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. 1978 Mar;19(3):854–860. doi: 10.1128/iai.19.3.854-860.1978

Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis by Virulent Treponema pallidum

J C Nichols 1, J B Baseman 1
PMCID: PMC422267  PMID: 346486

Abstract

Ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) synthesis by virulent Treponema pallidum was monitored by incorporation of [3H]uridine into trichloroacetic acid-precipitable counts and examination of radiolabeled rRNA on polyacrylamide gels. Verification that rRNA synthesis originated with T. pallidum was based upon co-electrophoresis with Escherichia coli rRNA, proportionate reductions in the amount of rRNA synthesized when numbers of treponemes were decreased, and inclusion of appropriate animal cell controls. The rate of treponemal rRNA synthesis was greater at temperatures of 37 and 39°C than at 33°C; rRNA synthesis was inhibited at 4 and 42°C and was effectively inhibited by actinomycin D. Kinetic experiments indicated that the majority of rRNA synthesis occurred early after extraction of treponemes from infected rabbit testicular tissue. Polyacrylamide gel profiles demonstrated the capacity of virulent T. pallidum to synthesize and process RNA to 23s, 16s, and 4 to 5s classes. Although motility of T. pallidum appeared unaffected during longer periods of incubation, pulselabeling experiments confirmed significant reductions in the rate of rRNA synthesis. When the effect of various environmental conditions upon rRNA synthesis was investigated, optimal synthesis was found to occur in an atmosphere of 20% oxygen whereas virtually no synthesis was observed under anaerobic or low-oxygen conditions.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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