Synthesis of phosphorus-containing macromolecules during synchronous growth of Cholerella pyrenoidosa

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1. 1. Methods for the extraction and quantitation of ribonucleic acid phosphate and deoxyribonucleic acid phosphate in Chorella pyrenoidosa (Strain 7-11-05) were developed. 2. 2. The levels of ribonucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid, and poly-P 1 were measured during two consecutive synchronous growth cycles in continuous light after the cells had been synchronized by intermittent illumination. An inverse relationship was observed between the levels (per cent of total cellular phosphate) of total nucleic acid phosphate and poly-P i. However, when the concentrations of these phosphate polymers were expressed on a per-cell basis, the nucleic acids increased nearly exponentially while poly-P i increased only linearly. Thus, it appeared that poly-P i was not serving as a phosphorylating agent during normal growth. The apparent paradox between the two methods of expressing the intracellular distribution of phosphorus as well as the probable role of poly-P i in cellular metabolism is discussed. 3. 3. The apparent differential rates of synthesis of ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid, throughout most of cellular development, is discussed in relationship to the probable site of control of deoxyribunucleic acid synthesis in cellular metabolism. In addition, the apparent constant rate of synthesis of poly-P i is discussed in relationship to the synthesis and activity of polyphosphate kinase (EC 2.7.4.1) during synchronous growth.