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Interorgan translocation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic Acid and ethylene coordinates senescence in emasculated cymbidium flowers.

In Cymbidium flowers, emasculation by removal of the pollinia and the anther cap leads within 24 hours to red coloration of the labellum (lip). Lip coloration, being the first sign of senescence in these flowers, has been ascribed to the action of ethylene in the lip. When a small incision in the base of the lip is made prior to emasculation, or when the lip is excised and placed in water within 10 to 15 hours after emasculation, coloration is considerably delayed. This indicates that a coloration-associated factor is moving in or out of the lip. Measurements of ethylene production of excised flower parts, isolated at different times after emasculation, showed an increase only in the central column; the other flower parts, including the lip, did not show a measurable change. In contrast, in situ measurements of the ethylene production of the central column and the remaining portion of the flower revealed a simultaneous increase in all the flower parts following emasculation. Similarly, application of radiolabeled 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) to the top of the central column in situ leads to the production of radiolabeled ethylene by all the flower parts. In addition, the ethylene production of isolated lips, measured immediately after excision, was initially high but ceased within 10 to 15 minutes. Treatment of the central column in situ with ethylene or ethephon did not stimulate ACC production but did stimulate lip coloration and this was accompanied by an increased internal ethylene concentration in the lip. The data indicate that endogenously produced as well as applied ACC is rapidly translocated from the site of production or application to all the other flower parts where it is immediately converted into ethylene. By excision of a flower organ, the influx of ACC is prevented, causing a rapid decrease in ethylene production. In addition, it was found that ethylene may also be translocated in physiologically significant amounts within the flower. The roles of ACC and ethylene as mobile senescence or wilting factors in emasculation- and pollination-induced senescence is discussed.

Journal Article↗

Isolation and physiological characteristics of a premature senescence mutant in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

A rice pse(t) (premature senescence, tentatively) mutant line, was isolated from 4,500 independent T-DNA inserted transgenic lines. The symptoms of premature senescence appeared more severely than those of the control plants (Zhonghua 11, japonica) at the last development stage. To characterize the mutant and provide basic information on the candidate genes by mapping to a physical region of 220-kb, experiments were carried out in two phytotrons under controlled temperature of 24 degrees C and 28 degrees C, respectively. The content of chlorophyll, soluble protein and MDA (malondialdehyde), net photosynthesis, the antioxidant enzyme activities of SOD (superoxide dismuase) (EC 1.15.1.1) and POD (peroxidase) (EC 1.11.1.7) and the peptidase activities of leaves were measured from top to bottom according to the leaf positions at the flowering stage. Compared with the control plant, the mutant showed the following characteristics: (1) Higher net photosynthesis rate (P(n)) appeared in the 1st and 2nd leaves, contents of chlorophyll and soluble protein were also higher in the 1st leaf; (2) The activities of SOD, POD and peptidase were higher according to the leaf position from top to bottom; (3) The symptom of premature senescence was accelerated in the mutant at 28 degrees C treatment. The MDA content and the SOD and POD activities between the 24 degrees C and 28 degrees C treatment mutants were not significantly different. Content of chlorophyll and soluble protein of leaves mutant decreased rapidly at 28 degrees C treatment. The results show that pse(t) is sensitive to high temperature. The probable function of PSE(T) is discussed.

Aging↗

Broom and honeybees in Australia: an alien liaison.

Facilitative interactions between non-indigenous species are gaining recognition as a major driver of invasion success. Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link (Fabaceae), or Scotch broom, is a cosmopolitan invasive shrub that lacks the capacity for vegetative reproduction and is a good model to study facilitative interactions. Its success in pioneer environments is determined by constraints on its reproduction. We determined whether pollinators were required for seed set in C. scoparius at Barrington Tops, NSW, Australia, where the species has infested ca. 14,000 ha across the plateau. Field and laboratory experiments showed that C. scoparius is an obligate outcrossing species at Barrington Tops. Monitoring of plants (10.7 h) showed that the flowers of C. scoparius have to be tripped to effect seed set and the only pollinator to do this was the introduced honeybee, Apis mellifera L. Most floral visits by honeybees result in fruit set (84 %) and because fruits have many ovules (10 - 18 per ovary) a single bee on an average foraging day can effect the production of over 6000 seeds. A review of C. scoparius pollination across four continents revealed major differences in pollen quantity, which may explain differences in the efficiencies of honeybees as pollinators of C. scoparius. The incorporation of pollinator management in an integrated approach for the control of C. scoparius is discussed.

Animals↗

Caffeoyl-coenzyme A 3-O-methyltransferase enzyme activity, protein and transcript accumulation in flax (Linum usitatissimum) stem during development.

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a commercially important fiber crop in Europe. Lignification of its phloem fibers, although weak, causes a decrease in their commercial quality. In flax, fiber lignin mainly consists of guaiacyl (G) units in contrast to the mixed guaiacyl-syringyl (G-S) lignin type occurring in xylem fibers. G lignins are reported as more condensed polymers due to a higher frequency of 5-5 linkages, whereas the deposition of syringyl end groups in lignins increases the proportion of alky-aryl ether linkages as beta-O-4-bonds. The type of linkages within a lignin polymer depends on the methylation of either the 3-hydroxyl groups or both 3-OH and 5-OH groups, which is controlled by two enzymes: caffeate 3-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and caffeoyl-coenzyme A 3-O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT). First, we measured the in vitro activity of both OMTs in the flax stem tissues during stem development. CCoAOMT activity varied in the same way as COMT, i.e. increased gradually with stem maturity, from the top to the bottom of the stem, was maximum at the flowering stage and was lower, but still scorable, in the outer fiber-bearing tissues than in the xylem cells. In a second step, we focused our studies on the characterization of CCoAOMT in order to understand the implication of this enzyme in the lignification of flax fiber cells. CCoAOMT activity appeared to be associated with the accumulation of an acidic 33-kDa polypeptide identified as a CCoAOMT after immunological cross-reactivity with a poplar CCoAOMT and microsequencing. The differential accumulation of the CCoAOMT protein was confirmed by immunolocalization on tissue prints and correlated with that of the transcripts, suggesting a transcriptional regulation of CCoAOMT in the flax stem.

Journal Article↗

Which complementary and alternative therapies benefit which conditions? A survey of the opinions of 223 professional organizations.

UNLABELLED: With the increasing demand and usage of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) by the general public, it is vital that healthcare professionals can make informed decisions when advising or referring their patients who wish to use CAM. Therefore they might benefit from advice by CAM-providers as to which treatment can be recommended for which condition. AIM: The primary aim of this survey was to determine which complementary therapies are believed by their respective representing professional organizations to be suited for which medical conditions. METHOD: 223 questionnaires were sent out to CAM organizations representing a single CAM therapy. The respondents were asked to list the 15 conditions they felt benefited most from their CAM therapy, the 15 most important contra-indications, the typical costs of initial and any subsequent treatments and the average length of training required to become a fully qualified practitioner. The conditions and contra-indications quoted by responding CAM organizations were recorded and the top five of each were determined. Treatment costs and hours of training were expressed as ranges. RESULTS: Of the 223 questionnaires sent out, 66 were completed and returned. Taking undelivered questionnaires into account, the response rate was 34%. Two or more responses were received from CAM organizations representing twelve therapies: aromatherapy, Bach flower remedies, Bowen technique, chiropractic, homoeopathy, hypnotherapy, magnet therapy, massage, nutrition, reflexology, Reiki and yoga. The top seven common conditions deemed to benefit by all twelve therapies, in order of frequency, were: stress/anxiety, headaches/migraine, back pain, respiratory problems (including asthma), insomnia, cardiovascular problems and musculoskeletal problems. Aromatherapy, Bach flower remedies, hypnotherapy, massage, nutrition, reflexology, Reiki and yoga were all recommended as suitable treatments for stress/anxiety. Aromatherapy, Bowen technique, chiropractic, hypnotherapy, massage, nutrition, reflexology, Reiki and yoga were all recommended for headache/migraine. Bowen technique, chiropractic, magnet therapy, massage, reflexology and yoga were recommended for back pain. None of the therapies cost more than ł60 for an initial consultation and treatment. No obvious correlation between length of training and treatment cost was apparent. CONCLUSION: The recommendations by CAM organizations responding to this survey may provide guidance to health care professionals wishing to advise or refer patients interested in using CAM.

Complementary Therapies↗

Biochemical Basis for Partitioning of Photosynthetically Fixed Carbon between Starch and Sucrose in Soybean (Glycine max Merr.) Leaves.

The control of photosynthetic starch/sucrose formation in leaves of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) cultivars was studied in relation to stage of plant development, photosynthetic photoperiod, and nitrogen source. At each sampling, leaf tissue was analyzed for starch content, activities of sucrose-metabolizing enzymes, and labeling of starch and sucrose (by (14)CO(2) assimilation) in isolated cells. In three of the four varieties tested, nodulated plants had lower leaf starch levels and higher activities of sucrose phosphate synthetase (SPS), and isolated mesophyll cells incorporated more carbon (percentage of total (14)CO(2) fixed) into sucrose and less into starch as compared to nonnodulated (nitrate-dependent) plants. The variation among cultivars and nitrogen treatments observed in the activity of SPS in leaf extracts was positively correlated with labeling of sucrose in isolated cells (r = 0.81) and negatively correlated with whole leaf starch content (r = -0.66). The results suggested that increased demand for assimilates by nodulated roots may be accommodated by greater partitioning of carbon into sucrose in the mesophyll cells. We have also confirmed the earlier report (Chatterton, Silvius 1979 Plant Physiol 64: 749-753) that photoperiod affects partitioning of fixed carbon into starch. Within two days of transfer of nodulated soybean Ransom plants from a 14-hour to a 7-hour photoperiod, leaf starch accumulation rates doubled, and this effect was associated with increased labeling of starch and decreased labeling of sucrose in isolated cells. Concurrently, activities of SPS, sucrose synthase, and uridine diphosphatase in leaves were decreased.Four nodulated soybean cultivars were grown to maturity in a greenhouse. Fully expanded leaves at the top of the canopy were sampled during vegetative growth (45 days), at flowering (79 days), and at mid-podfill (120 days). In general, activities of SPS and uridine-5'-diphosphatase were highest during vegetative growth, and they decreased during reproductive development, whereas activity of sucrose synthase and leaf starch content tended to increase. Leaf starch was negatively correlated with levels of SPS (r = -0.71). The results support the postulate that sucrose-P synthetase is a key control point regulating the photosynthetic formation of sucrose, and, hence, starch.

Journal Article↗

Mapping FRI, a locus controlling flowering time and vernalization response in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Two loci FRI (FRIGIDA) and KRY (KRYOPHILA) have previously been identified as having major influences on the flowering time of the late-flowering, vernalization-responsive Arabidopsis ecotype, Stockholm. We report here on the mapping and subsequent analysis of these two loci. FRI was mapped to the top of chromosome 4 between markers w122 and m506, using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Due to lack of segregation in of the late-flowering phenotype under the environmental conditions used, KRY could only be localized, by "subtractive genotyping", to chromosome 5 or part of chromosome 3. The map position of FRI indicates that it is not allelic to any of the late-flowering loci identified by mutagenesis of the early-flowering ecotype Landsberg erecta. The late-flowering phenotype conferred by the Stockholm allele of FRI is modified (towards earlier flowering) by Landsberg erecta alleles at an unknown number of loci, perhaps accounting for the absence of fri mutations among mutant lines recovered in Landsberg erecta.

Alleles↗

[Fine morphological studies on the connective tissue core and the epithelial cells of the lingual papillae in Mogella wogura wogura].

The three-dimensional structure of the connective tissue core (CTC) of each type of lingual papillae of Mogella wogura wogura was studied by scanning electron microscopy after removal of the epithelial cell layer and compared with the results obtained from light microscopy as well as transmission electron microscopy. Filiform papillae are densely distributed on the dorsal surface of the anterior part of the tongue. They were conical in shape and their connective tissue cores (CTCs) resembled wooden spoons at the tip of the tongue, while they were flower-shaped (Lysichiton camtschatense) at the middle part of the tongue. Fungiform papillae which had a round depression on the top were distributed sporadically among the filiform papillae, and contained columnar CTC with several plane striations running longitudinally along the lateral surface. A pair of vallate papillae was located at the boundary between the anterior and posterior tongue. Their CTC were flower shaped closely resembling a carnation. Giant conical papillae occupied the posterior marginal region of the tongue. These papillae contained much smaller conical CTC similar to the outer form. Light and transmission electron microscopic observations of the dorsal lingual epithelium revealed three different regions: anterior region to the filiform papillae, posterior to the papillae and interpapillary region. In the intermediate layers between the germinal layer and the surface layer of the anterior region to the filiform papillae, a large number of keratohyaline granules was observed, but the cornified layer was obscured. In the posterior region, keratohyaline granules were fewer in number and the cornified layer was clear and thick. In the interpapillary region, keratohyaline granules were few and a thin cornified layer was recognized. At higher magnification, small sized keratohyaline granules contained a large number of free ribosomes, suggesting a close relationship between the two. Odland bodies were found only on the interpapillary region.

Animals↗

Characterization of potyviruses from tulip and lily which cause flower-breaking.

Five viruses causing colour-breaking of tulip flowers were isolated from tulips and lilies. Tulip-breaking virus (TBV), tulip top-breaking virus (TTBV), tulip band-breaking virus, Rembrandt tulip-breaking virus and lily mottle virus were all characterized as potyviruses by serology and potyvirus-specific PCR. Sequence analysis of amplified DNA fragments spanning a conserved area of the coat protein cistron of potyviruses was performed in order to classify the isolates as distinct viruses or strains. It appears that all tulip-breaking viruses are distinct viruses and TTBV was found to be strain-related to turnip mosaic virus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genetics of local adaptation in the laboratory: flowering time quantitative trait loci under geographic and seasonal conditions in Arabidopsis.

Flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana is controlled by a large number of genes and various environmental factors, such as light and temperature. The objective of this study was to identify flowering time quantitative trait loci (QTL) under growth conditions simulating seasonal conditions from native geographic locations. Our growth chambers were set to simulate the spring conditions in Spain and Sweden, with appropriate changes in light color, intensity and day length, as well as temperature and relative humidity. Thus the Sweden-like spring conditions changed more dramatically compared to Spain-like spring conditions across the duration of our experiment. We have used these conditions to map QTL responsible for flowering time in the Kas-1/Col-gl1 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) across two replicate blocks. A linkage map from 96 RILs was established using 119 markers including 64 new SNPs markers. One major QTL, mapping to the FRIGIDA (FRI) locus, was detected on the top of chromosome 4 that showed significant gene x seasonal environment interactions. Three other minor QTL also were detected. One QTL mapping near FLOWERING LOCUS M (FLM) showed an epistatic interaction with the QTL at FRI. These QTLxenvironment and QTL x QTL interactions suggest that subtle ecologically relevant changes in light, temperature, and relative humidity are differentially felt by alleles controlling flowering time and may be responsible for adaptation to regional environments.

Adaptation, Biological↗

Cloning, genetic mapping, and expression analysis of an Arabidopsis thaliana gene that encodes 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase.

A genomic clone of one member of the Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase (S-adenosyl-L-methionine methylthioadenosine-lyase, EC 4.4.1.14) gene family (AT-ACC1) was isolated and sequenced. A region of homology was found in the 5'-untranslated region with the promoter of a zucchini and a tomato ACC synthase gene. Comparison of its primary structure with other ACC synthases revealed conservation of seven peptide regions as well as similarity with 11 amino acids of the catalytic site of aminotransferases. Genomic DNA gel blotting suggested the existence of an ACC synthase multigene family in Arabidopsis, possibly with three other members, none of which is very closely related to AT-ACC1. The existence of at least one other gene was confirmed by the isolation of a cDNA (AT-ACC2) from a flower-specific cDNA library. The AT-ACC1 gene was mapped on the Arabidopsis restriction fragment length polymorphism map and is located on the top of chromosome 1. This position does not correspond to any known mutation on the genetic map. Expression of the AT-ACC1 gene was studied by reverse transcription-PCR on total RNA. Messenger accumulation was strong in young leaves and flowers. The gene was not induced by wounding of young leaves or in seedlings in the presence of auxin. Ethylene exposure of mature plants led to an induction of AT-ACC1 gene expression. It is suggested that AT-ACC1 protein has a role in developmental control of ethylene synthesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Effect of freezing of seeds on the morphological characteristics of four pink species].

The effect of non-deep freezing (-10 degrees C) and deep freezing (-196 degrees C) on the morphological characteristics of four pink species was investigated. It was shown that the growth and development of plants after cryopreservation changed insignificantly. Rather stable characteristics (diameter of flower, the number of cauline nodes, and root length) did not change. The length of generative shoots decreased a little, and the character of histograms changed. On the other hand, the changeable characteristics (the number of vegetative shoots and flowers) decreased after seed cryopreservation. However, the number of flowers did not vary in the next year. The parameters essential for seed cryopreservation, seed germination and the quantity of fruits, did not changed. It was also found that seed freezing exerts a stimulating effect on seed germination and the top limit of some parameters, including the quantity of generative organs.

Cryopreservation↗

FILAMENTOUS FLOWER, a meristem and organ identity gene of Arabidopsis, encodes a protein with a zinc finger and HMG-related domains.

Distinctive from that of the animal system, the basic plan of the plant body is the continuous formation of a structural unit, composed of a stem with a meristem at the top and lateral organs continuously forming at the meristem. Therefore, mechanisms controlling the formation, maintenance, and development of a meristem will be a key to understanding the body plan of higher plants. Genetic analyses of filamentous flower (fil) mutants have indicated that FIL is required for the maintenance and growth of inflorescence and floral meristems, and of floral organs of Arabidopsis thaliana. FIL encodes a protein carrying a zinc finger and a HMG box-like domain, which is known to work as a transcription regulator. As expected, the FIL protein was shown to have a nuclear location. In situ hybridization clearly demonstrated that FIL is expressed only at the abaxial side of primordia of leaves and floral organs. Transgenic plants, ectopically expressing FIL, formed filament-like leaves with randomly arranged cells at the leaf margin. Our results indicate that cells at the abaxial side of the lateral organs are responsible for the normal development of the organs as well as for maintaining the activity of meristems.

Alleles↗

Internal/structures containing transcriptase-related proteins in top component particles of mammalian orthoreovirus.

The structure of mammalian orthoreovirus top component particles, which are profoundly deficient in the content of double-stranded RNA genome, was determined at 30 A resolution by transmission cryoelectron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction. Previously undetected, ordered densities, appearing primarily as pentameric flowers in the reconstruction, were seen to extend 65 A inwardly from the inner capsid at the icosahedral fivefold axes. Identically positioned but lower density elements were observed in two types of partially uncoated top component particles obtained by limited proteolysis. The levels of three inner-capsid proteins-lamda 1, lamda 3, and mu 2-were reduced in concert with the internal densities during proteolytic uncoating. Since lamda 3 contains the catalytic regions of the viral RNA polymerase and since both lamda 1 and mu 2 appear to play roles in transcription or mRNA capping, the internal structures are concluded to be complexes of the viral transcriptase-related enzymes. The findings have implications for the mechanisms of transcription and mRNA capping by orthoreovirus particles.

Animals↗

Multiple flowering time QTLs within several Brassica species could be the result of duplicated copies of one ancestral gene.

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was used to study the evolution of genes controlling the timing of flowering in four Brassica genomes that are all extensively replicated. Comparative mapping showed that a chromosomal region from the top of Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome 5 corresponded to three homoeologous copies in each of the diploid species Brassica nigra, B. oleracea, and B. rapa and six copies in the amphidiploid B. juncea. QTLs were detected in two of the three replicated segments in each diploid genome and in three of the six replicated segments in B. juncea. These results indicate that, for the studied trait, multiple QTLs resulting from genome duplication is the rule rather than the exception. Brassica homologues to two candidate genes (CO and FLC) identified from the corresponding A. thaliana region were mapped. CO homologues mapped close to the QTL peaks in eight of nine QTLs, while FLC homologues mapped farther away in those cases where the mapping resolution allowed a comparison. Thus, our data are consistent with the hypothesis that all the major QTLs we detected in the different species of Brassica could be the result of duplicated copies of the same ancestral gene, possibly the ancestor of CO.

Arabidopsis Proteins↗

Aircraft disinsection.

Aircraft disinsection has been an international practice since the 1920s, the purpose of which is to protect public health, the environment, agriculture, and livestock by the eradication of disease vectors. Although most nations of the world have discontinued this practice, about 20 continue with this requirement. Aircraft disinsection is sanctioned by international law with the World Health Organization (WHO) publishing general procedural guidelines in the International Health Regulations (IHR). There are currently four acceptable procedures: blocks away, top of descent, on arrival, and residual. A 2% pyrethrum solution, a naturally occurring substance found in the chrysanthemum flower, or several synthetic pyrethroids, are the recommended agents because they are extremely effective insecticides which pose minimal health risks. Although the use of insecticides for aircraft disinsection is controversial, national policies compelling this requirement must be respected. This paper will explore the background of aircraft disinsection, the procedures, the types of agents, and the toxicity. If aircraft disinsection is regulatory policy, it should be done in accordance with WHO procedures. Residual application is probably the most efficacious method. The use of air curtains or plastic strips should be explored as an alternative to the use of chemicals.

Aerospace Medicine↗

[Differentiation of Magnolia denudata Desr. flower buds].

The article gives the results of an observation on the differentiation of Magnolia denudata buds. In Huaining County, Anhui Province, differentiation of the buds starts at the beginning of May. By the end of June the differentiation of various parts of the flower is completed. The process takes about 50 days. The differentiation of buds goes on at a fairly fast speed and in a fairly uniform way. Based on the results of the observation, the authors advise that application of fertilizer, especially the top application should not be late. The beginning of March is a very important time for the development of buds in length and size, and for the final harvest as well. The proper time to pick the flower buds comes when they are fully developed before the perianth appears.

Fertilizers↗

Relationship between nutritional composition of plant species and infestation levels of thrips.

Levels of soluble protein and carbohydrate (raffinose, sucrose, glucose, and fructose) in leaves from a selection of plant species were measured to determine if a relationship existed between these nutrients and infestation by Frankliniella occidentalis and Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis. Most species of host plant examined contained a higher proportion of protein than carbohydrates, and overall, leaves from species of plants that supported populations of thrips had greater levels of protein than leaves from nonhost species. New leaves and flowers that supported F. occidentalis contained high levels of carbohydrate and protein. The quantity of protein in leaves at the top of the tree, Peumus boldus, was greater than in leaves from lower levels, and the amount of feeding damage accrued by H. haemorrhoidalis was greater on the upper foliage than lower foliage. Oviposition by H. haenmorrhoidalis was positively correlated to levels of protein in host plants but not to levels of carbohydrates. Overall, levels of soluble protein in plants influenced their susceptibility to thrips more than levels of carbohydrates.

Animals↗