diluting lutein monolayer with the phospholipid results into a blue-shift of the absorption bands compared with those of the pure carotenoid monolayer and the macular pigment spectra. The results are discussed in connection with the Haidinger's brushes. It is concluded that lutein molecules might not be mixed with membrane lipids in the macular tissue, but form a monolayer protruding from the Henle fiber membranes to form the Haidinger's brushes in the macula.

The research reported here demonstrates the possibility of using photoacoustic spectroscopy for milk product analysis. Milk products including yogurt, cheese, and market milk were analyzed in the ultraviolet visible range. A strong absorption peak was present at 280 nm for all the products. Relationship was linear between relative protein concentration of skim milk and the photoacoustic signal at 280 nm (r2 greater than .99). Powdered milks, prepared from skim milk that had been subjected to different heat treatments before drying, were analyzed, and a second absorption peak at 335 nm was noted for milks subjected to high heat treatment prior to the drying process. This second absorption peak appears associated with Maillard reaction products. Analysis of stored UHT heat-treated milk and infant formulas showed a similar peak at 335 nm. The results suggest that the Maillard reaction is initiated during UHT treatment of milk, and associated pigments develop only during storage. The presence of the 335-nm band in the photoacoustic spectra of infant formulas is considered as the result of heat sterilization. It is anticipated that as photoacoustic spectroscopy becomes more common, its usefulness in the milk industry, in particular, and in food science, in general, will increase.

The most important systems involved in photoreception are the visual and photosynthetic membranes. One of the most striking facts about these systems is the existence of ordered structures or pigments in the organel4 les. These pigments can be excited either directly by light absorption or by excitation energy transfer from other molecules absorbing in shorter wavelength regions. The efficiency of energy transfer strongly depends upon the acceptor transition moment and the mutual orientation of donor and acceptor. In order to properly study the properties of these organelles, the synthesis of aggregates of definite order is of prime importance. To achieve the necessary orientation and aggregate state, several sample preparation techniques have been employed, including polyvinylalcohol (PVA) films, Langmuir-Blodgett films, and sometimes vesicles and black lipid membranes. Besides, subcellular and intact tissue fractions have also been utilized. Visual as well as photosynthetic systems are concerned with energy conversion, storage and dissipation. Furthermore, photosynthesis is concerned with energy transfer (ET). All these phenomena can be investigated by photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS). It is the purpose of this paper to report the most important developments in this special area of photobiophysics.

The photoacoustic effect was discovered over one hundred years ago by Alexander Graham Bell (1). But it was only during the 1970’s that Rosencwaig and Gersho (2) proposed a theory explaining the photoacoustic effect in solids.

The molar absorptivities of the major bovine rod outer segment (ROS) phospholipids and phophatidylcholine 18:1 have been determined at four wavelengths, i.e., 193.5, 196, 200, and 205 nm. The mean standard error is 1.7% at 95% confidence level. The results obtained can therefore be used for the quantitative analysis of bovine ROS phospholipids. Compared with the existing methods, the spectrophotometric determination of these lipids presents the advantages of being rapid, direct, and very sensitive. The importance of stray light in this type of measurement is also discussed.