Population differentiation and phylogeography of Hygrophila pogonocalyx based on RAPDs fingerprints

Genetic variation of the endangered species, Hygrophila pogonocalyx Hayata (Acanthaceae), was estimated based on RAPD fingerprints. According to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Nature Resources, H. pogonocalyx is on the Red List Category due to its endangered status. Entomophilous plants of H. pogonocalyx are mostly pollinated by honeybees. Gene flow between populations is constrained by the migratory capacity of the pollinators. A survey based on RAPD fingerprinting using 50 random primers revealed the distribution of genetic variation following an “isolation by distance” model. A hierarchical AMOVA analyses indicated significant differentiation between geographical regions (Φ_ct=0.934; P=0.048), among populations (Φ_st=0.945; P<0.001), and among populations within region (Φ_sc=0.169; P<0.001). The differentiation between geographic populations may be ascribed to a long isolation since the formation of the Central Mountain Range 1 million years ago. In contrast to low levels of genetic variation in many endangered species, some genetic processes avoiding selfing may have evolved in H. pogonocalyx. Somatic mutation also possibly contributed to the variability maintenance within populations with limited size.     

Biosystematics of the genus Pinus, subsection contortae

Gene frequency data from 42 isoenzyme loci were used to assess the phylogeny of taxa in the genus Pinus, subsection Contortae. The classification inferred from a phenogram based on Nei's genetic distance measure (D_N) was generally in good agreement with the current taxonomic treatment of the subsection. Pinus contorta appears to most closely resemble the ancestral taxon from which all other taxa in the subsection are derived. An alternative classification based upon Mahalonobis squared distances (D_R) obtained from seed and cone measurements differed from the isoenzyme treatment by placing P. contorta subsp. murrayana in close association with P. virginiana.     

On the variation in chromosome number in Potamogeton pectinatus L.

To determine whether the large morphological differences that occur between populations of Potamogeton pectinatus L. have a genetic basis, the chromosome numbers of several populations were counted. Although several numbers were determined, no correlation between different numbers and populations could be established. The number was always close to 2n = 78, which is that most recorded for P. pectinatus in the literature. However, although some aberrant counts can probably be ascribed to incorrect interpretations of the preparations, some cells undoubtedly contain more than 78 chromosomes. Since the chromosomes of P. pectinatus are very small it is difficult to distinguish between “normal” and “B-chromosomes”, which may be the cause of the higher numbers.     

Genome size, base composition and karyotype of Jatropha curcas L., an important biofuel plant

In this report, we present the genome size, the base composition and the karyotype of Jatropha curcas L., which is becoming an important oleaginous crop in tropical areas for biofuel production. The genome size and the base composition were obtained by flow cytometry of G₀/G₁ nuclei stained with propidium iodide (for genome size), DAPI (for AT) and chromomycin A3 (for GC), respectively. The karyotype was obtained by root-tip (i) incubation with amiprophos-methyl (microtubule inhibitor), (ii) digestion in enzymatic solution, (iii) squashing on glass slides, (iv) fixation and (v) coloration in Giemsa solution. We found that the genome of J. curcas is relatively small and in the same size range as that of rice. The flow cytometry indicates an average 2C value of 0.85 pg and an average base composition of 38.7% GC. The karyotype of J. curcas is made up of 22 relatively small metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes whose size range from 1.71 to 1.24 μm. The possibility of a polyploidization event in the evolutionary history of J. curcas is discussed.     

The population genetics of the ostracode Cyprinotus incongruens on the basis of esterase markers

Different digenic esterase clones of Cyprinotus incongruens reach maturity and die in their own time. Thus, when comparing populations, the presence or absence of clones rather than their frequency should be taken into account. There are no clear geographical relationships concerning the clonal composition of populations. The migration rate is in general quite high, especially to longer distances of about 200 km; the beginning of the isolation of populations by distance can be detectable in Central Europe over distances of at least 400 km. This clonal composition of populations is determined firstly by the founder effect, amplified by the “priority effect” when the founder population increases in numbers, and secondly by mutations. With regards to loci studied here (those coding for esterases), founder individuals are more likely to be doubly homozygous than singly or doubly heterozygous. Thus, the heterozygosity which arises by mutation is severely reduced at the suprapopulation level.     

新疆野核桃自然保护区不同坡向野核桃幼苗种群年龄结构及生长特征

为了解国家Ⅱ级渐危植物新疆野核桃不同年龄幼苗的数量组成及生长特性,在野核桃自然保护区不同坡向上设置4个2-hm²样地,应用相邻格子样方法对野核桃幼苗进行逐株调查,分析了野核桃幼苗种群的数量组成、基径和株高的生长特征及各性状间的生长关系.结果表明: 阳坡、半阳坡、阴坡和半阴坡野核桃1龄幼苗均较丰富,1～3龄幼苗数量均占绝对优势,不同坡向野核桃幼苗种群均呈增长型年龄结构.各坡向野核桃1龄幼苗平均5.7%可存活到4龄,平均1.7%可以存活到7龄.3龄是野核桃幼苗数量的一个转折点,幼苗种群在生活史中采用的是r对策.野核桃幼苗的基径和株高在3龄前生长缓慢,3龄后加快生长;基径平均生长速率为3.6 mm·a^-1,按阴坡、阳坡、半阴坡、半阳坡顺序减小;株高平均生长速率为9.0 cm·a^-1,按阳坡、半阳坡、半阴坡、阴坡顺序减小.不同坡向野核桃幼苗的基径与株高均随年龄的增加呈指数函数生长,株高与基径呈幂函数异速生长,幼苗各性状间的生长快慢可通过函数的性质和参数反映出来.     

The serrate leaf margined Juniperus (Section Sabina) of the western hemisphere: systematics and evolution based on leaf essential oils and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs)

The volatile leaf essential compositions of all 17 serrate leaf margin species of Juniperus (sect. Sabina) of the western hemisphere are reported and compared: J. angosturana, J. ashei, J. californica, J. coahuilensis, J. comitana, J. deppeana, J. durangensis, J. flaccida, J. gamboana, J. jaliscana, J. monosperma, J. monticola, J. osteosperma, J. occidentalis, J. pinchotii, J. saltillensis, and J. standleyi. A number of previously unidentified compounds of the leaf essential oils have now been identified. In addition, DNA data (RAPDs) of all these species were analyzed. Both the leaf essential oils and DNA show these species to be quite distinct with few apparent subgroups, such that the species groupings were not strong in either data set. These data support the hypothesis that this group of junipers originated in Mexico as part of the Madro-Tertiary flora by rapid radiation into new arid land habitats, leaving few extant intermediate taxa.     

中国银口天竺鲷属鱼类的分类厘定

本研究检视了采自中国沿海的银口天竺鲷属标本314尾, 形态学鉴定为8种: 斑鳍银口天竺鲷(Jaydia carinata (Cuvier, 1828))、细条银口天竺鲷(J. lineata (Temminck & Schlege, 1842))、新几内亚银口天竺鲷(J. novaeguineae (Valenciennes, 1832))、黑鳃银口天竺鲷(J. poeciloptera (Cuvier, 1828))、史密斯氏银口天竺鲷(J. smithi Kotthaus 1970)、横带银口天竺鲷(J. striata (Smith & Radcliffe, 1912))、印度洋银口天竺鲷(J. striatodes (Gon, 1997))和黑边银口天竺鲷(J. truncata (Bleeker, 1854))。结合GenBank中的同种序列, 对史密斯氏银口天竺鲷进行DNA条形码分析, 发现中国群体和地中海群体分为两个组群, 两者平均组间遗传距离为0.044, 表明其中存在隐存种。因该种模式产地为亚丁湾, 推测中国种群为隐存种Jaydia sp.。结合标本和文献考证, 我们认为中国已知有银口天竺鲷属鱼类9种, 未采集到的烟台银口天竺鲷J. tchefouensis (Fang, 1942)可能为J. lineata次定同种异名。我们整理了各种的同种异名、形态特征和地理分布, 编制了检索表, 探讨了分类问题, 修订了错误。中国已记录物种J. ellioti、J. arafurae、J. albomarginata实际为J. truncata、J. poeciloptera和J. novaeguineae。     

Identical properties of transmembrane synaptic vesicle protein Mr 100,000 in Torpedo and Mr 86,000 in bovine brain

Synaptic vesicles derived from the Torpedo electric organ and bovine cerebral cortex contain concanavalin A binding transmembrane glycoproteins of M_r 100,000 and 86,000, respectively. Their isolelectric points range from 5.5 to 6.0. On deglycosilation both glycoproteins yield identical products of M_r 62,000. The fully glycosilated and the deglycosilated proteins from both Torpedo and bovine brain are recognized by the monoclonal anti-SV2 antibody (Buckley and Kelly, J. Cell Biol. 100, 1284–1294, 1985) as well as by a monospecific IgG fraction raised against Torpedo vesicles and immunopurified against the bovine brain M_r 86,000 glycoprotein. This is shown by Western blotting as well as by immunoaffinity isolation with one antibody and immunodetection with the other antibody. Furthermore on immunohistochemical analysis of the Torpedo electric organ both antibodies recognize exactly the same nerve terminal ramifications. It is concluded that the glycoproteins of M_r 100,000 in Torpedo and of M_r 86,000 in bovine brain are corresponding proteins with different degrees of glycosilation.     

Laser-induced reactions of P700 and cytochrome f in a blue-green alga, Plectonema boryanum

Kinetics of the absorption change of P700 (blue band) and cytochrome f in whole cells of a blue-green alga, Plectonema boryanum, have been studied by Q-switched ruby-laser flash excitation (694 nm; approx. 20 nsec) to elucidate the sequential relationship of these two components in photosynthetic electron transport. “P700” was photooxidized within 2 μsec and recovered in two phases t_1/2 10 μsec and 200 μsec). Under the same conditions cytochrome f was oxidized with a half time of 15 μsec. The magnitude of the fast phase of “P700” recovery, however, diminished at lower laser intensity while the cytochrome f change remained unaffected. The result suggests that cytochrome f and P700 may not be on the same electron-transport chain.     

Interactions of environmental temperature with photoperiod in determining age at maturity in a semelparous polychaete Nereis (neanthes) virens sars

1. 1. Larger members of the Polychacta exhibit two contrasting life cycles: semelparous in the Nereidae, iteroparous in most others.

2. 2. In semelparous forms environmental interaction determines age at reproduction and fecundity in the single spawning event whereas in iteroparous forms such interaction influences the variable age specific reproductive effort.

3. 3. Development of aquaculture has created conditions where organisms are grown under conditions of optimum temperature for growth and unlimited food.

4. 4. We present data on the life history responses (reaction norms) of the semelparous Nereis virens in which age at death in natural populations varies between 3 to 8+ years.

5. 5. In Nereis virens minimum life span (= generation time) in culture is one year but the lifespan remains modular 12 months without manipulation of photoperiod.

6. 6. Environmental temperature plays two roles: i) in conjunction with energy availability to determine “age at first/only reproduction” and secondly as an element (with photoperiod) in the control of gametogenic processes imposing seasonality on the life cycle.

7. 7. The observations suggest that long generation time in natural populations of N. virens is associated with reduced growth rate and that low growth rate is associated with reproduction at a larger size.

     

Expression of human dihydrofolate reductase cDNA and its induction by chloramphenicol in Bacillus subtilis

A bifunctional plasmid (pMP358) able to replicate and to express cloned human dihydrofolate reductase cDNA (cDHFR) in both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis was constructed. The expression of cDHFR in B. subtilis was the result of a deletion that placed the cDNA fragment under the control of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene promoter of Staphylococcus aureus plasmid pC194. By sequence analysis of plasmid pMP358, we observed a gene fusion occurring between the cDHFR and the 32nd codon of the CAT gene. We report that such a “hybrid” gene is able to direct the synthesis of a 25-kDal “hybrid” protein, which was found to be inducible by supplementing B. subtilis cells with sublethal doses of chloramphenicol.     

Systematic implications of the sesquiterpene lactones in the “strumarium” morphological complex (Xanthium strumarium, Asteraceae) of Europe, Asia and Africa

In most populations of the “strumarium” morphological complex of Xanthium strumarium L. (sensu lato) in northern Europe and in India, a new compound, xanthinosin, is the only detectable sesquiterpene lactone. In populations of this morphological complex in Portugal and Egypt as well as in eastern Asia, USSR, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan, xanthinin and xanthatin occur as major constituents along with xanthinosin. Experimental F, hybrids between pistillate Indian plants which contained only xanthinosin and staminate plants from Hong Kong which contained a mixture of xanthinin, xanthatin and xanthinosin produced a mixture of compounds in which the percentage of xanthinin increased relative to its percentage in the Hong Kong parent. The sesquiterpenoid data suggest that the various taxa in the “strumarium” morphological complex can be divided into three groups: (a) X. strumarium (sensu stricto) and X. indicum König, containing primarily or exclusively xanthinosin; (b) X. sibiricum Patrin and X. brasilicum Vell., with xanthinin and xanthinosin predominating; and (c) X. inaequilaterum DC., with almost equal proportions of xanthinin, xanthatin and xanthinosin. Two other taxa of the complex. X. japonicum Widd. and X. abyssinicum Wallr., were not available for inclusion in the present study.     

华北地区胡桃楸林分布规律及群落构建机制分析

探究植物分布规律和群落构建机制是揭示植物群落空间分布、群落物种多样性的形成、发展及其影响因素的重要途径。该文以华北地区胡桃楸(Juglans mandshurica)林为研究对象, 基于野外84个样方的调查数据, 通过径级分析、典范对应分析等方法研究了胡桃楸林的空间分布规律, 并通过亲缘关系指数计算、植物功能性状等方法研究了胡桃楸林的物种共存机制。结果表明, 华北地区胡桃楸的胸径相对较小(平均5.36 cm), 种群年龄较低; 海拔、坡度、坡位和人为干扰程度是影响华北地区胡桃楸分布的主要因子。研究区域内的胡桃楸大部分生长于山体中下部海拔较低的缓坡, 且人为干扰相对较少的区域, 各分布区域中胡桃楸林的分布规律各异。胡桃楸林物种的构建由生态位机制主导, 其中河北、陕西、天津的胡桃楸林物种共存过程主要受负密度制约的影响, 北京、山西的胡桃楸林的物种共存过程主要受环境选择驱动。     

Geographical variation in the monoterpenes of Valeriana officinalis Leaf

The variation in terpene composition of the leaf essential oil was studied in three populations of Valeriana officinalis L. subsp, collina. These populations grow in Italy in environmentally very different areas. Our examination of geographically and ecologically distant populations has provided evidence for substantial Iocal intrasubspecific differentiation. Statistical treatment of chemical data revealed two distinct chemical varieties of subspecies collina.     

Epicuticular wax of Juniperus scopulorum

Epicuticular wax from Juniperus scopulorum contains hydrocarbons (16%), esters (11%), free acids (1%), nonacosan-10-ol (27%), nonacosane-diols (7%) and estolides (16%). The major hydrocarbon is tritriacontane; the principal esters are C₃₄–C₄₆, mainly octyl and decyl esters of C₂₈-C₃₆ acids; and the diols consist of nonacosane-4,10-diol (57%),5,10-diol (28%), 7,10-diol (11%) and 10,13-diol (4%). Hydrolysis of the estolides gave a mixture of acids, ω-hydroxy acids, , ω-diols, alcohols and hydroxy acids. The hydroxy acids are a new class of C₂₈–C₃₆ acids with the OH attached to either the eighteenth or twentieth carbon from the terminal methyl end; the major component is 13-hydroxydotriacontanoic acid. Syntheses of this acid and of nonacosane-4,10-dione and nonacosane-4,10-diol are described.     

Evidence for conspecificity of Piper methysticum forst. f. and Piper wichmannii C. DC

Morphological, chemical, cytological and genetic evidence demonstrating the absence of taxonomic distinction between Piper methysticum and Piper wichmannii are reviewed. Piper methysticum is not a separate species, but rather a group of sterile cultivars selected from somatic mutants of P. wichmannii. As P. methysticum was described first (1786), it has priority and P. wichmannii (1910) is superfluous. A new subspecific classification is suggested that makes a distinction between the sterile cultivars (P. methysticum var. methysticum) and the wild populations (P. methysticum var. Wichmannii).     

青海三江源地区三种天然圆柏林更新特征

为明确青海三江源地区3种天然圆柏林的更新特征及其主导影响因子,对天然林保护与经营提供参考,本研究评价了圆柏林天然更新等级,分析了林分因子和林地土壤因子对圆柏林天然更新的影响.结果 表明:3种天然圆柏林更新不良,更新潜力不足.大果圆柏林、祁连圆柏林和密枝圆柏林平均更新密度分别为332、279和202株·hm-2,更新个体...