MORPHOLOGICAL AND GENETIC VARIABILITY IN PLANTAGO CORDATA (PLANTAGINACEAE), A THREATENED AQUATIC PLANT

Morphological and genetic variation were studied in Plantago cordata Lam., an imperiled aquatic plant. The existence of distinct seasonal morphs was confirmed by numerical morphological analyses of specimens from 53 populations. Plants from two North Carolina populations possessed leaves that were significantly shorter, narrower, and fewer-veined than populations in other portions of the species range. Genetic variation within and among ten populations in seven states/provinces (Illinois, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, and Wisconsin) was examined electrophoretically. The species is an apparent allopolyploid with fixed heterozygosity observed at 67% of the loci surveyed. Electrophoretic variation was mostly partitioned among populations. The genetic identity among populations was high except for North Carolina populations which differed at 27% of the loci surveyed.     

MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS IN PROBOSCIA ALATA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) GROWN UNDER DIFFERENT LIGHT AND CO2 CONDITIONS OF THE MODERN SOUTHERN OCEAN1

The combined effects of different light and aqueous CO₂ conditions were assessed for the Southern Ocean diatom Proboscia alata (Brightwell) Sundström in laboratory experiments. Selected culture conditions (light and CO_2(aq)) were representative for the natural ranges in the modern Southern Ocean. Light conditions were 40 (low) and 240 (high) μmol photons · m^?2 · s^?1. The three CO_2(aq) conditions ranged from 8 to 34 μmol · kg^?1 CO_2(aq) (equivalent to a pCO₂ from 137 to 598 μatm, respectively). Clear morphological changes were induced by these different CO_2(aq) conditions. Cells in low [CO_2(aq)] formed spirals, while many cells in high [CO_2(aq)] disintegrated. Cell size and volume were significantly affected by the different CO_2(aq) concentrations. Increasing CO_2(aq) concentrations led to an increase in particulate organic carbon concentrations per cell in the high light cultures, with exactly the opposite happening in the low light cultures. However, other parameters measured were not influenced by the range of CO_2(aq) treatments. This included growth rates, chlorophyll a concentration and photosynthetic yield (F_V/F_M). Different light treatments had a large effect on nutrient uptake. High light conditions caused an increased nutrient uptake rate compared to cells grown in low light conditions. Light and CO₂ conditions co‐determined in various ways the response of P. alata to changing environmental conditions. Overall P. alata appeared to be well adapted to the natural variability in light availability and CO_2(aq) concentration of the modern Southern Ocean. Nevertheless, our results showed that P. alata is susceptible to future changes in inorganic carbon concentrations in the Southern Ocean.     

光强对微囊藻群体形态的影响及其生理机制研究简

为了探讨光照对微囊藻形态的影响,研究了6株不同种的群体微囊藻在不同光强下群体形态的变化及其响应机制。研究发现,随着光强的增加,6株群体微囊藻的群体尺寸变大。当光强为80—200μmol/(m2·s)时,群体微囊藻DH-M1和DC-M2的比生长速率显著增大,而另4株在高光强下比生长速率无显著性差异;对多糖含量分析发现,高光强对群体微囊藻TH-M2、DC-M1、FACHB1174和FACHB1027胞外及胶被多糖的分泌与释放有显著的促进效果,而DH-M1和DC-M2多糖含量增加不明显。对于不同的微囊藻株,高光强促进群体形态变化的作用机理不同:光饱和点低的微囊藻是通过分泌大量的胞外及胶被多糖使群体尺寸变大,而光饱和点高的微囊藻是通过生长来促进群体尺寸的增大。此外,对产毒藻株在不同光强下的毒素基因表达及胞内毒素测定发现,高光强组的群体微囊藻mcyB和mcyD表达量升高,且胞内微囊藻毒素含量增加显著,推测微囊藻毒素也可能是影响微囊藻群体形态及大小的作用因子之一。     

光强对微囊藻群体形态的影响及其生理机制研究

为了探讨光照对微囊藻形态的影响,研究了6株不同种的群体微囊藻在不同光强下群体形态的变化及其响应机制。研究发现,随着光强的增加,6株群体微囊藻的群体尺寸变大。当光强为80200 mol/（m2s）时,群体微囊藻DH-M1和DC-M2的比生长速率显著增大,而另4株在高光强下比生长速率无显著性差异;对多糖含量分析发现,高光强对群体微囊藻TH-M2、DC-M1、FACHB1174和FACHB1027胞外及胶被多糖的分泌与释放有显著的促进效果,而DH-M1和DC-M2多糖含量增加不明显。对于不同的微囊藻株,高光强促进群体形态变化的作用机理不同:光饱和点低的微囊藻是通过分泌大量的胞外及胶被多糖使群体尺寸变大,而光饱和点高的微囊藻是通过生长来促进群体尺寸的增大。此外,对产毒藻株在不同光强下的毒素基因表达及胞内毒素测定发现,高光强组的群体微囊藻mcyB和mcyD表达量升高,且胞内微囊藻毒素含量增加显著,推测微囊藻毒素也可能是影响微囊藻群体形态及大小的作用因子之一。       

EXPERIMENTAL ECOLOGICAL GENETICS IN PLANTAGO IV. EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON GROWTH RATES AND REPRODUCTION IN THREE POPULATIONS OF PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA L. (PLANTAGINACEAE)

The effects of temperature on growth rates and flowering responses of Plantago lanceolata L. populations sampled from open, shaded, and sunflecked habitats were studied in controlled environments. A large number of characteristics were phenotypically plastic in response to a broad range of temperatures. Low night temperatures substantially reduced reproductive effort, whereas high temperatures produced a reduction in total biomass. Temperature had little effect on leaf or inflorescence production rates, other than at very low temperatures. The phenotypic plasticity observed in the growth chamber correlated well with the observed seasonal phenology. Genetic differences were found in inflorescence height and total plant productivity. The rapid growth rate, the high reproductive effort, and generally broad temperature optimum to moderate temperatures are consistent with the occurrence of P. lanceolata in a wide variety of disturbed habitats in temperate latitudes.     

在极度弱光和两种底质条件下苦草的生长和生理响应

实验以云南大理州洱海水生植被重度退化区(湖心平台)作为实验地点,探究极度弱光和两种底质(黏土、淤泥)环境下苦草(Vallisneria natans)在恢复过程中的形态及生理响应,并依此探讨底质改善对苦草种群恢复的作用。结果表明:(1)在极度弱光环境下,苦草部分死亡,存活数量下降,并在形态特征和生理特征上均表现出胁迫响应,其形态特征值下降,氮(N)含量和游离氨基酸含量上升,碳(C)含量和淀粉含量下降;(2)苦草不同器官对弱光环境的响应有所差异,叶片(地上部分)受到的胁迫影响大于根茎(地下部分);(3)苦草对弱光环境的响应在不同底质条件下有显著性差异,苦草在黏土底质上表现出更小的胁迫反应和更高的存活数量,两种底质相比较,黏土更适合作为苦草恢复的底质条件。研究表明在洱海当前的水质环境下有希望结合局部的底质改善来实现在南部湖心平台的沉水植物恢复。     

EXPERIMENTAL ECOLOGICAL GENETICS IN PLANTAGO IX. DIFFERENCES IN GROWTH AND VEGETATIVE REPRODUCTION IN PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA L. (PLANTAGINACEAE) FROM ADJACENT HABITATS

Two adjacent populations of P. lanceolata were observed to have different rosette morphologies and apparently, capacities for vegetative reproduction. Plants growing in an open, sunny habitat were clumped while those found growing in a periodically shaded habitat, only developed as single rosettes. Representative genotypes from each population were cloned from leaf cuttings and propagated in controlled-environment facilities. Growth and vegetative reproduction were measured under two contrasting irradiances to determine whether the differences seen in the field were primarily genetic or environmentally induced. These studies indicated that each population was adapted to the light regime most similar to that prevailing in its natural habitat. The clumping in the open population was the result of a greater capacity for vegetative reproduction.     

RESPONSE OF TRACHYDISCUS MINUTUS (XANTHOPHYCEAE) TO TEMPERATURE AND LIGHT1

The effects of different temperatures and light intensities on growth, pigments, sugars, lipids, and proteins, as well as on some antioxidant and proteolytic enzymes of Trachydiscus minutus (Bourr.) H. Ettl, were investigated. The optimum growth temperature and light intensity were 25°C and 2 × 132 μmol photons · m^?2 · s^?1, respectively. Under these conditions, proteins were the main biomass components (33.45% dry weight [dwt]), with high levels of carbohydrates (29% dwt) and lipids (21.77% dwt). T. minutus tolerated temperatures between 20°C and 32°C, with only moderate changes in cell growth and biochemical composition. Extremely low (15°C) and high (40°C) temperatures decreased chl and RUBISCO contents and inhibited cell growth. The biochemical response of the alga to both unfavorable conditions was an increase in lipid content (up to 35.19% dwt) and a decrease in carbohydrates (down to 13.64% dwt) with much less of a change in total protein content (in the range of 30.51%–38.13% dwt). At the same time, the defense system of T. minutus was regulated differently in response to heat or cold treatments. Generally, at 40°C, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and proteases were drastically elevated, and three polypeptides were overexpressed, whereas the glutathione reductase (GR) and peroxidase (POD) activities were reduced. In contrast, at 15°C, all these enzymes except GR were suppressed. The effect of light was to enhance or decrease the temperature stress responses, depending on intensity. Our studies demonstrate the broad temperature adaptability of T. minutus as well as the potential for the production of valuable algal biomass.     

REACTION NORMS OF MORPHOLOGICAL AND LIFE-HISTORY TRAITS TO LIGHT AVAILABILITY IN IMPATIENS CAPENSIS

For plants, light availability is an important environmental factor that varies both within and between populations. Although the existence of sun and shade “ecotypes” is controversial, it is often assumed that trade-offs may exist between performance in sun and in shade. This study therefore investigated variation in reaction norms to light availability within and between two neighboring natural populations of the annual Impatiens capensis, one in full sun and the other in a forest understory. Seedlings were collected randomly from both populations and grown to maturity in a greenhouse under two light conditions: full light and 18% of full light. Selfed full-sib seed families were collected from plants from both populations grown in both parental light environments. To characterize family reaction norms, seedlings from each family were divided into the same two light treatments and individuals were scored for a variety of morphological and life-history traits. The maternal light environment had little impact on progeny reaction norms. However, the two study populations differed both qualitatively and quantitatively in plastic response to light availability (indicated by significant population x environment interactions in mixed-model ANCOVA). Much of this difference was attributable to population differences in light sensitivity of axillary meristem allocation patterns, which produced concurrent differences in reaction norms for a suite of developmentally linked traits. Within each population, different sets of traits displayed significant variation in plasticity (indicated by significant family x environment interactions). Thus, the genetic potential for evolutionary response to selection in heterogeneous light environments may differ dramatically between neighboring plant populations. Between-environment genetic correlations were largely positive in the woods population and positive or nonsignificant in the sun population; there was no evidence for performance trade-offs across environments or sun or shade “specialist” genotypes within either population. There was little evidence that population differences represented adaptive differentiation for sun or shade; rather, the results suggested the hypothesis of differential selection on patterns of meristem allocation caused by population differences in timing of mortality and intensity of competition.     

MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL DIFFERENTIATION OF PHORADENDRON POPULATIONS IN TEXAS

Investigation of the morphology and physiology of the mistletoe, Phoradendron tomentosum subsp. tomentosum, in Texas reveals that the subspecies is differentiated into at least two ecological races, one in north central Texas, the other in south central Texas. The races differ in leaf length/width ratio, fruit diameter, seed set, spike internode length, freeze tolerance, and flavonoid patterns. Clines occur in leaf length/width ratio and fruit diameter between the races, and these characteristics are negatively correlated. The northern race generally exhibits greater freeze tolerance than the southern race. Field observations, herbarium specimens, and a collection of fresh specimens from northeastern Mexico indicate that a third race in the subspecies may exist there. Racial variation within the subspecies appears to permit it to occupy a diversity of habitats. Morphological and physiological patterns within the two Texas races suggest that introgressive hybridization has occurred between them, allowing for the occupation of intermediate habitats.     

PRODUCTION AND ROLE OF INTERFERON IN PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

1. There is convincing evidence that a number of agents such as bacteria, viruses, endotoxins, foreign proteins, smokes and chemicals come into contact under physiological conditions with the lymphoid tissue associated with the gut and/or bronchial systems. Endogenous lectins and proteases may also act as mitogens on the central and peripheral immune system. 2. It is suggested that these agents act as inducers of interferon (and some also as immunogens), so that local production of interferon is turned on successively from cell to cell depending upon their responsiveness and upon the periodic inflow of inducers. 3. On the basis of a number of different features, it is proposed to distinguish between an ‘acute’ and a ‘physiological’ interferon response. In the latter, the interferon-producing cell influences the neighbouring cells by short-range humoral transmission (paracrine control) and possibly by cellular interaction, while the route of the general circulation is preferentially used in the former response. 4. It is suggested that the physiological interferon response, although previously overlooked, has great biological importance because production of interferon at strategic sites can maintain active defence systems essential for survival. 5. It is to be expected that the physiological interferon response, although amenable to experimental verification, may be difficult to detect. On the basis that interferon is normally absent from serum, it is suggested that most of the released immune-type interferon is either bound by cells surrounding the site of its synthesis or catabolized locally. 6. It is postulated that the progressive decline of the physiological interferon response with increasing age may represent one of the factors favouring the insurgence of autoimmune diseases and tumours in the process of ageing. It is also suggested that the involution of the thymus may in part be due to intrathymic production of interferon induced by proteases released from macrophages.     

INBREEDING DEPRESSION IN MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS OF SCHIEDEA LYDGATEI (CARYOPHYLLACEAE) IN TWO ENVIRONMENTS

We compared inbreeding depression in hermaphroditic Schiedea lydgatei and its gynodioecious sister species, S. salicaria, to infer the level of inbreeding depression in their common ancestor. With measurements of selfing rates, this information can be used to assess the importance of inbreeding depression in the evolution of breeding systems in S. lydgatei and S. salicaria. Morphological and physiological characters related to fitness were compared for inbred and outcrossed S. lydgatei in high- and low-fertilizer environments in the greenhouse. Seed mass, number of seeds per capsule, germination, survival, biomass, number of flowers, and age at first flowering were compared for inbred versus outcrossed progeny. We also measured inbreeding depression in maximal rates of photosynthetic carbon assimilation and stomatal conductance to water vapor, traits that affect fitness through their influence on plant carbon balance and water-use efficiency (ratio of carbon gain to water loss). All traits except number of seeds per capsule in parents and survival showed inbreeding depression, with the magnitude depending on family and environment. High inbreeding depression is likely in the ancestor of S. lydgatei and S. salicaria, indicating that, with sufficiently high selfing rates, females could spread in populations. Hermaphroditism in S. lydgatei is probably favored by low selfing rates. In contrast, the evolution of gynodioecy in S. salicaria apparently has been favored by relatively high selfing rates in combination with high inbreeding depression.     

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL RESPONSES OF CYCLOTELLA MENEGHINIANA (BACILLARIOPHYTA) TO LIGHT INTENSITY AND NUTRIENT LIMITATION1

Photosynthetic characteristics and chloroplast ultrastructure of Cyclotella meneghiniana Kütz. were quantified while the organism was simultaneously adjusting to light and nutrient stress. Cells were grown in batch culture at either low or high light intensity on medium with a nitrogen/phosphorus molar ratio of 2:1 as a control, or with nitrogen or phosphorus deleted from the medium to create nutrient deficiencies. Analysis of variance indicated that light intensity, nutrient deficiency and duration of nutrient deficiency all had significant effects on cell growth, chlorophyll (Chl) concentration/cell, cellular fluorescence capacity (CFC), chloroplast volume and thylakoid surface density. Because interactions existed among nutrient deficiency, extent of nutrient deficiency, and light intensity, all three must be considered together in order to describe accurately the physiology and chloroplast ultrastructure of the diatom. Significant correlations were found between the Chl/cell or CFC/cell and chloroplast volume and thylakoid surface density. Through an increase in Chi concentration, chloroplast volume and thylakoid surface density, the cells successfully adapted to the conditions of low light intensity even while under nutrient stress. In contrast, less Chl/cell, smaller chloroplast volume and less thylakoid surface density were found at high light intensity.     

PHYSIOLOGICAL MODIFICATIONS RELATED TO DENSITY INCREASE IN PERIPHYTIC ASSEMBLAGES 1

Periphytic communities in running waters were examined as they developed on granite rocks, concrete balls and glass slides. At equivalent cell densities, no differences in pigment concentrations, species diversity or production levels were found among the different substrata examined. Development of the assemblage appeared to result from the elongation of short algal filaments which had initially settled on the surface. As these communities matured, a distinct canopy and understory developed. Cellular metabolisms were comparable among the communities. In the understory of the communities, even though the cellular content of chl a and b did not differ, chl c and carotenoid pigment concentrations were higher than those in the over-story. Bicarbonate assimilation of Tabellaria fenestrata (Lyng.) Külz. and Eunotia pectinalisi var. pectinalis (O. F. Müll?) Rabh. was higher than that of the more abundant Tabellaria flocculosa (Roth.)Kütz. var. flocculosa IV (sensu Koppen) at both high and low cell densities. This probably reflects a seasonal succession of colonizing species. Glucose assimilation appeared to be mainly attributable to bacterial activity, and algal cells of the upper layer were less active than those of the bottom. The small amount of glucose that was incorporated by the algal cells was probably absorbed passively since its amount was in direct proportion to cell volumes.     

蜜蜂下行神经元的光反应特征

利用电生理细胞外记录方法研究了蜜蜂下行神经元对光的反应特征以及与水平方向上光刺激角度的关系。 光刺激主要引起下行神经元的给光反应和撤光反应,持续性反应很弱。下行神经元的反应依赖于光刺激强度,在一定的强度范围内,随着光强度增大,反应强度也增大根据改变刺激角度引起的反应,在水平方向上最敏感,张角最大,约大于40°。     

RESPONSE OF LEAF ANATOMY AND PHOTOSYNTHETIC CAPACITY IN ALOCASIA MACRORRHIZA (ARACEAE) TO A TRANSFER FROM LOW TO HIGH LIGHT

Alocasia macrorrhiza plants were grown in 1% and 20% full sunlight, and their leaf anatomical and physiological parameters were measured. Total leaf thickness was 41% greater and mesophyll thickness was 52% greater in high-light leaves than in low-light leaves. This increase in thickness resulted from both increased cell size and number. Maximum leaf photosynthetic capacity was also 66% greater in high- than in low-light leaves. When low-light plants were transferred to high light, the thickness of mature leaves did not increase but the thickness of the first leaf to expand after the transfer was significantly greater than that of the low-light leaves. Thus, only leaves that were still expanding at the time of transfer developed leaf thickness greater than plants remaining in low light. Fully mature leaves showed no change in photosynthetic capacity in response to transfer. Leaves that had just completed expansion at the time of low- to high-light transfer were able to develop slightly higher maximum photosynthetic capacities than older leaves. However, full photosynthetic acclimation to the new light environment did not occur until the second new leaf expanded after transfer. These results are discussed in relation to the timing and mechanisms of whole plant acclimation to increased light.     

PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF ANABAENA VARIABILIS (CYANOPHYCEAE) TO INSTANTANEOUS EXPOSURE TO VARIOUS COMBINATIONS OF LIGHT INTENSITY AND TEMPERATURE1

Light intensity and temperature interactions have a complex effect on the physiological process rates of the filamentous bluegreen alga Anabaena variabilis Kütz. The optimum temperature for photosynthesis increased with increasing light intensity from 10°C at 42 μE·m^?2·s^?1 to 35°C at 562 μE·m^?2·s^?1. The light saturation parameter, I_K, increased with increasing temperatures. The maximum photosynthetic rate (2.0 g C·g dry wt.^?1·d^?1) occurred at 35°C and 564 μE·m^?2·s^?1. At 15°C, the maximum rate was 1.25 g C·g dry wt.^?1·d^?1 at 332 μE·m^?2·s^?1. The dark respiration rate increased exponentially with temperature. Under favorable conditions of light intensity and temperature the percent of extracellular release of dissolved organic carbon was less than 5% of the total C fixed. This release increased to nearly 40% under combinations of low light intensity and high temperature. A mathematical model was developed to simulate the interaction of light intensity and temperature on photosynthetic rate. The interactive effects were represented by making the light-saturation parameters a function of temperature.