Comparative Control of a Branch-Point Enzyme in Microorganisms

Abstract

Thirty-two genera of microorganisms [bacteria] were identified with 1 of 6 distinctive control patterns for the enzyme 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthetase. These patterns included sequential feedback inhibition, isoenzyme feedback inhibition, cumulative feedback inhibition, and 3 (apparent) simple 1-effector patterns. Documentation is provided of an overwhelming tendency for control patterns to be strongly conserved among the member species of the various genera that were examined.