Induction of water-stress proteins in cyanobacteria exposed to matric- or osmotic-water stress

Abstract

Specific stress polypeptides were detected in three drought-resistant cyanobacteria (Phormidium autumnale, LPP4 and Chroococcidiopsis sp.) subjected to matric- and osmotic-water stress. Drought stress caused the induction of at least 2-3 new polypeptides of apparent molecular masses of 30 kDa and 40-45 kDa. The polypeptide of 30 kDa was located in the thylakoid membranes, and the 45-kDa polypeptide in the cytoplasm. When these cyanobacteria were exposed to salt stress polypeptides of similar size appeared. © 1991.