Ricerche Embriologiche sul Genere Thalictrum Embriologia di Thalictrum Angustifolium L. v. flavum L

Abstract

Embriologycals researches in the thalictrum genus. — Embriology of Thalictrum angustifolium L. v. flavum L.

In this research has been studied the development of the female gametophyte of Thalictrum angustifolium L. v. flavum L.; it has been found a tetrasporic bipolarized type: the Pyretrum type, with sixteen nuclei.

The gametophyte is characterized by cellularization of every antipodal nucleus.

Besides this is a new type in the Thalictrum genus, supposing that in others species of this genus, has been recognized the Normal type.

The author supposes another type in this specie, probably a development of the tetrasporic tetrapolarized type, of which he will refer when the necessary elements emerge.

In this specie the microsporogenesis is simultaneous.     

Dati Cariologici Sull'Arisarum Proboscideum (L.) Savi. II

Abstract

Caryological data on «Arisarum proboscideum» (L.) Savi. II. – In specimens of «Arisarum proboscideum» (L.) Savi collected near Acerno (Salerno) two different chromosome numbers – 2n = 28 and 2n = 42 – have been found. In two localities of Tuscany (Consuma, in the upper Valdarno, and San-sepolcro, near Arezzo) only the number 2n = 28 has been found, as it was already reported for Reggello (FABBRI 1966a). Moreover, in regard to the number of female flowers present in each spadix, a greater variability has been observed in the Acerno and Avellino populations (1 – 6 fem. flowers; see FABBRI 1966b) than in the Tuscan ones (1 – 3 fem. flowers); this difference in variability could be possibly connected with the different caryological situation.     

Enhancement of berberine production by spermidine in Thalictrum minus cell suspension cultures

Berberine production in cell suspension cultures of Thalictrum minus L. var. hypoleucum Miq. was significantly enhanced by administration of spermidine, whereas other polyamines such as cadaverine, putrescine and spermine were ineffective. The results of experiments indicated that spermidine causes an increase of ethylene generation which is closely associated with activation of berberine biosynthesis.     

Sporobolus Poibetii (R. et S.) Hitch. e Oenothera Sinuata L. Nella Selva di San Rossore

Summary

The author describes a Sporobolus Poiretii (R. et S.) Hitchc. and Oenothera sinuata L. stand in the «Selva» (forest) of S. Rossore (near Pisa).

Earlier reports of these two adventive and perhaps naturalized species are mentioned.

The author discussues the critical and complex sistematic definition, nomenclature and sinonimy of Sporobolus Poiretii in connection with the nearly related species Sporobolus indicus R. Br.

The author prospects at the end how both Sp. Poiretii and Oe. sinuata can be inserted in the «Nuova Flora Analitica» of Italy, by Adriano Fiori.     

Studio Cariologico Di Helictotrichon Versicolor (Villar) Pilger Ssp. Praetutianum (Arc.) Nov. Comb

Abstract

Karyological study of «Helictotrichon versicolor» (Villar) Pilger ssp. «praetutianum» (Arc.) nov. comb. — Karyological investigations on Helictotrichon versicolor (Vill.) Pilger ssp. praetutianum (Arc.) nov. comb. (Graminaceae), from Alpi Apuane, have been made. The species, endemic of Alpi Apuane and Central-Southern Appennino, is diploid (2n=14), as Avena versicolor Vill. already studied by SKALINSKA (1956). The author reports on the karyotype, characterized by seven pairs of chromosomes, as follows: z = 2n = 14 = 2M^s ₁ + 2M₂ + 2M₃ + 2M₄ + 2M₅ + 2M₆ + 2M₇.     

Ricerche Cariologiche e Embriologiche Sul Genere Rudbeckia (Asteraceae)

Summary

The author describes the different modalities of the cellularisation of the adult gametophyte of Rudbeckia laciniata L. The several cases are arranged according to the number and the type of differentiation of the cells of the gametopyte. Of each type it is stated the frequency, calculated in about 500 cases.

The author remarks that the differentiation of the single cells is owing to »an effect of the position«, which exists in the displacement of the nuclei of the gametophyte regarding the proendospermatic cell, to which cell, however, one can attribute a pre-eminent »power of organization«. The displacement of the nuclei is after all the consequente of the stage of the » polarisation «.     

Gametophyte development of Woodwardia radicans (L.) Sm.: Effect of population density and antheridiogen on sex expression

Abstract

Gametophyte development of Woorwardia radicans was studied in controlled culture conditions, as well as the effect of population density and antheridiogen on sex expression. The pattern of gametophyte development is not affected by temperature, while sex expression of gametophytes is affected by sowing density, by the presence in the culture medium of «antheridiogen» and by the nutritional conditions of gametophytes. The probable effects of antheridiogen and population density on the observed developmental pattern are considered.     

Secondo Contributo Alla Conoscenza Dello Sviluppo Embriologico del Genere Centaurea L. (Asteraceae). Centaurea Horrida Bad

Summary

The Author has studied the embryological development of Centaurea horrida Bad., pure pliocenic endemisms of Sardinia and has established that:

1°) the cromosomic number of the species is: 2n = 18.

2°) the genesis of microspores is of simultaneous type;

3°) The archesporium is constituted of one cell only seldom accompanied by a basal cell;

4°) the development of the female gamethophyte is of normal type;

5°) even showing cases of degenerated antipodal cells, the species has a marked tendency to the polyantipody, sometimes also characterized by a strong hypertrophy of its cells;

6°) in the species the contemporary germination of some megaspores in the same ovule is enough frequent;

7°) there are also some cases of coesistence of some gamethophytes in their different stages of development;

8°) the phenomenon of «multiple oospheres» and of «multiple synergidae» may happen;

9°) in some ovules, near the egg-apparatus, cells of two or four nuclei may be found.

For these last ascertainments (8° and 9°) the Author makes the hypothesis that it may be probably an anomalous prolification of micropylar nuclei, or asynchronous development, for delayed germination of some micropylar megaspores producing primary stages of gamethophyte.

Moreover the Author has the opportunity to bring into evidence:

10°) a case of ovular teratology represented by the extraovular development of an adult gamethophyte very similar to those previously found by the Author himself in Petasites fragrans;

11°) frequent cases of regretion of female sexuality, founding that about the 10% of the flowers examined were functionally male. The Author has fronted the possibility of the existence, in Asteraceae, also of the type of inflorescence where «flowers are all tubulated: the marginal ones neuter, the others or hermaphrodite or hermaphrodite and male».     

“Eumeiosi” e “Meiosi Apoomeotipica” Seguita da “Mitosi a Diplounivalenti” Nel Tessuto Somatico di Sambucus

Summary

The Authors describe in Sambucus nigra L the occurrence of the » apohomeotypic teiosis « followed by a »mitosis with diplounivalents « (Battaglia 1945, 1947) in ae somatic tissue of the style. The AA. observed also the occasional formation f four haploid nuclei and then the occurence of the »eumeiosis« (Battaglia 1945).     

Crepis Bursifolia L., Nuova Stabile Inquilina della Flora Ligustica della Riviera di Ponente

Abstract

«Crepis bursifolia » L., new permanent tenant of the flora in west ligurian coast. — The author declares the permanent presence of « Crepis bursifolia » L. in Liguria, and informs about new stations of this species along the western riviera. The relates, furthermore, the unfavourable results of his close investigation to verify the eventual presence of further station of « C. bursifolia » L. found by former researcher.     

La Vegetazione e L'ecologia Di Pratofiorito (Appennino Settentrionale)

Abstract

Ecology and vegetazion of mount Pratofiorito. — The author examines position, climatic conditions, geological nature and vegetation of Mount « Pratofiorito » in the Tuscan Appennine.

Mount Pratofiorito is a residue of secondary rocks and derived soil surrounded by tertiary and quaternary rocks and soil.

Its vegetations is actually constituted by grass-land and so it differs-from that of the neihbouring mountains which comprises the flora has been made. This list was then comparend with spades found in the adjacent beech and helm-oak zones.

From these comparisons one can deduce thath the meadow of « Graminaceae » and « Cyperaceae » growing on Mount Pratofiorito may bed considered as a grass-land resulting from the degradation of an arboreal zone, problably from a beech-wood.     

La Cellula: Aspetti Morfologici e Metabolici Dei Suoi Organuli

Abstract

The cell: morphologic and metabolic aspects of its organelles. — Some aspects of the mechanism of the chloroplasts movement induced by light, it has been studied in «Elodea canadensis» leaves. Red, yellow and blue light induce the movement of the chloroplasts. Green light does not promote the movement. 5.10—⁵M CMU completely inhibits cyclosis. Photosynthesis is required for cyclosis. ATP alone, does not Substitute photosynthesis, however in the presence of green light, 5.10—³M ATP, pH 6.5, promotes cyclosis movement. It has been concluded that light has dual role in promoting the movement in «Elodea» leaves: first, inducing photosynthesis and consequently the ATP production; second, light is necessary to start the movement exciting a photo-receptor, visualized like a System Controlling the induction-repression of enzymes. It has been postulated that ATP produced by illuminated chloroplasts, saturated a «SSS» system, connected with another System, «SAV», lowering the plasma viscosity; ATP in this action is not necessarily used as energetic Compound. Successively, by means an unknow photoreceptor, the mechano-enzyme-system, «SEM», promotes cyclosis utilizing ATP as energic source. The movement stop when ATP is exausted or immediately, in the presence of ATP, when the photoreceptor is not working, like happens in the dark.     

Ricerche Sulla Vegetazione Della Valsesia. VII. Notholaena Marantae (L.) Desv. in Valsesia

Abstract

Researches on the vegetation of Valsesia. VII. «Notholaena marantae» (L.) Desv. in the Sesia Valley. — It's hereby described a station of Notholaena marantae (L.) Desv. near «Giavina Rossa» (Valsesia-Piedmont, Italy). This is probably the only place in the whole valley. The fern grows in a kind of ground formed by peridotitic rocks and on a little dry wall supporting the debris. The fern presence in a wooden valley, and under an oceanic climate could be a very interesting subject for hystorical geobotanic researches.     

Antioxidant activity of extracts from Thalictrum minus suspension culture

Low meadow-rue (Thalictrum minus L.) antioxidant complex was studied in cell extracts and culture medium. Its activity was expressed as total polyphenol content in ferulic acid equivalents. In these model systems (cell extracts and culture medium) the inhibition of lipid oxidation and diphenylpicrylhydrazine reduction (EC₅₀ = 12–15 μg/ml) were observed. At the phenolic compound concentration of 8–15 μg/ml, the reducing capacity of cell extracts was equivalent to 1.5 mM ascorbic acid. At the same time, berberine, a major alkaloid synthesized by the culture, manifested a low antioxidant activity. The analysis of phenolic acid composition in low meadow-rue showed that one of the main components of its antioxidant system were caffeic, gallic, chlorogenic, and ferulic acids.     

Insediamento e Diffusione di Buddleia Davidii Franch

Abstract

«Buddleya davidii» in «Valtellina» (North Italy), its settling and diffusion. — Vegetational areas where «Buddleya davidii» is naturalised in Valtellina are described and the subsequent phases are followed through 18 years.     

Embryology of barley. IV. Ultrastructure of the antipodal cells of Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Bomi before and after fertilization of the egg cell

The antipodal cells have been the stepchildren in most investigations of the female gametophyte. In Hordeum vulgare cv. Bomi, three antipodal cells are originally developed chalazally but because of differential growth of the embryo sac they soon become laterally situated and their number increases to 35–50 cells and the shape, size and structure of the cells change in the time before as well as after fertilization. The cells persist until about 60–70 h after pollination. At that time, the embryo consists of about 12–15 cells and a cellularization of the nuclear endosperm has started peripherally. The size of nuclei, and especially nucleoli, in the antipodal cells increases tremendously in the investigated period and the amounts of organelles also change. The walls of antipodals are diversified depending on which cells they are separating, and wall invaginations are developed especially between antipodal cells and surrounding nucellar cells in the placental region. The mitochondria appear in various shapes in section view, very often as cups or dumbbells with a rim in the ends containing cristae and a thin cristae-free base. These bases are sometimes stretched out as thin parts and at last a simple parting occurs. Binary fissions of the plastids happen especially in the hours before and just after egg fertilization. ER is extraordinarily well developed in the whole period of investigation and many ribosomes are attached to the membranes. Dictyosomes form numerous vesicles, especially in the antipodals near the nucellar cells in the placental region. These ultrastructural details support the opinion that antipodal cells may play an important role in the embryo sac and are able to be responsible for the supply of nutrition for the whole gametophyte and take part in the supply of nutrition during embryo formation.     

Osservazioni Sull'Assunzione Dell'Acqua Durante le Prime Fasi Di Germinazione Di Semi Di Pinus Pinea L

Abstract

Water assumption during the early germination stages in «Pinus pinea» L. seeds. – Germination of «Pinus pinea» L. seeds in several conditions has been studied. The main results attained are the following: 1) The micropyle appears to be the only water way into the seed, to start root growth. When this route is prevented and water is absorbed only by the seed surface, the embryo grows into a big cotyledon-hypocotyl complex, where the radicle is still blocked in the embryonic stage; 2) The micropyle appears to be involved also in gas exchange processes during germination.     

Stimulation of berberine secretion and growth in cell cultures of Thalictrum minus

Summary An endo-pectate lyase (PL; EC 4.2.2.2), originally cloned fiom the phytopathogenic bacterium Erwinia chrysanthemi EC16, was expressed in recA ^– E. coli strain DK1, purified to a single band by isoelectric focusing and used to induce berberine production in established plant suspension cultures of Thalictrum minus L. subsp. saxatile. Addition of 10^–9M pectate lyase c (PLc) stimulated berberine production and enhanced secretion of the alkaloid into the medium. A lower concentration of PLc, 10^–11M, stimulated a transient two-fold increase in cell growth rate relative to untreated cultures. Parallel changes in L-phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL; EC 4.3.1.5) activity with the rate of berberine synthesis and the inverse relationship between cell growth and berberine synthesis imply that berberine synthesis is stress-related in this cell line.     

Participation of an active transport system in berberine-secreting cultured cells of Thalictrum minus

The release of the benzylisoquinoline alkaloid berberine from cultured cells of Thalictrum minus into the medium proved to be temperature-dependent and was suppressed by such inhibitors of the plasma membrane-bound ATPase as vanadate and diethylstilbestrol. These results indicate that berberine is secreted through an energy-requiring process located in the plasma membrane of berberine-producing T. minus cells. This is the first finding that a secondary metabolite of plant cell culture is secreted by an active transport system.Abbreviations BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - DES diethylstilbestrol - DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide - LS Linsmaier and Skoog (1965) - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid