Haem detoxification by an insects
Article Abstract:
Haem is involved in several biological reactions, such as oxygen transport, photosynthesis and respiration. Haem can also generate reactive oxygen species that are damaging and disrupt the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes. Haem polymerization into haemozoin is found not be exclusive to Plasmodium, but also occurs in Rhodnius prolixus, a blood-sucking insect. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the lumen of the R. prolixus midgut contains similar large electron-dense aggregated to those found in Plasmodium parasites and it is concluded that they follow digestion of haemoglobin the insect midgut.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Rat liver protein linking chemical and immunological detoxification systems
Article Abstract:
A protein has been isolated from rat liver which functions in both enzymatic and immunological detoxification systems. It activates both glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) which protect mammals against xenophobic chemicals and macrophage movement inhibitory factors (MIFs) which function in immune system detoxification. GSTs and MIF have been found to have primary structures similar to that of the protein.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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Natural conjugative plasmids induce bacterial biofilm development
Article Abstract:
Research into the direct contribution of conjugative plasmids to the ability of the bacterial host to form a biofilm is presented. It is suggested that conjugative plasmids encourage the incorporation of their host into biofilm environments where the density of potential bacterial recipients is enough for plasmids to move at high rates.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2001
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