We have cloned three putative endoglucanase cDNAs, designated MoCel12A, MoCel12B, and MoCel12C, from Magnaporthe oryzae. The deduced peptide sequences of both MoCel12A and MoCel12B contain secretion signal peptides and a catalytic core domain that classify them into GH subfamily 12-1. In contrast, the deduced peptide sequence of MoCel12C consists of a signal peptide, a catalytic core domain, and a fungal-type carbohydrate binding module belonging to GH subfamily 12-2. Although most GH family 12 endoglucanases hydrolyze β-1,4-glucans such as carboxymethylcellulose or phosphoric acid-swollen cellulose, MoCel12A that was prepared by overexpression in M. oryzae and Brevibacillus choshinensis hydrolyzed specifically 1,3-1,4-β-glucans, such as barley β-glucan and lichenan. The specific activity of MoCel12A overexpressed in M. oryzae was about 20 times higher than that prepared from B. choshinensis. Furthermore, MoCel12B prepared by overexpression in B. choshinensis also revealed preferential hydrolysis of endo-1,3-1,4-β-glucans with limited hydrolysis on carboxymethylcellulose. In comparison with MoCel12A, the activity of MoCel12B was more stable under alkaline conditions. Levels of mRNA encoding MoCel12A were constitutively high during infection and spore formation. The overexpression and disruption of the MoCel12A gene did not affect germination, appressorium formation, or invasion rate; however, M. oryzae overexpressing MoCel12A produced larger numbers of spores than the wild type or a mutant in which the MoCel12A gene was disrupted. These results suggest that MoCel12A functions in part to hydrolyze 1,3-1,4-β-glucan during infection and spore formation.

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A representative example of an organic conductor is the charge-transfer salt tetrathiafulvalene-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF-TCNQ). This conductor can be formed by combining TTF with TCNQ, which are both highly symmetric planar molecules that do not conduct electricity independently. In this Letter, we describe a hands-on activity on the basic chemistry of TTF-TCNQ for first-year students majoring in subjects other than chemistry. This activity introduces students to the rational design and properties of TTF-TCNQ using handmade structural models based on electronic components linked by plastic tubes. The electronic components include transistors, white LEDs, blue LEDs, and yellow LEDs, which represent sp 2 carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur atoms, respectively. They are readily available in large quantities, which means that every student in a class can participate in the activity. The activity was tested on the participants, and quizzes were given to the participants to estimate the effectiveness of the activity. This activity helped the students understand the rational design of TTF-TCNQ.