Synthesis of Guanosine 5'-Diphosphate, 2'- (or 3'-) Diphosphate and Related Nucleotides in a Variety of Physiological Conditions

Abstract

Abstract The synthesis of guanosine 5'-diphosphate, 2'- (or 3'-) diphosphate (ppGpp) and related nucleotides was investigated in Escherichia coli in a variety of physiological conditions. The nucleotides are synthesized immediately following glucose or amino acid starvation or in the presence of cyanide. Nitrogen or sulfur starvation also results in synthesis of these nucleotides but with slower kinetics. The nucleotides are synthesized in amino acid starved T-even-infected stringent bacteria before phage DNA synthesis stops. The significance of these findings to the regulation of stable RNA and DNA synthesis is discussed.