Effects of D-erythrose on nitrogenase activity in whole filaments of Anabaena sp. strain 7120.

D-Erythrose, which has been shown to enhance nitrogenase activity (acetylene reduction) by isolated heterocysts, was studied for its effects on nitrogenase activity and nitrite uptake by whole filaments of Anabaena sp. strain 7120. D-Erythrose had little effect on acetylene reduction in the light; however, at a concentration of 10 mM, it could restore 3'-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1',1'-dimethyl urea-inhibited or dark-limited levels to light-supported levels. Sucrose, glucose, or fructose did not exhibit similar effects. D-Erythrose had little effect on nitrite uptake, an indirect measure of nitrite reductase activity by nitrate-grown whole filaments. It was concluded that erythrose effects were mediated by heterocysts and were therefore specific for nitrogenase.