Concanavalin A from Canavalia ensiformis (Jack bean) 

Where reported, agglutination activity is expressed in μg/ml and is determined from serial dilutions in phosphate buffered saline, pH 6.8, containing Ca²⁺ and Mn²⁺ of a 1 mg per mL solution. This activity is the lowest concentration to agglutinate a 2% suspension of human erythrocytes after 1 hr incubation at 25 °C.

Con A is not blood group specific but has an affinity for terminal α-D-mannosyl and α-D-glucosyl residues. Ca²⁺ and Mn²⁺ ions are required for activity. Con A dissociates into dimers at pH 5.6 or below. Between pH 5.8 and pH 7.0, Con A exists as a tetramer; above pH 7.0 higher aggregates are formed. Con A exhibits mitogenic activity which is dependent on its degree of aggregation. Succinylation results in an active dimeric form which remains a dimer above pH 5.6.

Con A (C7275) adsorbed to colloidal gold; mean particle size 8-12 nm; monodisperse.

Suspension in 0.02 M Tris buffered saline, pH 8.0, containing 20% glycerol, 1% PEG and 0.05% sodium azide

aqueous glycerol suspension

~5 A₅₂₀ units/mL

carbohydrate, essentially free

10 nm (colloidal gold)

gold conjugate

2-8°C

Benhamou, N. and Ouellette, G.B. J. Histochem. Cytochem. 34, 855, (1986) abstract

Gunther, G.R., et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 70, 1012, (1973)

, Bittiges, H. and Schnebli, H.P, ed. Concanavalin A as a Tool London , (1976)

Reeke, G.N., et al. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 234, 369, (1974)

Kalb, A.J. and Lustig, A. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 168, 366, (1968)

Merck 13,2521

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