Abstract.
The low molecular weight (LMW) heat shock protein (HSP), HSP16.6, in the unicellular cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, protects cells from elevated temperatures. A 95% reduction in the survival of mutant cells with an inactivated hsp16.6 was observed after exposure for 1 h at 47°C. Wild-type cell survival was reduced to only 41%. HSP16.6 is also involved in the development of thermotolerance. After a sublethal heat shock at 43°C for 1 h and subsequent challenge exposure at 49°C for 40 min, mutant cells did not survive, while 64% of wild-type cells survived. Ultrastructural changes in the integrity of thylakoid membranes of heat-shocked mutant cells also are discussed. These results demonstrate an important protective role for HSP16.6 in the protection of cells and, in particular, thylakoid membrane against thermal stress.
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Received: 14 October 1999 / Accepted: 16 November 1999
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Lee, S., Owen, H., Prochaska, D. et al. HSP16.6 Is Involved in the Development of Thermotolerance and Thylakoid Stability in the Unicellular Cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Curr Microbiol 40, 283–287 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002849910056
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002849910056