The conversion of delta-(L-alpha-aminoadipyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine (ACV) to isopenicillin N is dependant on the catalytic action of isopenicillin N-synthase (IPNS), an important enzyme in the penicillin and cephalosporin biosynthetic pathway. One of the amino acid residues suggested by the Aspergillus nidulans IPNS crystal structure for interaction with the valine isopropyl group of ACV is prol...

Withdrawal of the use of cheap, persistent organochlorine insecticides in New Zealand pastures has shifted the emphasis of insect pest control to non-chemical methods during the last 10-15 years. The potential of plant resistance and biological control for achieving major advances in pasture pest management are illustrated by the resistance to Argentine stem weevil (Listronotus bonariensis) of ...