Conformers of Neurospora glutamate dehydrogenase

The results show that the enzyme exists in two immunologically different forms, both possessing enzyme activity, each form is made up of a number of immunologically identical subunits which are immunologically distinct from the subunits of the other form.

Abstract

Subunits of Neurospora glutamate dehydrogenase were prepared by treating the enzyme with 6 m-urea, 7 m-guanidinium chloride or 0.2% sodium dodecyl sulphate. Antisera were prepared against the enzyme and the various subunits. These antisera were used in anti-enzyme and precipitation studies with the enzyme and the various subunits. The results show that the enzyme exists in two immunologically different forms, both possessing enzyme activity. Each form is made up of a number of immunologically identical subunits which are immunologically distinct from the subunits of the other form. Antibodies against the subunits inhibit enzyme activity, but they do so by combining with antigenic sites other than those at which antibodies against the whole enzyme combine. A model to explain these results is proposed.