Directed evolution provides insight into conformational substrate sampling by SrtA.

The Sortase family of transpeptidases are found in numerous gram-positive bacteria and involved in divergent physiological processes including anchoring of surface proteins to the cell wall as well as pili assembly. As essential proteins, sortase enzymes have been the focus of considerable interest for the development of novel anti-microbials, however, more recently their function as unique transpeptidases has been exploited for the synthesis of novel bio-conjugates. Yet, for synthetic purposes, SrtA-mediated conjugation suffers from the enzyme's inherently poor catalytic efficiency.

Inoculum production and long-term conservation methods for cucurbits and tomato powdery mildews.

The behaviour of cucurbit powdery mildews (Podosphaera xanthii and Golovinomyces cichoracearum) and tomato powdery mildew (Oidium neolycopersici) infesting detached cotyledons of Lagenaria leucantha cv. 'Minibottle' was studied in order to develop an easy culture method for pure inoculum production. High spore production was found with a combination of mannitol (0.