Removal of an adenine-like molecule during activation of dinitrogenase reductase from Rhodospirillum rubrum.

During the activation of the inactive dinitrogenase reductase from Rhodospirillum rubrum, an adenine-like molecules is lost and phosphate is found on both active and inactive forms of the protein. ATP and divalent metals are required for activation of the reduced protein, but ATP is not required for activation of phenazine methosulfate-oxidized dinitrogenase reductase. Snake venom diesterase and spleen diesterase have no effect on the inactive protein; alkaline phosphatase removes phosphate from the activated protein but not from the inactive protein. ATP binds to both active and inactive forms of the protein.