[Analysis of an operator-like structure, regulating the activity of the ribC gene in Bacillus subtilis].

A point mutation (C-->A substitution) in the -35 region of a putative promoter-operator site TTGCCG-17n-TACATT results in a more than 25-fold increase in the activity of ribC gene encoding the bifunctional enzyme--flavokinase/FAD-synthase--in Bacillus subtilis.

[Cloning and biochemical identification of the ribR gene in Bacillus subtilis].

The PCR copy of the ribR gene of Bacillus subtilis was subcloned in Escherichia coli cells under the control of the phage T7 inducible promoter. The polypeptide of 26 kDa corresponding to the 690-bp gene is the product of the ribR gene. The protein encoded by the ribR gene is flavokinase, and the riboflavin-reduced form is the substrate for it.

Rapid assay of dinitrophenyl derivative of taurine by high-performance liquid chromatography.

A rapid and simple method for the determination of taurine (2-aminoethanesulphonic acid) in complex samples is described. It is based on the HPLC separation of the dinitrophenyl (DNP) derivative of taurine. The reaction conditions are selected to allow complete derivatization of taurine within 15 min.

Growth of the obligate methylotroph Methylobacillus flagellatum under stationary and nonstationary conditions during continuous cultivation.

The growth characteristics of a chemostat culture of the obligate methylotrophic bacterium Methylobacillus flagellatum have been determined. Steady-state cultures growing at a rate of 0.73-0.