Factors modulating differentiation of spores: Characterization of mutants defective in sporulation in the cyanobacterium Anabaena doliolum (AdS strain)

Abstract

Mutants of Anabaena doliolum (AdS strain) altered with respect to the time of initiation and degree of sporulation were isolated following mutagenesis with N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and hydroxylamine. The non-sporulating mutant showed a high phycocyanin (Pc): chlorophyll a (chl a) ratio (ca. 7.2) as compared to sporulating strains (Pc:chl a, 4.7-5.3). Also this strain seemed to have higher RNA pools per unit of genomic material as reflected in a higher RNA:DNA ratio. The data suggest that degradaton of phycocyanin and controlled RNA synthesis are prerequisites for sporulation. Mutants exhibiting non-sporulation and delayed initiation of sporulation accumulated more nitrogen through nitrogen fixation, probably indicating nitrogenase function over an extended vegetative phase. © 1986 Springer-Verlag.