Gene action in fish of tetraploid origin. V. Cellular RNA and protein content and enzyme activities in cyprinid,clupeoid, and salmonoid species

The ratio of cellular RNA and protein content is about 1:1 between phylogenetically diploid and tetraploid species of the teleost family Cyprinidae, but is roughly in proportion to ploidy in species of the teleost order Isospondyli. Enzyme activities do not unequivocally comply with this scheme. These findings are discussed in view of the hypothesis that a regulatory mechanism which reduces genic activity has evolved in the tetraploid cyprinids but not in the tetraploid species of the order Isopondyli.     

应用流式细胞术测定17种中国野生蔷薇核DNA含量

以17种中国野生蔷薇为试材,采用改良的LB 01裂解液,以4种不同的标准植物——大豆（Glycine max Merr.‘Polanka’）、绿豆（Vigna radiata（L.） Wilczek）、番茄（Lycopersicon esculentum Miller）和玉米（Zea mays L.）为外标,以二倍体材料丽江蔷薇（Rosa×lichiangensis Yü et Ku）为内部参照,利用流式细胞术对其核DNA含量及染色体倍性进行检测,并采用常规染色体压片法验证倍性准确性。本研究首次检测了3个二倍体种——商城蔷薇（Rosa shangchengensis T.C.Ku）、广东蔷薇（Rosa kwangtungensis Yü et Tsai）和无刺刺梨（Rosa roxburghii f.inermis S.D.Shi）,1个三倍体种——伞房蔷薇（Rosa corymbulosa Rolfe）和1个四倍体种——弯刺蔷薇（Rosa beggeriana Schrenk）的核DNA含量及基因组大小。结果表明,流式细胞术检测结果与常规染色体压片法结果一致,可对中国野生蔷薇的倍性研究进行补充。本研究结果可丰富中国蔷薇属植物的细胞遗传学背景资料并为繁育新品种提供理论依据。     

DNA reassociation kinetics in relation to genome size in four amphibian species

DNA reassociation kinetics were studied, by means of the hydroxyapatite chromatography method, for four species of Amphibians with different nuclear DNA content: Xenopus laevis (3 pg DNA per haploid genome) and Bufo bufo (7 pg) of the Anura subclass and Trituras cristatus (23 pg) and Necturus maculosus (52 pg) of the Urodela subclass.Within each subclass the two species studied were found to have about the same absolute amount of unique DNA. The differences of total nuclear DNA can be accounted for by quantitative variations of the repetitive sequence classes, at least in part due to changes in the number of copies of the various sequences. On the contrary the great difference in nuclear DNA between the two subclasses, Anura and Urodela, involves all sequence classes in parallel; the slowly reassociating fraction appears to be unique in spite of a tenfold difference in absolute amount.The dependence of reassociation kinetics on DNA fragment length for the four species indicates for all of them an interspersed organization of the various sequence classes.     

Amount of repeated and non-repeated DNA in the genomes of closely related fish species with varying genome sizes.

1. Within the teleostean family Cyprinidae, diploid species occur with wide variation in genome size. There also exist species which were anciently tetraploid. 2. The quantitative changes of DNA content in the diploids are primarily due to differences in the amount of intermediately repeated DNA. DNA sequence composition of the ancient tetraploid genomes suggests that the species derived from diploid ancestors of small genome size. 3. The average base composition and the base compositional heterogeneity are similar in all the species examined.     

Nuclear DNA content variation among Central European Koeleria taxa

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Polyploidization plays an important role in the evolution of many plant genera, including Koeleria. The knowledge of ploidy, chromosome number and genome size may enable correct taxonomic treatment when other features are insufficient as in Koeleria. Therefore, these characteristics and their variability were determined for populations of six central European Koeleria taxa. METHODS: Chromosome number analysis was performed by squashing root meristems, and ploidy and 2C nuclear DNA content were estimated by flow cytometry. KEY RESULTS: Three diploids (K. glauca, K. macrantha var. macrantha and var. pseudoglauca), one tetraploid (K. macrantha var. majoriflora), one decaploid (K. pyramidata) and one dodecaploid (K. tristis) were found. The 2C nuclear DNA content of the diploids ranged from 4.85 to 5.20 pg. The 2C DNA contents of tetraploid, decaploid and dodecaploid taxa were 9.31 pg, 22.89 pg and 29.23 pg, respectively. The DNA content of polyploids within the K. macrantha aggregate (i.e. within K. macrantha and K. pyramidata) was smaller than the expected multiple of the diploid genome (K. macrantha var. macrantha). Geography-correlated variation of DNA content was found for some taxa. Czech populations of K. macrantha var. majoriflora had a 5.06% smaller genome than the Slovak ones. An isolated eastern Slovakian population of K. tristis revealed 8.04% less DNA than populations from central Slovakia. In central and north-west Bohemia, diploid and tetraploid cytotypes of K. macrantha were sympatric; east from this region diploid populations, and towards the west tetraploid populations were dominant. CONCLUSIONS: Remarkable intra-specific inter-population differences in nuclear DNA content were found between Bohemian and Pannonian populations of Koeleria macrantha var. majoriflora and between geographically isolated central and eastern Slovakian populations of K. tristis. These differences occur over a relatively small geographical scale.     

Non-repetitive DNA sequence divergence in phylogenetically diploid and tetraploid teleostean species of the family cyprinidae and the order isospondyli

Non-repetitive DNA of anciently tetraploid teleostean species was analysed for the presence of duplicated sequences. Closely related diploid species were investigated in comparison. From the reassociation kinetics of total nuclear DNA, rate constants and fraction sizes of classes of repetitive and non-repetitive sequences were determined. DNA fractions enriched in the slowest renaturing sequence class were prepared and subjected to reassociation. The rate constants of these reactions were compared with the values expected for single-copy DNA from analytical genome size determinations. From reassociated DNA enriched in non-repetitive sequences also the melting temperatures were determined as a measure of internal base sequence heterogeneity. It has been shown that the two ancient tetraploids Cyprinus carpio and Thymallus thymallus are, with regard to the thermal stability of reassociated non-repetitive DNA, and with regard to the correspondence of reaction rates with the values expected for single copy DNA, indistinguishable from diploid controls (Rutilus rutilus, Clupea harengus and Sprattus sprattus). The tetraploid species Salmo irideus, Salvelinus fontinalis and Coregonus lavaretus appear as very recent tetraploids with regard to these criteria. The significance of the results for estimating the time of occurence of polyploidisation events in these taxa is discussed.     

Polyploidy in Cupressaceae: Discovery of a new naturally occurring tetraploid,Xanthocyparis vietnamensis

While polyploidy (whole-genome multiplication) is generally considered rare in extant gymnosperms (with the exception of Ephedra, Ephedraceae), the occurrence of sporadic polyploid individuals belonging to various genera in the conifer family Cupressaceae has been reported in the literature. In addition, recent studies have revealed that polyploidy is not uncommon in the genus Juniperus (Cupressaceae), with tetraploid and hexaploid individuals reported in individuals collected from wild populations. Given these findings, we undertook a comprehensive screening of ploidy levels in 32 species belonging to the four genera that are phylogenetically closest to Juniperus (i.e.,Callitropsis, Hesperocyparis, Xanthocyparis, and Cupressus), referred to as the CaHXCu complex. In addition, we also determined the ploidy level of two accessions in the poorly studied tetraploid, Fitzroya cupressoides. Using flow cytometry together with published chromosome counts to assign ploidy levels, we show that all species of the CaHXCu complex are diploid except Xanthocyparis vietnamensis, which is tetraploid, with a genome size of 44.60 pg/2 C. This study opens up new opportunities for studying the impact and consequences of polyploidy on the evolution and adaptation of species in Cupressaceae.     

Nuclear genome characterization of the carrageenophyteHypnea musciformis (Rhodophyta)

DNA reassociation kinetics were used to determine nuclear genome organization and complexity in the carrageenophyteHypnea musciformis (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta). Results indicate the presence of three second order components corresponding to fast (2%), intermediate (33%) and slow (65%) fractions. Microspectrophotometry with the DNA-localizing fluorochrome DAPI confirmed ploidy level differences in the gametophytic and tetrasporophytic phases. Elevated (endopolyploid) nuclear DNA levels were observed in both gametophytic and cystocarpic tissue. Comparison of mean nuclear DNA (If) values to chicken erthrocytes (RBC) resulted in an estimate of 0.22 pg/2 C genome forHypnea musciformis. Karyological studies using aceto-orcein revealed a chromosome complement of five bivalents during diakinesis of tetraspore mother cells.     

The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices is haploid and has a small genome size in the lower limit of eukaryotes

The genome size, complexity, and ploidy of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Glomus intraradices was determined using flow cytometry, reassociation kinetics, and genomic reconstruction. Nuclei of G. intraradices from in vitro culture, were analyzed by flow cytometry. The estimated average length of DNA per nucleus was 14.07+/-3.52 Mb. Reassociation kinetics on G. intraradices DNA indicated a haploid genome size of approximately 16.54 Mb, comprising 88.36% single copy DNA, 1.59% repetitive DNA, and 10.05% fold-back DNA. To determine ploidy, the DNA content per nucleus measured by flow cytometry was compared with the genome estimate of reassociation kinetics. G. intraradices was found to have a DNA index (DNA per nucleus per haploid genome size) of approximately 0.9, indicating that it is haploid. Genomic DNA of G. intraradices was also analyzed by genomic reconstruction using four genes (Malate synthase, RecA, Rad32, and Hsp88). Because we used flow cytometry and reassociation kinetics to reveal the genome size of G. intraradices and show that it is haploid, then a similar value for genome size should be found when using genomic reconstruction as long as the genes studied are single copy. The average genome size estimate was 15.74+/-1.69 Mb indicating that these four genes are single copy per haploid genome and per nucleus of G. intraradices. Our results show that the genome size of G. intraradices is much smaller than estimates of other AMF and that the unusually high within-spore genetic variation that is seen in this fungus cannot be due to high ploidy.     

Ploidy level and origin of the European invasive weed Senecio inaequidens (Asteraceae)

Native to South-Africa, species of the Senecio inaequidens complex are presently invasive in Europe, Australia and South-America. Previously, different ploidy levels have been found in these different areas, with only tetraploid individuals reported in Europe, and only diploids in South-Africa and Australia. In the present study chromosome counts and flow cytometry were used to survey DNA ploidy levels in a large sample of 66 native and 21 European invasive populations. One Mexican individual was also added to the study. We found only tetraploid individuals occurring in Europe, whereas both ploidy levels, diploid and tetraploid, were found in South-Africa. Moreover, based on genome size, we suggest that two largely allopatric varieties of diploids exist in South-Africa. The Mexican individual was diploid. We suggest that European tetraploid individuals come from South-Africa and hypothesize that a hybridization event between the two DNA types of diploids occurred in the Lesotho area. The taxonomic difficulties surrounding species of theS. inaequidens complex are briefly discussed.     

Nuclear genome size variation in fleshy-fruited Neotropical Myrtaceae

In Myrtaceae, reports regarding the nuclear DNA content are scarce. The aim of this study is to present genome size data for fleshy-fruited Myrteae, and to test their relation with chromosome number and ploidy, the available data for cytoevolutionary studies in Myrtaceae. Thirty species out of ten genera were investigated for chromosome number and genome size using flow cytometry. Twenty-eight species were diploid with 2n = 2x = 22 and two species were tetraploid with 2n = 4x = 44. All genome sizes measured are new. Among the diploid species, a gradual and small variation in 2C-values (0.486 pg in Gomidesia schaueriana to 0.636 pg in Eugenia multicostata) was observed, whereas the tetraploid genomes of Psidium acutangulum and P. cattleianum had about twice as much DNA (1.053 and 1.167 pg, respectively). The total interspecific variation of C-values was 2.45-fold. The fleshy-fruited Myrteae have smaller holoploid genomes than the capsular-fruited Eucalypteae and Melaleuceae.     

Nuclear genome characterization of the carrageenophyteAgardhiella subulata (Rhodophyta)

DNA reassociation kinetics were used to determine nuclear genome organization and complexity inAgardhiella subulata (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta). Results indicate the presence of three second-order components corresponding to fast (22%), intermediate (68%) and slow (10%) fractions. Thus, the genome consists of 90% repetitive sequences. Microspectrophotoometry with the DNA-localizing fluorochrome DAPI was used to confirm ploidy level differences in the gametophytic and tetrasporophytic phases. Results indicate that meiosis occurs during tetrasporogenesis. Comparison of mean nuclear DNA (I_f) values to chicken erythrocytes (RBC) resulted in an estimate of 0.9 pg/2C genome forAgardhiella. Karyological studies using aceto-orcein revealed a chromosome complement of 2N = 44 in carposporangia and the presence of 22 bivalents during diakinesis of tetraspore mother cells.     

Analysis of random and specific sequences of nuclear and cytoplasmic DNA in diploid and tetraploid american wild rice species (Oryza spp.).

A sample of American wild rice and other accessions of the genus Oryza were studied at polymorphic regions of nuclear, mitochondrial, and chloroplastic genomes. First, flow cytometry, genome-specific RAPD markers, and chromosome counting were utilized to verify the original ploidy and classification of 230 accessions studied. Based on these methods, 8% of the accessions were considered to be misclassified either taxonomically or as a result of contamination. Second, a fine resolution analysis was conducted at genomic regions sampled at random by RAPD markers and at specific sites of the chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA by cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) analysis. Phylogenetic trees resulting from phenetic and cladistic analyses of RAPD, cpDNA, and mtDNA polymorphisms were obtained. The results indicated that the American diploid species O. glumaepatula should be considered an individual species, distinct from O. rufipogon, and confirmed that the American tetraploid species (O. alta, O. grandiglumis, and O. latifolia) belong to the O. officinalis complex. The data indicate that these species should still be treated as a group rather than as three distinct species and that their closest relative is a CC-genome species. It was estimated that the diploid and tetraploid American species diverged from O. sativa - O. nivara (AA genome) and CC- and BBCC-genome species, respectively, 20 million years ago.     

The mitochondrial genome is large and variable in a family of plants (cucurbitaceae)

The genome sizes of mitochondrial DNA from darkgrown (etiolated) shoots of several higher plants were determined by reassociation kinetics and restriction analysis. Kinetic complexities obtained from reassociation kinetics measured spectrophotometrically indicate a mitochondrial genome size of 1600 Md for muskmelon, 1000 Md for cucumber, 560 Md for zucchini squash and 220 Md for watermelon (four species in the cucurbit family), as well as 240 Md for pea and 320 Md for corn. The kinetic curves also reveal the presence (except in corn) of sequences of a few magadaltons of complexity, reiterated about 10-50 times and representing 5%- 10% of the DNA in each mitochondrial genome. Molecular weight summation of fragments resulting from digestion with restriction endonucleases Sal I and Kpn I give genome size estimates similar to those obtained from reassociation kinetics, except for muskmelon and cucumber, for which the large number of fragments of similar size limits our estimate to at least 500 Md. The number of mitochondrial genomes per diploid cell is estimated to be about 110 to 140 for muskmelon, zucchini and watermelon. We consider the possible evolutionary mechanisms by which the mitochondrial genome has grown within the cucurbit family and the possible reasons for the existance of a seven to eight-fold range in mitochondrial genome size among such closely related species.     

Structural characteristics (reassociation and melting kinetics) of kinetoplast DNA from Crithidia oncopelti

A highly purified associate of kinetoplast DNA is isolated from C. oncopelti, and its physico-chemical properties are studied. Both native associate and its ultrasonic fragments are found to have a complex character of melting. 5-6 melting zones (3 of them being the main) are found on the melting curve. Analysis of reassociation kinetics of sonicated associate of kinetoplast DNA has revealed the presence of at least two components: fast reassociating component (65-70% of complex DNA), which reassociation kinetics is equivalent to the unique sequence with molecular weight of 2.3. - 10(6) daltons, and slow reassotiating component (15% of complex DNA), having reassociation kinetics equivalent to unique sequence of 26 - 10(6) daltons. The data obtained suggest that complex associate of kinetoplast DNA is heterogenous for its nucleotide sequence and base composition.     

Determination of ploidy levels in Ipheion uniflorum (R. C. Graham) Rafin (Liliaceae)

In this study, chromosome number and ploidy levels of Ipheion uniflorum cv. "Wisley Blue" (spring starflower) were determined. In meristematic root tip cells, chromosome number was found as 2n = 12 and 4n = 24. The ratios of diploid and tetraploid cells were found as 80.74% and 19.26%, respectively. In differentiated root tissues and mature leaf tissues ploidy levels were analysed by flow cytometry and polysomaty were found in both organs. In differentiated root tissues, ploidy levels were found as 2C, 4C, 8C and 16C DNA. In root tissues percentages of 2C, 4C, 8C and 16C nuclear DNA content were observed as 57.2%, 33.1%, 2.47% and 7.23%, respectively. In mature leaf tissues, ploidy levels were determined 2C, 4C, 8C and 16C DNA. In this tissue the frequency of 4C DNA was found very higher (74.3%) and 2C DNA content was determined as 19.2%. In mature leaf tissue, 8C and 16C nuclear DNA contents were observed as 2.72% and 3.78%, respectively. When nuclear DNA contents in leaves and roots were compared, an apparent difference in 2C and 4C DNA contents was found.     

Analysis of the genome of plants. II. Characterization of repetitive DNA in barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wheat (Triticum aestivum).

Barley and wheat DNAs have been characterized by studying their kinetics of reassociation, melting properties and sedimentation behaviour in neutral CsCl gradients as well as in Cs2SO4 gradients containing Ag+ or Hg2+. In both species, reassociation kinetics have revealed the presence of approx. 76% redundant nucleotide sequences which have been grouped into very rapidly reassociating (Cot 0-0.01), rapidly reassociating (Cot 0.01-1.0) and slowly reassociating (Cot 1-100) fractions. The barley Cot 0-0.01 and Cot 0.01-1.0 fractions as well as the wheat Cot 0.01-1.0 fraction form narrow bands upon centrifugation in CsCl gradients. Under similar experimental conditions both Cot 0.01 and Cot 1.0-100 wheat fractions and the barley Cot 1.0-100 fraction form broad bands each having several shoulders. Thermal denaturation studies of most of the above reassociated fractions have shown a considerable degree of order in their duplexes with an average hyperchromicity of 21.5%. When native, high molecular weight barley DNA is centrifuged in Ag+/CS2SO4 density gradients (RF = 0.2), two satellites appear on the heavier side of the main band, as against one in the case of wheat. The two minor peaks, designated as satellites I and II, have buoyant densities of 1.702 and 1.698 g/cm3, respectively, in neutral CsCl gradients and together represent about 8-9% of total barley DNA. Upon centrifugation in Hg2+/CS2SO4 density gradients, one satellite is observed in both barley and wheat and it accounts for 1-2% of their genomes.     

Reassociation kinetics of deoxyribonucleic acid in antigen-stimulated mouse-spleen cells.

In order to directly compare the complexity of the genome of lymphoid cells which have been antigenically stimulated, with that of non-immunized and non-lymphoid cells, DNA was pulse labeled and extracted from BALB/c mouse spleen cells at various time intervals after antigenic stimulation in vivo; the reassociation rates of these newly synthesized DNA preparations were compared with those of the total mouse spleen DNA, obtained from same sources and at the same times. DNA labeled for 60 min at 43, 53, or 72 h after antigenic restimulation, reassociated faster than the corresponding total DNA. On the other hand, the ressociation profile of DNA, labeled for 60 min during the first 24 after restimulation did not differ from that of the total DNA extracted at the same time. When labeled thymidine was available for incorporation at a constant concentration over a period of 24 h, reassociation patterns of labeled DNA were identical to those of the corresponding total DNA at all times after restimulation. Newly synthesized nuclear DNA exhibited reassociation profiles identical to those of the corresponding total nuclear DNA at all times tested. Also, no differences between the reassociation rates of nuclear and total cellular DNA were observed. It was concluded that antigenic stimualtion does not induce a major amplification of genes in the stimulated cells, and that the rapidly reassociating DNA species described represent extranuclear (cytoplasmic) DNA.     

Genome Expression during Normal Leaf Development : 2. Direct Correlation between Ribulose Bisphosphate Carboxylase Content and Nuclear Ploidy in a Polyploid Series of Wheat

The quantitative relationships between ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase, nuclear ploidy, and plastid DNA content were examined in the nonisogenic polyploid series Triticum monococcum (2×), Triticum dicoccum (4×), and Triticum aestivum (6×). Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase per mesophyll cell increased in step with each increase in nuclear ploidy so the ratios of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase per mesophyll cell (picograms) to nuclear DNA per mesophyll cell (picograms) were almost identical in the three species. Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase per plastid was 14.1, 14.7, and 16.8 picograms in the 2×, 4×, and 6× ploidy levels, respectively. Plastid area in these three species decreased with increasing nuclear ploidy so the concentration of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase in the plastoids was 60% higher in the hexaploid compared to the diploid species. DNA levels per plastid were 64 and 67 femtograms for the diploid and tetraploid species, respectively, but were 40% less in the plastids of the hexaploid species. These relationships are discussed in terms of cellular and plastid control of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase content.     

Molecular structure of plant genomes

The genome structure of several species of Graminea and Drosophila was investigated by DNA renaturation method. Kinetics of DNA reassociation was studied by direct optical scanning and the data obout Cot curve were analized by an improved computer programm "Finger". Differences between structure DNA animals and plants are shown. Plant genomes have no unique fraction which exists in animal genomes. Slowly reassociating fraction in plants comprises about 20% DNA as compared with more than 60% in animal DNA. An analysis of kinetic complexity indicates that the relative content of the slowly reassociating fraction in the genome both of animal and of plants is much higher than that of the highly repeated DNA fraction.