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PubMedDate not supplied

The fatty acids available to wild herbivores from indigenous plants is dependent on both plant species and season.

Considerable evidence shows dietary nutrient variation of human foods, but little data is available for wild animals. Plants are known to be low in total lipid, thus limiting essential fatty acid availability to herbivores. The fatty acid profiles of a range of indigenous Southern African plants were examined. Significant differences were detected, both between species, and within species according to season. No differences related to geographical location were detectable.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1989

[Therapeutics using plants: medications based on plants].

There has been renewed interest in the age-old practice of using plants to treat disease. The general public prefers to emphasize the side effects of modern drugs rather than consider the efficacy of the revolutionary changes in therapeutics over the past forty years. So the need to implement protective measures to prevent the uncontrolled use of herbal remedies is being discussed throughout Europe. It is impossible to confirm whether the suggested plants are just placebos but even if they were, the need for the doctor to resort to this form of therapy must be stressed because of its unquestionable success rate. However, it is vital that the doctor's and perhaps public education allow the precise recognition of cases in which this form of treatment should be formally prohibited.

Europe↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Regeneration of plants from tobacco protoplasts and some factors affecting the plant differentiation.

Protoplasts were isolated from the cell suspension culture derived from leaf and stem calli of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Ko Hsin No. 1) haploid pollen-plants. After 12 hr in the liquid culture medium, the protoplasts became oval-shaped, and produced a new cell wall. The first division of the newly formed cells was completed after 24 hr in culture. After 4 weeks in culture, the yellowish calli reached 1 mm in size were then transferred to an auxophyton. 18 days later, the calli became 3-4 mm in size. After the calli were transferred to a differentiation culture medium, shoots and roots soon turned up. Regeneration of whole plants was obtained thereafter. The division and differentiation of regenerated cells were affected not only by the calli originated from different organs and their, age, but also by the basic components of the differentiation culture medium and the type of cytokinin used.

Cell Differentiation↗
PubMed2005

Efficient plant regeneration protocol through callus for Saussurea obvallata (DC.) Edgew. (Asteraceae): effect of explant type, age and plant growth regulators.

A callus induction and in vitro plantlet regeneration system for the endangered state flower of Uttaranchal (Saussurea obvallata) was optimized by studying the influence of explant type (root, hypocotyl, cotyledon and leaf), age and different concentrations of plant growth regulators. Explants from 10 to 15-day-old seedlings showed maximum callus induction. Callus formation and shoot differentiation was initiated on Murashige-Skoog (MS) medium containing 6-benzyladenine (BA) and alpha-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) in all explant types. The best results were obtained using leaf explants: 100% callusing was achieved in MS medium supplemented with 2.5 microM BA and 1.0 microM NAA, and 100% differentiation along with a multiplication rate of 12 shoots per explant with a combination of 5.0 microM BA and 1.0 microM NAA. However, the results reflected the existence of high inter-explant variability in response to growth regulators. In vitro rooting of shoots was achieved at an efficiency of 100% in one-half strength MS medium supplemented with 2.5 microM indole-3-butyric acid. Application of this protocol has potential for mass multiplication of the target species in a limited time period.

Adenine↗
PubMed2004

A plant orthologue of RNase L inhibitor (RLI) is induced in plants showing RNA interference.

RNase L inhibitors (RLIs) correspond to a group of soluble proteins from the large ATP binding cassette (ABC) family of proteins. Structurally, RLIs have an N-terminal Fe-S domain and two nucleotide binding domains. Orthologous RLI sequences with more than 48% identity have been found from Archea to Eukaryota, but have not as yet been identified in Eubacteria. Some organisms, like Arabidopsis thaliana and human, have paralogous genes with differential expression patterns, the function of which remains to be determined. Expression of Arabidopsis RLI2 was slightly increased in transgenic plants showing RNA interference, suggesting a role in this pathway.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗
PubMed2026

Plant nitrogen nutrition: enhancing plant resilience to abiotic stresses.

Nitrogen (N) is not only an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development but also functions as a pivotal signaling molecule that orchestrates adaptive responses to various abiotic stresses, including acidic stress, aluminum toxicity, salinity, drought, and extreme temperatures. This review synthesizes recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which N signaling, mediated by different N forms (e.g., NH4+ and NO3-), integrates with core stress-response pathways. We specifically discuss the genetic crosstalk between N sensing and key signaling cascades, including abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, the salt overly sensitive (SOS) pathway, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. The review details how this integration modulates physiological and transcriptional reprogramming through central regulators such as NIN-like proteins (NLPs), calcineurin B-like protein (CBL)-interacting protein kinase (CIPK), and the target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase, ultimately optimizing the trade-off between growth and tolerance. By establishing a unified genetic and molecular framework, this review aims to provide a theoretical basis for developing novel strategies in precision N management and molecular breeding to synergistically enhance N use efficiency (NUE) and abiotic stress tolerance in crops.

Nitrogen↗
PubMed1998

Activation of hsr203, a plant gene expressed during incompatible plant-pathogen interactions, is correlated with programmed cell death.

hsr203J is a tobacco gene whose activation is rapid, highly localized, and specific for incompatible interactions between tobacco and the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. The effect of other hypersensitive response (HR)-inducing pathogens and elicitors has been tested with transgenic plants containing the hsr203J promoter-GUS reporter gene fusion, and confirms the generality of the preferential inducibility of the hsr203J gene promoter during incompatible interactions: bacterial and viral pathogens inducing an HR in tobacco were able to induce the promoter fusion, as were inducers of HR-like responses such as harpin, elicitins, and PopA1 proteins. A tomato hsr203 homologous cDNA was isolated (Lehsr203) and used to examine the effect of avr gene products on the expression of such genes. Lehsr203 was shown to be rapidly and transiently induced in leaves of the tomato Cf-9 line, following Avr9 product infiltration, but not in those of the Cf-0 line. Among potential effectors of HR or resistance such as H2O2, salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, and 2,6-dichloro-isonicotinic acid (INA), none is able to induce a significant increase in promoter activation. In contrast, heavy metals that cause leaf necrosis can trigger such an activation. In addition, hsr203-GUS fusion expression is detected in transgenic tobacco lines expressing the bO gene and exhibiting spontaneous HR-like lesions. Taken together, these results demonstrate a strong correlation between hsr203 and genetically controlled cell death in tobacco and tomato. The expression of this gene should be a useful marker for programmed cell death occurring in response not only to diverse pathogens, but also to diverse death-triggering extracellular agents.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2002

Nature and evolution of B chromosomes in plants: A non-coding but information-rich part of plant genomes.

This work reviews recent advances providing insights on the origin and evolution of B chromosomes (Bs) in representative plant species. Brachyome dichromosomatica has large and micro Bs. Both carry an inactive ribosomal gene cluster. The large Bs contain the B-specific Bd49 family, mainly located at the centromere. Multiple copies are present in the A chromosomes (As) of related species, whereas only a few copies exist in B. dichromosomatica As. The micro Bs share sequences with the As, the large Bs and have the B-specific repeats Bdm29 and Bdm54. It seems that the large and micro Bs are related in origin. It is very unlikely that the Bs originated by simple excision from the As. Rye Bs are composed of sequences predominantly shared with the As. B-specific sequences are located at the heterochromatic end of the long arm. Probably, they originated from the As after many rearrangements, with a tendency for duplication. The E3900 family derives from a Ty3 gypsy retrotransposon, but the D1100 family shows no evidence of genic origin. The overall composition of maize As and Bs is similar suggesting a common origin. Several B-specific sequences have been found, the most studied being pZmBs, which is located at the B centromere. It shows partial homology to the centromere of chromosome 4 and to the knobs. It is not known whether the B centromere derives from centromere 4, or whether both have a more distant common origin. The dynamics of Bs in populations depends on their non-Mendelian mechanisms of transmission, their effects on carrier fitness and on A genes modulating their parasitic properties. Three representative examples are reviewed. The Bs of Allium schoenoprassum are transmitted at a mean lower than Mendelian and adversely affect vigour and fertility. However, there is a differential selection operating in favour of B-containing seedlings. Rye Bs undergo strong drive, which is counteracted by harmful effects on fertility and instabilities at meiosis. Both nondisjunction and meiotic behaviour, and consequently the establishment of B polymorphisms, mainly depend on the Bs themselves. B nondisjunction in maize is controlled by the B, but the As control preferential fertilisation. Considering the non-equilibrium model, the Bs of Allium seem to have been neutralised by the A genome, the As of maize provide defence against B attack, whereas the Bs of rye are only slightly neutralized.

Biological Evolution↗
PubMed1986

Production of plant secondary metabolites without plants: a perspective.

Efforts to commercially exploit native plant secondary metabolite production patterns in cell culture systems have been largely thwarted by the repression of secondary metabolism under growth-oriented culture conditions. Where expression can be obtained by selection or elicitation, the difficulties of large scale cultivation/processing still make the cost effectiveness of cell culture systems dubious except where a very high value market niche can be identified. The long range prospect for efficiently utilizing the catalytic genius of higher plants resides in the transfer of appropriate genetic information to microbial systems for whom the fermentation expertise and industrial facilities already exist.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

The crystal structure of plant sulfite oxidase provides insights into sulfite oxidation in plants and animals.

The molybdenum cofactor (Moco) containing sulfite oxidase (SO) from Arabidopsis thaliana has recently been identified and biochemically characterized. The enzyme is found in peroxisomes and believed to detoxify excess sulfite that is produced during sulfur assimilation, or due to air pollution. Plant SO (PSO) is homodimeric and homologous to animal SO, but contains only a single Moco domain without an additional redox center. Here, we present the first crystal structure of a plant Moco enzyme, the apo-state of Arabidopsis SO at 2.6 A resolution. The overall fold and coordination of the Moco are similar to chicken SO (CSO). Comparisons of conserved surface residues and the charge distribution in PSO and CSO reveal major differences near the entrance to both active sites reflecting different electron acceptors. Arg374 has been identified as an important substrate binding residue due to its conformational change when compared to the sulfate bound structure of CSO.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2007

Similar serum plant sterol responses of human subjects heterozygous for a mutation causing sitosterolemia and controls to diets enriched in plant sterols or stanols.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the serum phytosterol responses of heterozygous relatives of sitosterolemia patients to diets enriched in phytosterols or stanols. DESIGN: Randomized double-blind crossover design. SETTING: Muenster, Germany. SUBJECTS: Eight heterozygous and 13 control subjects were recruited. One heterozygote and three controls dropped out. INTERVENTIONS: Seven heterozygotes and 10 controls received daily portions of margarine containing 2 g of plant sterols, 2 g of stanols or a control margarine for 6 weeks each in a randomized order. These phases were intercepted by wash-out periods of 6 weeks each. RESULTS: Compared to the control period, serum phytosterol concentrations increased overall by more than 20% when subjects consumed the plant sterol margarine (F((1,15))=8.719, P=0.01), with no significant difference between heterozygotes (mean +14.5 (s.d. 17.2) micromol/l, +23.0%) and controls (+4.9 (9.9) micromol/l, +20.5%; F((1,15))=2.168, P=0.162), but decreased when subjects consumed the stanol-enriched margarine (F((1,15))=12.124, P=0.003), again to a similar extent in heterozygotes (-34.2 (41.2) micromol/l, -54.2%) and controls (-12.2 (9.2) micromol/l, -50.6%; F((1,15))=2.729, P=0.119). The lowest total serum concentrations of cholesterol and phytosterols were seen after the diet enriched in stanols. Serum stanol concentrations increased on this diet, but on a very low level and never exceeded 0.05% of serum cholesterol levels in any subject. CONCLUSIONS: Serum phytosterol concentrations increased only moderately in heterozygotes consuming a diet enriched in phytosterols, indicating that they retained considerable capacity to excrete phytosterols even at higher intakes.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Genetic isolation between two sympatric host plant races of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner. II: assortative mating and host-plant preferences for oviposition.

The European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner, colonized maize (Zea mays L.) after its introduction into Europe about 500 years ago and is now considered one of the main pests of this crop. In northern France, two sympatric host races have been described: one feeding on maize and the other on mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) and hop (Humulus lupulus L.). In a previous study, we showed that mating between the two races may be impeded by differences in the timing of moth emergence and in the composition of the sex pheromone produced by the females. In this study, we further investigated the genetic isolation of these two races using strains from the maize (Z strain) and mugwort (E strain) races selected for diagnostic alleles at two allozyme loci. In a cage containing maize and mugwort plants and located in natural conditions, mating between individuals of the same strain occurred more often than mating between males and females of the E and Z strains. In particular, we obtained no evidence for crosses between Z females and E males. We also found that females of the Z strain laid their eggs almost exclusively on maize, whereas females of the E strain laid their eggs preferentially, but not exclusively, on mugwort. These results suggest that the genetic differentiation between the two host races may also be favored by host-plant preference, one of the first steps toward sympatric speciation.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Endothelium-dependent vasodilatory effect of vitisin C, a novel plant oligostilbene from Vitis plants (Vitaceae), in rabbit aorta.

We investigated the pharmacological properties of vitisin C, a novel plant oligostilbene from Vitis plants. Vitisin C (1-10 microM) dose-dependently inhibited the contractile responses of endothelium-intact rabbit thoracic aorta induced by phenylephrine (1 microM). These inhibitory effects were abolished in the presence of N (G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 300 microM), a potent inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, but not atropine (1 microM), a non-selective muscarinic cholinoceptor antagonist. In endothelium-denuded rabbit aorta, vitisin C was ineffective in attenuating phenylephrine-induced contraction. Moreover, vitisin C (10 microM) increased cGMP production in endothelium-intact, but not endothelium-denuded, aorta, and this increase was abolished in the presence of L-NAME (300 microM). To assess Ca(2+) movement across the endothelial cell membrane induced by vitisin C, we further investigated (45)Ca(2+) influx into cultured rabbit aortic endothelial cells in the presence of vitisin C (3 microM), carbachol (1 microM) or A23187 (10 nM). Vitisin C and carbachol significantly enhanced (45)Ca(2+) influx, which was inhibited by nifedipine (10 microM), a blocker of L-type Ca(2+) channels. In the presence of SK&F96365, a blocker of receptor-operated Ca(2+) channels, (45)Ca(2+) influx induced by carbachol was significantly inhibited, whereas that induced by vitisin C was not affected. On the other hand, A23187 enhanced (45)Ca(2+) influx in the presence and absence of nifedipine and SK&F96365. These results suggest that vitisin C evokes endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation through enhancing nitric oxide release, which is facilitated by Ca(2+) influx into endothelial cells via nifedipine-sensitive Ca(2+) channels.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Antigens produced in plants by infection with chimeric plant viruses immunize against rabies virus and HIV-1.

The coat protein (CP) of alfalfa mosaic virus was used as a carrier molecule to express antigenic peptides from rabies virus and HIV. The antigens were separately cloned into the reading frame of alfalfa mosaic virus CP and placed under the control of the subgenomic promoter of tobacco mosaic virus CP in the 30BRz vector. The in vitro transcripts of recombinant virus with sequences encoding the antigenic peptides were synthesized from DNA constructs and used to inoculate tobacco plants. The plant-produced protein (virus particles) was purified and used for immunization of mice. Both antigens elicited specific virus-neutralizing antibodies in immunized mice.

AIDS Vaccines↗
PubMed1998

Oxygen Requirement and Inhibition of C4 Photosynthesis. An analysis of c4 plants deficient in the c3 and c4 cycles An Analysis of C4 Plants Deficient in the C3 and C4 Cycles

The basis for O2 sensitivity of C4 photosynthesis was evaluated using a C4-cycle-limited mutant of Amaranthus edulis (a phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase-deficient mutant), and a C3-cycle-limited transformant of Flaveria bidentis (an antisense ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase [Rubisco] small subunit transformant). Data obtained with the C4-cycle-limited mutant showed that atmospheric levels of O2 (20 kPa) caused increased inhibition of photosynthesis as a result of higher levels of photorespiration. The optimal O2 partial pressure for photosynthesis was reduced from approximately 5 kPa O2 to 1 to 2 kPa O2, becoming similar to that of C3 plants. Therefore, the higher O2 requirement for optimal C4 photosynthesis is specifically associated with the C4 function. With the Rubisco-limited F. bidentis, there was less inhibition of photosynthesis by supraoptimal levels of O2 than in the wild type. When CO2 fixation by Rubisco is limited, an increase in the CO2 concentration in bundle-sheath cells via the C4 cycle may further reduce the oxygenase activity of Rubisco and decrease the inhibition of photosynthesis by high partial pressures of O2 while increasing CO2 leakage and overcycling of the C4 pathway. These results indicate that in C4 plants the investment in the C3 and C4 cycles must be balanced for maximum efficiency.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1978

Nickel in Plants: II. Distribution and Chemical Form in Soybean Plants.

The gross tissue distribution, intracellular fate, and chemical behavior of Ni(2+) in soybean plants (Glycine max cv. Williams) were investigated. Following root absorption, Ni was highly mobile in the plant, with leaves being the major sink in the shoots for Ni during vegetative growth. A senescence >70% of the Ni present in the shoot was remobilized to seeds. Fractionation of root and leaf tissues showed >90% of the Ni to be associated with the soluble fraction of tissues; ultrafiltration of the solubles showed >77% of the Ni to be associated with the 10,000 to 500 molecular weight components of both roots and leaves. Chemical characterization of the soluble components (10,000 to 500 and >500 molecular weight) by thin layer chromatography and electrophoresis resolved a number of Ni-containing organic complexes. Major Ni-containing components formed in the root are transported in the xylem stream, and undergo partial modification on deposition in leaves. Nickel accumulated in seeds is primarily associated with the cotyledons. Chemical fractionation of cotyledon components showed 80% of the Ni to be associated with the soluble whey fraction, while 70% of this fraction was composed of Ni-containing components with molecular weight <10,000.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1979

Cell Surfaces in Plant-Microorganism Interactions: II. Evidence for the Accumulation of Hydroxyproline-rich Glycoproteins in the Cell Wall of Diseased Plants as a Defense Mechanism.

Enrichment of the cell wall in hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein is involved in the defense of muskmelon (Cucumis melo) seedlings to Colletotrichum lagenarium, the causative agent of anthracnose. The extent to which this accumulation proceeds may be experimentally modified by treating plants with ethylene or growing them in the presence of free l-trans-hydroxyproline. It appears that the increase in the wall hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein mediated through ethylene is paralleled by an increasing resistance of the host to the pathogen. Inversely, inhibiting the synthesis of this glycoprotein in diseased plants is strictly correlated to an accelerated and more intense colonization of the host by the pathogen.In both cases, the inverse relationship between the accumulation of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins and the ability of the pathogen to develop in the host has been checked by the quantification, in infected tissues, of glucosamine, a characteristic component of chitin-containing fungi.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1986

Enzymes of Glucose Oxidation in Leaf Tissues : The Distribution of the Enzymes of Glycolysis and the Oxidative Pentose Phosphate Pathway between Epidermal and Mesophyll Tissues of C(3)-Plants and Epidermal, Mesophyll, and Bundle Sheath Tissues of C(4)-Plants.

The distribution of the glycolytic enzymes, phosphofructokinase, aldolase, triosephosphate isomerase, phosphoglycerate kinase, pyruvate kinase, and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway enzymes, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, was determined in the leaf tissues of two C(3)-plants, pea and leek, and two C(4)-plants, maize and sorghum. All enzymes examined were found in epidermal tissue. In pea, maize, and sorghum leaves, the specific activities of these enzymes were usually higher in the nonphotosynthetic epidermal tissue than in the photosynthetic tissues of the leaves. In leek leaves, which were etiolated, specific activities were similar in both epidermal and mesophyll tissue. The distribution of the rate limiting enzymes of glycolysis and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathways probably reflects the capacity of each tissue to generate NADH, NADPH, and ATP from the oxidation of glucose. This capacity appears to be greater in leaf tissues unable to generate reducing equivalents and ATP by photosynthesis, that is, in epidermal tissues and etiolated mesophyll tissue.

Journal Article↗