Biochemistry and Genetics of Canavanine Resistance in Neurospora

Citation

Logan, James Barrie (1969) Biochemistry and Genetics of Canavanine Resistance in Neurospora. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/2j3p-es09. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06022017-085722120

Abstract

The pattern of inheritance of resistance to growth inhibition by canavanine in Neurospora crassa is shown to result from interactions between a major gene and several modifiers. The major gene controls the production of a constitutive enzyme that destroys canavanine. The modifiers affect the rate of uptake of the analog from the medium. Strains which lack the enzyme activity are canavanine sensitive; strains which possess it are resistant, but the level of resistance is dependent on the rate of uptake.

The canavanine degrading enzyme was partially purified and its properties studied. The detoxification reaction was shown to be a cleavage of canavanine yielding hydroxyguanidine.

Thesis Files