Abstract: An assay to screen potential inhibitors of the C4 acid cycle in plants. The assay involves testing inhibition of C4 enzymes by incubating a mixture that includes pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and malate dehydrogenase and their substrates with a potential inhibitor. Detection of inhibition depends on comparing the resulting levels of NADH or NAD+ in the test mixture to the levels of NADH or NAD+ in a control.

Abstract: An electrical socket is formed in a printed circuit board (PCR) using standard automated PCB production techniques. The socket (20) comprises a respective three legged slotted aperture (22) for each pin (11) of a male plug. The slotted aperture (22) defines two cantilevered portions (23) which receive a respective pin (11) in A slot defined therebetween. The slot is of slightly narrower width than the corresponding pin (11), but the cantilevered portions (23) are resiliently movable to enable the slot to receive and frictionally retain the pin therein. Plated contact surfaces are formed on either side of the slot to make physical and electrical contact with the pin. A modified socket (40) includes an integrally formed isolation switch. The cantilevered portions (41) extend beyond the point where the pin (11) is inserted therebetween.