E-Book Overview
Cutting-edge techniques presented with foolproof, step-by-step instructions make this collection indispensable for investigating the structure and function of protein serine/threonine phosphatases. The book contains methods designed to enable the investigator to isolate, identify, and assay phosphatase activities from both prokaryotic and eukaryotic sources, and includes a discussion of the functional significance of this group of enzymes with respect to cell growth and development. Written by leaders with extensive practice in their use, each method is time-tested and sufficiently detailed to ensure reproducibility for both new and established investigators.
E-Book Content
1 Prokaryotic
Protein-SerineiThreonine
Phosphatases
Peter J. Kennelly 1. Introduction 1.1. Prokaryotic Protein-Serine/Threonine A Brief Review 1.1.1. Why Study Protein Phosphorylation
Phosphatases: Events in Prokaryotes?
As this chapter deals with the protein-serine/threonine phosphatases of prokaryotic organisms, some comments on the role of prokaryotes in the study of these important enzymes would appear to be in order. Prokaryottc organisms dominate the living world. They represent by the largest source of biomass on the planet, forming the indtspensable foundation of the food cham upon which all other living organisms depend. They are the exclusive agents for carrying out biological nitrogen fixation, and are responsible for the majority of the photosynthetic activtty that generates the oxygen we breath. In absolute numbers, in number of species, in range of habitat, and in the spectrum of their metabolic activities, the prokaryotes far outpace their eukaryotic brethren. More immediately, in humans prokaryotes perform essential functions in the digestion and asstmilation of nutrients, whereas infection by bacterial pathogens can lead to illness or death. T