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Hypaphorine, an indole-3-acetic acid antagonist delivered by the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus tinctorius, induces reorganisation of actin and the microtubule cytoskeleton in Eucalyptus globulus ssp bicostata root hairs.

Hypaphorine, an indole alkaloid from the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus tinctorius Coker & Couch., counteracts indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) activity and controls the rate of root hair elongation in Eucalyptus globulus ssp. bicostata. The present investigation shows that hypaphorine changes cytoskeletal organisation in elongating root hairs of the host. The actin cytoskeleton was investigated by two different fixation and labelling procedures, which gave similar results. In control root hairs, actin organisation was characterised by (i) an actin cap at the very tip region, (ii) a subapical region with reduced labelling and containing fine actin filaments, and (iii) axial bundles of actin filaments running from the subapical part to the base of the root hair. In the hypaphorine-treated root hairs no actin cap was distinguished. The fine actin filaments occurring in the subapical region were replaced by a few thick actin filament bundles that extended from the subapical region toward the root hair tip. In the hypaphorine-treated hairs the total number of actin filament bundles along most of the root hair length was significantly reduced, presumably due to aggregation of pre-existing actin filaments. The first signs of alteration to the cytoskeleton could be detected as soon as 15 min after hypaphorine treatment. In hypaphorine-treated, but not in control root hairs, a patch of aggregated microtubules regularly occurred at a distance of approximately 10 microm from the tip, possibly as a consequence of changes induced by hypaphorine in the actin cytoskeleton. The hypaphorine-induced aggregations in the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons could stabilise the structure of cytoskeletal elements, which in turn could hinder the vesicle delivery at the tip necessary for elongation. Such cytoskeletal alterations may be a consequence of the antagonism between IAA and hypaphorine. The latter view was supported by restoration of the actin cytoskeleton in hypaphorine-treated root hairs by IAA application.

Actins↗

The relationship of root-cap slimes to pectins.

1. The patterns of incorporation of radioactivity from d-[U-(14)C]glucose into the pectic components of sections of sycamore roots changed so that sections nearer the tip incorporated relatively more label into arabinose and galactose compared with uronic acid. 2. Radioactive maize root-cap slime was prepared and found to contain three water-soluble component polymers which were electrophoretically (i) neutral, (ii) weakly acidic and (iii) strongly acidic at pH6.5. The neutral component was a glucan. The other components, which could be degraded by trans-elimination, consisted of an acidic backbone chain composed of galacturonic acid and glucose, attached to which were different proportions of neutral sugars. Arabinose, galactose and fucose, the main neutral sugars of the weakly and strongly acidic materials, were absent from the neutral fraction. 3. Fucose was a major sugar in maize-root slime and in a slime of similar composition synthesized by a maize callus of shoot origin. Only trace amounts were found in sycamore, pea and wheat root tips, and in pectin prepared from maize roots and coleoptiles. A high proportion of fucose is therefore a chemical characteristic of maize slime, and slime synthesis indicated a state of differentiation of the tissue. 4. The similarity between the slime and pectin is discussed; slime is a form of pectin modified in such a way as to provide a hydrated protective coating around the root tip.

Arabinose↗

Polyprenyl phosphate sugars synthesized during slime-polysaccharide production by membranes of the root-cap cells of maize (Zea mays).

Two types of experiments were carried out; either maize roots were incubated in L-[1-3H]fucose or membranes were prepared from root tips and these were incubated with GDP-L-[U-14C]fucose or UDP-D-[U-4C]glucose. The radioactively labelled lipids that were synthesized in vivo and in vitro were extracted and separated into polar and neutral components. The polar lipids had the characteristics of polyprenyl phosphate and diphosphate fucose or glucose derivatives, and the neutral lipids of sterol glycosides (fucose or glucose). A partial separation of the glycolipid synthetase reactions was achieved. Membranes were fractionated into material that sedimented at 20,000g and 100,000g. Most of the polar glycolipid synthetase activity (for the incorporation of both fucose and glucose) was located in the 100,000 g pellet, and this activity was probably located in the endoplasmic reticulum. The neutral lipid, which contained fucose, was synthesized mainly by membranes of the 20,000g pellet, and the activity was probably associated with the dictyosomes, whereas the neutral glucolipids were synthesized by all the membrane fractions. It is suggested that the polar (polyprenyl) lipids labelled with fucose could act as possible intermediates during the synthesis of the glycoproteins and slime in the root tip.

Cell Membrane↗

Cortical tissue-specific accumulation of the root-specific ns-LTP transcripts in the bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seedlings.

The characterization of a cDNA clone encoding non-specific lipid transfer protein (PvLTP, formerly named PVR3) in the roots of bean seedlings has been previously reported. In this study, we examined the temporal and spatial accumulation of PvLTP mRNA and the effect of the auxin naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) on the accumulation of PvLTP mRNA during root development. In situ hybridization showed that accumulation of PvLTP mRNA is highly tissue-specific. Accumulation was detected in the cortical tissue, but not in other tissues of root, including the quiescent center and root cap. Within the cortical tissue, accumulation of PvLTP mRNA was developmentally regulated; accumulation of PvLTP mRNA was high in the cortical tissue of the proximal and ground meristem and declined as cortical tissue developed further. Since the appropriate distribution of auxin is an important factor responsible for the maintenance of root meristem organization. We examined effect of auxin on the accumulation of PvLTP mRNA in relation to the development of cortical tissue. In bean seedlings grown on medium supplemented with 5 microM NAA, morphological alternations, including radial root expansion and abnormal tissue organization in the root apical meristem, were observed. Only faint accumulation signals of PvLTP mRNA were observed in the cortical tissue of proximal meristem region, indicating that cortical tissue development was repressed by exogenous NAA. However, our results suggest that the change in accumulation of PvLTP mRNA is not direct regulatory effect but reflective effect of altered development of cortical tissue that was induced by exogenous NAA. The temporal and spatial accumulation of PvLTP mRNA indicates that PvLTP is a useful marker for the development of cortical tissue in the root tip in bean seedlings.

Carrier Proteins↗

Mutation of Arabidopsis plastid phosphoglucose isomerase affects leaf starch synthesis and floral initiation.

We isolated pgi1-1, an Arabidopsis mutant with a decreased plastid phospho-glucose (Glc) isomerase activity. While pgi1-1 mutant has a deficiency in leaf starch synthesis, it accumulates starch in root cap cells. It has been shown that a plastid transporter for hexose phosphate transports cytosolic Glc-6-P into plastids and expresses restricted mainly to the heterotrophic tissues. The decreased starch content in leaves of the pgi1-1 mutant indicates that cytosolic Glc-6-P cannot be efficiently transported into chloroplasts to complement the mutant's deficiency in chloroplastic phospho-Glc isomerase activity for starch synthesis. We cloned the Arabidopsis PGI1 gene and showed that it encodes the plastid phospho-Glc isomerase. The pgi1-1 allele was found to have a single nucleotide substitution, causing a Ser to Phe transition. While the flowering times of the Arabidopsis starch-deficient mutants pgi1, pgm1, and adg1 were similar to that of the wild type under long-day conditions, it was significantly delayed under short-day conditions. The pleiotropic phenotype of late flowering conferred by these starch metabolic mutations suggests that carbohydrate metabolism plays an important role in floral initiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Development and enzyme activity of protein bodies in proteinoplasts of tobacco root cells.

The development of protein bodies in proteinoplasts of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. var. Wis. 38) roots was investigated with TEM, HVEM, and enzyme cytochemistry. These plastids contain a three-dimensional network of fenestrated tubules which originate from invaginations of the inner membrane of the plastid envelope. Elaboration of the network occurs in parallel with cell differentiation: slender tubules common to plastids in meristematic cells undergo dilation as protein accumulates during cell differentiation; proteinoplasts of vacuolate and root cap cells usually contain a large protein body. The contents of the peripheral tubules, originating from the inner membrane, are less electron dense than the tubules making up the central network. Localized dilations within the tubular network result in the formation of dense spheroidal structures, protein bodies, apparently as a result of continued protein accumulation via tubules connecting to the central network. Protein might be imported from segments of rough ER attached to or apposed to the outer membrane of the proteinoplast envelope. The presence of catalase (E.C. 1.11.1.6), peroxidase (E.C. 1.11.1.7), and cytochrome oxidase (E.C. 1.9.3.1) was demonstrated by cytochemistry with diaminobenzidine (DAB) as substrate. Oxidized DAB was found in protein bodies after incubation in each of the specific reaction media. While aminotriazole and sodium azide inhibited oxidation of DAB by catalase and peroxidase, respectively, only potassium cyanide completely inhibited oxidation of DAB in protein bodies. We conclude that protein bodies of proteinoplasts in tobacco roots are not sites for storage of protein, rather protein bodies contain heme protein(s) with strong oxidase activity that may convey a specific function to proteinoplasts.

Enzymes↗

Characterization of a non-abscission mutant in Lupinus angustifolius. I. Genetic and structural aspects.

A spontaneous mutant, Abs, that does not abscise any organs despite an apparently normal pattern of growth and senescence was isolated from among plants of Lupinus angustifolius cv. 'Danja'. Abs was found to be a recessive single gene mutation, and it was proposed that the gene for the original mutant phenotype, referred to as Abs, be designated abs1. An artificially induced mutant allelic to abs1 was also obtained and a non-allelic mutant phenotype, Delabs (delayed abscission), which was designated abs2. Morphological and cytological features of the abscission process under conditions of natural and ethylene-induced senescence were compared in the wild-type parent and Abs mutant. In the parent genotype abscission under natural conditions is similar to many other species, consisting of a stage of cell division forming an abscission zone, activation of the cytoplasm of zone cells, dissolution of the middle lamella, disorganization of fibrillar wall structure, and cell separation. A slightly different pattern of abscission zone development was observed for ethylene-treated explants of the parent, mainly with respect to features of cell division and cell enlargement. In Abs no abscission occurred for any abscission sites under conditions of natural senescence or with ethylene treatment of small shoot explants. However, relatively normal abscission zones were differentiated at all sites in the mutant except that extensive cell wall disorganization did not occur. Ethylene production by leaves or other organs of the mutant was no different from that of Danja. Application of copper salts or hydrogen peroxide, droughting, waterlogging, or application of abscisic acid (ABA) increased ethylene production equally in both genotypes but did not result in abscission in the mutant. Release of root cap border cells, the only other cell separation process examined, was similar in each genotype. The study concludes that the mutation is quite specific to the abscission process and may be due to a lack of or delay in the expression of hydrolytic enzyme(s) associated specifically with abscission zone differentiation and separation.

Journal Article↗

Root responses to soil physical conditions; growth dynamics from field to cell.

Root growth in the field is often slowed by a combination of soil physical stresses, including mechanical impedance, water stress, and oxygen deficiency. The stresses operating may vary continually, depending on the location of the root in the soil profile, the prevailing soil water conditions, and the degree to which the soil has been compacted. The dynamics of root growth responses are considered in this paper, together with the cellular responses that underlie them. Certain root responses facilitate elongation in hard soil, for example, increased sloughing of border cells and exudation from the root cap decreases friction; and thickening of the root relieves stress in front of the root apex and decreases buckling. Whole root systems may also grow preferentially in loose versus dense soil, but this response depends on genotype and the spatial arrangement of loose and compact soil with respect to the main root axes. Decreased root elongation is often accompanied by a decrease in both cell flux and axial cell extension, and recent computer-based models are increasing our understanding of these processes. In the case of mechanical impedance, large changes in cell shape occur, giving rise to shorter fatter cells. There is still uncertainty about many aspects of this response, including the changes in cell walls that control axial versus radial extension, and the degree to which the epidermis, cortex, and stele control root elongation. Optical flow techniques enable tracking of root surfaces with time to yield estimates of two-dimensional velocity fields. It is demonstrated that these techniques can be applied successfully to time-lapse sequences of confocal microscope images of living roots, in order to determine velocity fields and strain rates of groups of cells. In combination with new molecular approaches this provides a promising way of investigating and modelling the mechanisms controlling growth perturbations in response to environmental stresses.

Acclimatization↗

Copper phytoavailability and uptake by Elsholtzia splendens from contaminated soil as affected by soil amendments.

Pot and field experiments were conducted to evaluate bioavailability of Cu in contaminated paddy soil (PS) and phytoremediation potential by Elsholtzia splendens as affected by soil amendments. The results from pot experiment showed that organic manure (M) applied to the PS not only remarkably raised the H2O exchangeable Cu, which were mainly due to the increased exchangeable and organic fractions of Cu in the PS by M, but also stimulated plant growth and Cu accumulation in E. splendens. At M application rate of 5.0%, shoot Cu concentration in the plant increased by four times grown on the PS, so as to the elevated shoot Cu accumulation by three times as compared to the control. In the field trial, soil amendments by M and furnace slag (F), and soil preparations like soil capping (S) and soil discing (D) were performed in the PS. Soil capping and discing considerably declined total Cu in the PS. Application of M solely or together with F enhanced plant growth and increased H2O exchangeable Cu levels in the soil. The increased extractability of Cu in the rhizosphere of E. splendens was noted, which may have mainly attributed to the rhizospheric acidification and chelation by dissolved organic matter (DOM), thus resulting in elevating Cu uptake and accumulation by E. splendens. Amendments with organic manure plus furnace slag (MF) to the PS caused the highest exactable Cu with saturated H2O in the rhizospheric soil of E. splendens after they were grown for 170 days in the PS, thus achieving 1.74 kg Cu ha(-1) removal from the contaminated soil by the whole plant of E. splendens at one season, which is higher than those of the other soil treatments. The results indicated that application of organic manure at a proper rate could enhance Cu bioavailability and increase effectiveness of Cu phytoextraction from the contaminated soil by the metal-tolerant and accumulating plant species (E. splendens).

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Effects of experimental conditions on mycorrhizal relationships between Pinus sylvestris and Lactarius deliciosus and unprecedented fruit-body formation of the Saffron milk cap under controlled soilless conditions.

The mycorrhizal relationships between pines and two edible species of Lactarius sect. Dapetes were investigated by optimizing the experimental conditions of mycelial growth and of mycorrhizal colonization of pine seedlings. In vitro mycelial growth of Lactarius deliciosus and L. sanguifluus was improved on a buffered medium containing glucose, amino acids, and vitamins. Two methods of mycorrhization of pines with Lactarius deliciosus were tested. The mycorrhizal colonization was rapid and intense under non-aseptic conditions with a low nutrient supply and without exogenous glucose. A positive influence of mycorrhizal colonization on Pinus sylvestris growth was subsequently observed. Under axenic conditions and with a high nutrient supply, mycorrhization was stimulated at 10 g/L of exogenous glucose, irrespective of the phosphorus concentration. At high phosphorus level (1 mM) and 0.1, 1.0, or 10.0 g/L glucose, growth of Pinus sylvestris was reduced by inoculation. Stability and development of Pinus spp./Lactarius deliciosus symbioses were assayed in a climatic chamber using containers filled with a synthetic substrate. Over a 2-year culture period, the root systems of the pine seedlings were heavily colonized by Lactarius deliciosus. One year following inoculation, Lactarius deliciosus fruit-body primordia appeared associated with Pinus sylvestris seedlings. Six months later, two mature basidiomata were obtained. This is the first report of soilless fruit-body formation of this edible mushroom.

Basidiomycota↗

Columella cells revisited: novel structures, novel properties, and a novel gravisensing model.

A hundred years of research has not produced a clear understanding of the mechanism that transduces the energy associated with the sedimentation of starch-filled amyloplast statoliths in root cap columella cells into a growth response. Most models postulate that the statoliths interact with microfilaments (MF) to transmit signals to the plasma membrane (or ER), or that sedimentation onto these organelles produces the signals. However, no direct evidence for statolith-MF links has been reported, and no asymmetric structures of columella cells have been identified that might explain how a root turned by 90 degrees knows which side is up. To address these and other questions, we have (1) quantitatively examined the effects of microgravity on the size, number, and spatial distribution of statoliths; (2) re-evaluated the ultrastructure of columella cells in high-pressure frozen/freeze-substituted roots; and (3) followed the sedimentation dynamics of statolith movements in reoriented root tips. The findings have led to the formulation of a new model for the gravity-sensing apparatus of roots, which envisages the cytoplasm pervaded by an actin-based cytoskeletal network. This network is denser in the ER-devoid central region of the cell than in the ER-rich cell cortex and is coupled to receptors in the plasma membrane. Statolith sedimentation is postulated to disrupt the network and its links to receptors in some regions of the cell cortex, while allowing them to reform in other regions and thereby produce a directional signal.

Endoplasmic Reticulum↗

Translation and characterization of poly(A)-lacking RNA from lupin root nodules.

Total polysomal RNA from yellow lupin root nodules was fractionated by double oligo(dT)-cellulose chromatography. Poly(A)-containing and poly(A)-lacking RNA fractions showed considerable messenger activity in wheat germ and rabbit reticulocyte cell-free systems. The sizing of poly(A)-lacking RNA on sucrose-density gradient gives rise to separation of 14S mRNA from 22-24S mRNA species. A single polypeptide with molecular weight of 22,000 was coded for by 14S mRNA, while two polypeptides with an apparent mol. wt. of 90,000 and 87,000 were the main products of 22-24S mRNA fraction. High concentrations of unfractionated poly(A)-lacking RNA as well as the addition of poly(A) led to preferential synthesis of the 22,000 product. Preliminary results suggest the presence of m7GpppX cap structure at 5' terminus of the separated 14S and 22-24S mRNA species. This comes from the competition experiments with m7GMP and m7GTP as well as from the fact that the poly(A)-lacking RNA preparation was susceptible to methylation by methyl-transferase from vaccinia virus (methylated is the 2'-O-nucleotide adjacent to 7-methylguanosine). Digestion by T1 RNAase of methylated poly(A)-lacking RNA produced two short 5'-terminal oligonucleotides 10 and 17 nucleotides in length.

Cell-Free System↗

Celery allergy confirmed by double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge: a clinical study in 32 subjects with a history of adverse reactions to celery root.

BACKGROUND: Celery root is a frequent cause of food allergy in pollen-sensitized patients. Because of problems in blinding challenges with fresh vegetables and the risk of anaphylactic reactions, no double-blind, placebo-controlled, food challenges (DBPCFCs) with celery have been published so far. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to confirm the clinical relevance of celery as a food allergen by DBPCFCs and to evaluate current diagnostic procedures in patients with true allergy. METHODS: DBPCFCs were performed in 32 patients with a history of an allergic reaction to celery. The patients underwent skin prick tests (SPTs) with celery extracts, crude celery, and different pollen extracts. Specific IgE for celery was determined by using the CAP method. RESULTS: Twenty-two of 32 patients had a positive DBPCFC result. Two patients reacted to placebo, and 8 patients did not respond to the challenge. Of the nonresponders, 4 reacted to an open provocation with celery. The sensitivity of CAP determination for specific IgE (> or =0.7 kU/L) to celery in patients with a positive DBPCFC result was 73%, 48% to 86% for SPTs (> or =3 mm) with commercial extracts, and 96% for prick-to-prick tests with crude celery. The positive predictive value of the SPT and CAP tests was between 87% and 96%, whereas the specificity and negative predictive values were poor. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the importance of celery as a food allergen for use in DBPCFCs. The SPT and CAP methods proved to be reliable for the diagnosis of a relevant allergy to celery in regard to sensitivity and positive predictive value but not to specificity and negative predictive value.

Administration, Oral↗

Nodal endoplasmic reticulum, a specialized form of endoplasmic reticulum found in gravity-sensing root tip columella cells.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of columella root cap cells has been postulated to play a role in gravity sensing. We have re-examined the ultrastructure of columella cells in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) root tips preserved by high-pressure freezing/freeze-substitution techniques to gain more precise information about the organization of the ER in such cells. The most notable findings are: the identification of a specialized form of ER, termed "nodal ER," which is found exclusively in columella cells; the demonstration that the bulk of the ER is organized in the form of a tubular network that is confined to a peripheral layer under the plasma membrane; and the discovery that this ER-rich peripheral region excludes Golgi stacks, vacuoles, and amyloplasts but not mitochondria. Nodal ER domains consist of an approximately 100-nm-diameter central rod composed of oblong subunits to which usually seven sheets of rough ER are attached along their margins. These domains form patches at the interface between the peripheral ER network and the ER-free central region of the cells, and they occupy defined positions within central and flanking columella cells. Over one-half of the nodal ER domains are located along the outer tangential walls of the flanking cells. Cytochalasin D and latrunculin A cause an increase in size and a decrease in numbers of nodal ER domains. We postulate that the nodal ER membranes locally modulate the gravisensing signals produced by the sedimenting amyloplasts, and that the confinement of all ER membranes to the cell periphery serves to enhance the sedimentability of the amyloplasts in the central region of columella cells.

Endoplasmic Reticulum↗

Lentil root statoliths reach a stable state in microgravity.

The kinetics of the movement of statoliths in gravity-perceiving root cap cells of Lens culinaris L. and the force responsible for it have been analysed under 1 g and under microgravity conditions (S/MM-03 mission of Spacehab 1996). At the beginning of the experiment in space, the amyloplasts were grouped at the distal pole of the statocytes by a root-tip-directed 1-g centrifugal acceleration. The seedlings were then placed in microgravity for increasing periods of time (13, 29, 46 or 122 min) and chemically fixed. During the first 29 min of microgravity there were local displacements (mean velocity: 0.154 microm min(-1)) of some amyloplasts (first at the front of the group and then at the rear). Nevertheless, the group of amyloplasts tended to reconstitute. After 122 min in microgravity the bulk of amyloplasts had almost reached the proximal pole where further movement was blocked by the nucleus. After a longer period in microgravity (4 h; experiment carried out 1994 during the IML 2 mission) the statoliths reached a stable position due to the fact that they were stopped by the nucleus. The position was similar to that observed in roots grown continuously in microgravity. Treatment with cytochalasin D (CD) did not stop the movement of the amyloplasts but slowed down the velocity of their displacement (0.019 microm min(-1)). Initial movement patterns were the same as in control roots in water. Comparisons of mean velocities of amyloplast movements in roots in space and in inverted roots on earth showed that the force responsible for the movement in microgravity (Fc) was about 86% less (Fc = 0.016 pN) than the gravity force (Fg = 0.11 pN). Treatment with CD reduced Fc by two-thirds. The apparent viscosity of the statocyte cytoplasm was found to be 1 Pa s or 3.3 Pa s for control roots or CD treated roots, respectively. Brownian motion or elastic forces due to endoplasmic reticulum membranes do not cause the movement of the amyloplasts in microgravity. It is concluded that the force transporting the statoliths is caused by the actomyosin system.

Fabaceae↗

Both 5' and 3' sequences of maize adh1 mRNA are required for enhanced translation under low-oxygen conditions.

Alcohol dehydrogenase-1 (ADH1) synthesis in O2-deprived roots of maize (Zea mays L.) results from induced transcription and selective translation of ADH1 mRNA. The effect of ADH1 mRNA sequences on message stability and translation was studied in protoplasts of the maize cell line P3377.5' capped and 3' polyadenylated mRNA constructs containing the firefly gene (luc) for luciferase (LUC) or the Escherichia coli gene (uidA) for beta-glucuronidase (GUS) coding region were synthesized in vitro and electroporated into protoplasts that were cultured at 40 or 5% O2. A LUC mRNA with a 17-nucleotide polylinker 5' untranslated region (UTR) was expressed 10-fold higher under aerobic conditions than under hypoxic conditions. Expression of five chimeric ADH1-GUS mRNAs was measured relative to this LUC mRNA. An mRNA containing the 5'-UTR and the first 18 codons of adh1 in a translational fusion with the GUS coding region and followed by the 3'-UTR of adh1 was expressed 57-fold higher at 5% O2. Progressive deletion of adh1 5'-UTR and coding sequences reduced expression of the GUS-mRNA at 5% O2, but had little impact on expression of 40% O2. Enhancement of expression in hypoxic protoplasts conferred by the adh1 5'-UTR and the first 26 codons decreased more than 3-fold when the adh1 3'-UTR was removed. In addition, the adh1 3'-UTR slightly inhibited expression in aerobic protoplasts. The physical half-lives of the GUS and LUC mRNAs were similar under both anaerobic and hypoxic conditions, indicating that expression levels were largely independent of mRNA stability. Thus, both adh1 5' and 3' mRNA sequences are required for enhanced translation in protoplasts under O2 deprivation.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗

Characteristic and differential calcium signals from cell structures of the root cap detected by energy-filtering electron microscopy (EELS/ESI).

Characteristic calcium signals were analyzed in structures of three cell types of the root cap of cress: statocytes, meristematic cells and secretion cells. Twenty-four hour-old roots were fixed with glutaraldehyde (postfixed with osmiate/potassium bichromate) or with potassium permanganate. No visible precipitates were formed, but calcium signals typical for different cell structures could be detected by means of energy-filtering transmission electron microscopy (EELS/ESI). In statocytes, calcium signals were recorded from the plasma membrane, the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, the amyloplast envelope and the mitochondrial membranes. In contrast to the excitable statocytes, the two other, non-excitable cell types, meristematic and secretion cells, exhibited much lower intensities of the calcium signals recorded from the same membrane systems. The revealed characteristic calcium-related properties of the different membrane systems may be related to the special function of statocytes, namely transduction of the gravity stimulus. In all three cell types, additional calcium signals were recorded from cell structures with well known calcium contents, i.e., mitochondrial granules, starch grains and cell walls. For the first time, clear calcium signals were detected from the lipid bodies which are mobilized during the developmental stage of the examined roots. It is supposed that free fatty acids and lipases are the binding sites for calcium. The reliability of the applied method is especially proven by comparison of the electron microscopic images from lipid bodies according to the two different fixation methods. After glutaraldehyde fixation followed by osmiate/potassium bichromate postfixation, the lipid bodies were well fixed and appeared homogeneously grey with homogeneous calcium signals. However, due to potassium permanganate fixation the lipid bodies were only partly fixed; they had an electron-lucid core, from which the lipids are lost during the dehydration procedure, without calcium signals and an electron-dense border zone, which is a reaction product of potassium permanganate with triacylglycerols, with calcium signals.

Calcium↗

High-resolution mapping and chromosome landing at the root-know nematode resistance locus Ma from Myrobalan plum using a large-insert BAC DNA library.

The Ma gene for root-knot nematode (RKN)resistance from Myrobalan plum (Prunus cerasifera L.)confers a complete-spectrum and a heat-stable resistance to Meloidogvne spp., conversely to Mi-I from tomato,which has a more restricted spectrum and a reduced efficiency at high temperature. This gene was identified from a perennial self-incompatible near-wild rootstock species and lies in cosegregation with the SCAR marker SCAFLP2 on the Prunus linkage group 7 in a 2.3 cM interval between the SCAR SCAL19 and SSR pchgms6 markers. We initiated a map-based cloning of Ma and report here the strategy that rapidly led to fine mapping and direct chromosome landing at the locus. Three pairs of bulks, totaling 90 individuals from half-sibling progenies derived from the Ma-heterozygous resistant accession P.2175, were constructed using mapping data, and saturation of the Ma region was performed by bulked segregant analysis (BSA) of 320 AFLP primer pair combinations. The closest three AFLP markers were transformed into codominant SCARs or CAPS designatedSCAFLP3, SCAFLP4 and SCAFLP5. By completing the mapping population up to 1,332 offspring from P.2175,Ma and SCAFLP2 were mapped in a 0.8 cM interval between SCAFLP3 and SCAFLP4. A large-insert bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) DNA library of P.2175,totaling 30,720 clones with a mean insert size of 145 kb and a 14-15x Prunus haploid genome coverage was constructed and used to land on the Ma spanning interval with few BAC clones. As P.2175 is heterozygous for the gene, we constructed the resistant and susceptible physical contigs by PCR screening of the library with codominant markers. Additional microsatellite markers were then designed from BAC subcloning or BAC end sequencing. In the resistant contig, a single 280 kb BAC clone was shown to carry the Ma gene; this BAC contains two flanking markers on each side of the gene as well as two cosegregating markers. These results should allow future cloning of the Ma gene in this perennial species.

Animals↗