The sensory rhodopsin from Anabaena (Nostoc) sp. PCC7120 is the first cyanobacterial retinylidene protein identified. Here, we report on NosACO (Nostoc apo-carotenoid oxygenase), encoded by the ORF (open reading frame) all4284, as the candidate responsible for the formation of the required chromophore, retinal. In contrast with the enzymes from animals, NosACO converts beta-apo-carotenals inste...

The Raman spectra of cyanobacterial species, Gloecapsa and Nostoc, in clear gypsum crystals from the Haughton Crater, Devon Island, Canadian High Arctic, site of a meteorite impact during the Miocene some 23 Mya, have been recorded using several visible and near-infrared excitation wavelengths. The best spectra were obtained using a green wavelength at 514.5 nm and a confocal microscope with an...

Alkaline phosphatase (phosphomonoesterase i.e. PMEase) activity in heterocystous cyanobacteria Anabaena flos-aquae, Nostoc calcicola, Calothrix brevissima, Scytonema javanicum and Hapalosiphon intricatus is known to be temperature and pH dependent. Maximum level of enzyme activity was recorded at either 35 degrees C or 37.5 degrees C. Also, the cell bound phosphomonoesterase enzyme was shown to...