Differences in invertase activity in embryogenic and non-embryogenic calli from Medicago arborea

The different invertase activities in embryogenic and non-embryogenic calli induced from explants (cotyledons, petioles, hypocotyls and leaves) obtained from Medicago arborea L. subsp. arborea seedlings were evaluated. Total invertase activity was lower in the calli with the greatest embryogenic capacity. The greatest fraction of this activity corresponded to soluble invertase. Wall-bound invertase showed maximum activity during the first two months of culture and the highest activities of this type were found in non-embryogenic calli. Extracellular invertase formed the smallest fraction of the total invertase activity evaluated. Acid and alkaline invertase activities were found in all calli but differences were detected between the embryogenic and non-embryogenic calli. In the former, the activity of both types of invertase exhibited a similar type of behaviour but different from that observed in the non-embryogenic calli. The calli with the greatest embryogenic capacity had very low levels of acid invertase and very high levels of the alkaline form. Soluble invertase – both acid and alkaline – accounted for the highest fraction after the first two months of culture and was present in lower amounts in the embryogenic than in the non-embryogenic calli. Regarding bound invertase, the highest production was seen to correspond to acid invertase. The extracellular invertase evaluated corresponded to the acid form since the alkaline extracellular invertase did not show any physiologically significant activity.     

Nitrogen compounds in embryogenic and non-embryogenic calluses of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Medicago arborea</Emphasis> L.

Nitrogen (N) metabolism during embryogenesis may be fundamental in the embryogenic response. We used different explants of Medicago arborea L. subsp. arborea seedlings: cotyledons, petioles and leaves, which form calluses with different embryogenic responses. The endogenous contents of total nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite and ammonia and nitrate reductase activity were determined in embryogenic and non-embryogenic calluses induced from the different explants. The endogenous total N content decreased in the calluses as the culture time progressed, this decrease being more pronounced in the more embryogenic calluses obtained from petioles with the H8 and F0 media. Inorganic N decreased during embryogenesis, coinciding with an increase in organic N. Thus, N metabolism somehow seems to be essential in embryogenesis. The N detected in calluses, at the start of culture, was mainly metabolised to nitrite. This metabolism was very pronounced; especially in embryogenic calluses obtained from cotyledons and petioles. That is, the metabolism of N seemed to be more marked in the calluses in which embryogenesis was greater. The nitrite content decreased in all the calluses, the contents being lower, especially in the last months of culture, in the more embryogenic calluses obtained from petioles. In many calluses, ammonia levels did not follow any general pattern. Neither was it possible to detect changes in ammonia levels between the embryogenic and non-embryogenic calluses. Regarding nitrate reductase activity, no clear differences between embryogenic and non-embryogenic calluses were found.     

Endogenous cytokinins in Cocos nucifera L. in vitro cultures obtained from plumular explants

Auxin induces in vitro somatic embryogenesis in coconut plumular explants through callus formation. Embryogenic calli and non-embryogenic calli can be formed from the initial calli. Analysis of endogenous cytokinins showed the occurrence of cytokinins with aromatic and aliphatic side chains. Fourteen aliphatic cytokinins and four aromatic cytokinins were analysed in the three types of calli and all the cytokinins were found in each type, although some in larger proportions than others. The most abundant cytokinins in each type of callus were isopentenyladenine-9-glucoside, zeatin-9-glucoside, zeatin riboside, isopentenyladenine riboside, dihydrozeatin and dihydrozeatin riboside in decreasing order. Total cytokinin content was compared between the three types of calli, and it was found to be lower in embryogenic calli compared to non-embryogenic calli or initial calli. The same pattern was observed for individual cytokinins. When explants were cultured in media containing exogenously added cytokinins, the formation of embryogenic calli in the explants was reduced. When 8-azaadenine (an anticytokinin) was added the formation of embryogenic calli and somatic embryos was increased. These results suggest that the difference in somatic embryo formation capacity observed between embryogenic calli and non-embryogenic calli is related to their endogenous cytokinin contents.     

Differences in pectic polysaccharides between carrot embryogenic and non-embryogenic calli

Summary Cell walls and media were obtained from three kinds of carrot cell culture, namely, embryogenic callus (EC), non-embryogenic callus (NC) and somatic embryos (SE), and analyzed for their sugar content and sugar composition by electrophoresis and gas chromatography. EC formed large cell clusters while NC formed small clusters. Observations under the light microscope revealed that the intercellular contacts in NC were much more limited than those in EC. The analysis of pectic polysaccharides revealed that the level of neutral sugars was higher than that of acidic sugars in EC, while the opposite was true in NC. Gaschromatographic analysis of neutral sugars in pectic fractions revealed that EC and SE were rich in arabinose, while NC was rich in galactose. On the basis of these results, we discuss the possible involvement of neutral sugars, and of arabinose and galactose in particular, in pectic polysaccharides in intercellular contacts.Abbreviations EC embryogenic callus - NC non-embryogenic callus - SE somatic embryo - MS Murashige and Skoog - PAS periodic acid-Schiff s reagent     

Extracellular matrix as the early structural marker for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Centella asiatica</Emphasis> embryogenic tissues

Embryogenic and non-embryogenic calli were induced from the Centella asiatica leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with kinetin and 2,4-dichlorophenophenoxyacetic acid. The extracellular matrix (ECM) layer was seen on the surface of embryogenic cells but not on the non-embryogenic cells. The ECM formed bridges with net-like material between the embryogenic cells. This network like structure was believed to play an important role in plant morphogenesis and can serve as an early structural marker of embryogenic competence in Centella asiatica calli culture.     

尾巨桉胚状体诱导及愈伤组织差异研究

以尾巨桉优良无性系无菌苗茎段为外植体,通过对多种不同浓度生长调节剂组合的优化,进行胚状体诱导研究;并对胚性与非胚性愈伤组织进行形态解剖学观察、相关生理指标检测以及相关基因荧光定量PCR分析,以揭示尾巨桉胚性愈伤组织非胚性化发生的机理,为建立尾巨桉体细胞胚胎再生体系提供参考。结果表明:(1)胚性愈伤组织在MS+0.1mg/L NAA+0.01mg/L TDZ培养基中诱导得到胚状体,外植体经过0.5mol/L蔗糖处理12h有助于胚性愈伤组织产生胚状体,胚状体最高发生率为16.7%。(2)尾巨桉胚性与非胚性愈伤组织石蜡切片观察发现,两者的细胞形态特征存在明显的差异,胚性愈伤组织细胞体积小,排列紧密,表现出典型的胚性细胞特征,而非胚性细胞比较大,排列疏松,细胞呈不规则形状。(3)生理生化指标检测结果表明,非胚性愈伤组织中蛋白质含量、SOD、PPO及CAT活性均显著低于胚性愈伤组织,非胚性愈伤组织中木质素、可溶性糖含量以及PAL和POD活性要高于胚性愈伤组织,二者的反肉桂酸4-单加氧酶基因、淀粉磷酸化酶基因、谷胱甘肽硫转移酶基因、葡萄糖-1-磷酸腺苷酸转移酶基因、葡萄糖六磷酸异构酶基因、分支酸合酶基因以及苯丙氨酸解氨酶基因表达差异也达到显著水平。     

In vitro Culture of Medicago arborea L. Anthers: Initial Response

High production of viable somatic embryos was obtained from cultured anthers in the second phase of meiosis, using microscopic level observations of tetrads. The medium with the greatest embryogenic efficiency was H6, composed of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 2 mg l⁻¹ of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.5 mg l⁻¹ of kinetin. All (100%) of the somatic embryos obtained germinated and produced 63% green and 37% albino seedlings. In general, embryogenic calli had a higher ion concentration than non-embryogenic calli, with the exception of calcium whose concentration was higher in non-embryogenic calli. The calli induced in the different media differed in their sucrose and starch compositions. The most embryogenic medium H6-induced calli with the highest sucrose concentration and the lowest starch concentration, before visible embryos were observed. In the leaves of the albino seedlings, sucrose concentrations were very high while those of starch were very low. Ion concentrations were also lower in albino plants than in the leaves of green seedlings, with the exception of calcium, whose concentration was higher. Most of the albino individuals were homozygous, even when their progenitors were heterozygous, thereby confirming their haploid nature.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from cultured mature caryopses of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge)

Callus cultures were initiated from mature excised caryopses of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) on Murashige & Skoog medium supplemented with 20 gl^–1 sucrose and 2 mg l^–1 2,4-D. Excised mature caryopses readily germinated and callus developed at the base of coleoptiles. There was considerable variation in the amount of non-embryogenic callus among the cultures. Most of the explants produced non-embryogenic translucent callus consisting of thin-walled cells and unorganized tissue. Some of these calli gave rise only to roots. Other explants formed embryogenic calli which were distinguished morphologically as white, globular and friable. Somatic embryos developed and germinated precociously when embryogenic calli were transferred to a 2,4-D-free medium. Somatic embryogenesis was confirmed by histological sections and scanning electron microscopy. Of the 300 cultures, 35 were embryogenic but only 10 produced plants that were successfully grown to maturity.     

Polyamines influence morphogenesis and caffeine biosynthesis in in vitro cultures of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coffea canephora</Emphasis> P. ex Fr.

The influence of polyamines, polyamine inhibitors and ethylene inhibitors were tested in Coffea canephora for in vitro morphogenetic response and caffeine biosynthesis. Coffea canephora produced non-embryogenic and embryogenic calli. Somatic embryos were produced only from the embryogenic callus. Endogenous polyamine pools were estimated in these tissues. Somatic embryos were subjected to secondary embryogenesis under the influence of putrescine, silver nitrate and specific inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis. Estimation of endogenous total polyamines revealed that embryogenic callus contained 11-fold more spermine and 3.3-fold higher spermidine when compared to non-embryogenic callus. Incorporation of polyamines resulted in 58% explant response for embryogenesis when compared to control with 42% response. Incorporation of silver nitrate resulted in 65% response for embryogenesis. Incorporation of polyamine biosynthetic pathway inhibitors DFMO and DFMA resulted in 83% reduction in embryogenic response with concomitant increase in caffeine levels by two-fold as compared to control. These results have clearly demonstrated that polyamines play a crucial role in embryogenesis and caffeine biosynthesis.     

银杏愈伤组织的形成及其中黄酮类化合物的产生

单一激素种类对银杏叶片,叶柄和幼茎愈伤组织的诱导中以NAA的效果最佳,2,4－D次之,6－BA最差,除胚乳外,胚,幼苗的胚根,子叶,幼茎,叶片和叶柄,以及成年树的嫩茎,叶片和叶柄各外植体在本试验条件下都能诱发愈伤组织,其中胚,子叶和叶柄的愈伤组织形成频率均可达到100．0％,叶片和幼茎在光照下的愈伤组织诱导频率比黑暗中的略高,而叶柄和胚根则相反,MS和DCR两种培养基都适合银杏幼苗叶片及叶柄愈伤组织的诱导,两者之间不存显著性差异,测得光照培养的3个组织系（ST1,ST2,ST3)中均含银杏黄酮甙元槲皮素,山柰素和异鼠李素,总含量分别为干重的0．35％,0．29％和0．14％,而黑暗中培养的这3个愈伤组织系则没有银杏黄酮的产生。     

Effect of culture medium and light conditions on the morphological characteristics and carbohydrate contents of Medicago strasseri calli

Using 6 culture media (12, 12D, 12G, 11, A and B) made up of MS medium (Murashige-Skoog, 1962) supplemented or not with glycerine, with different cytokinins, and/or 2,4-D, the morphological characteristics and contents in total carbohydrates, reducing sugars, sucrose and starch were studied in calli induced from explants (cotyledon, petiole, hypocotyl and leaf) obtained from Medicago strasseri seedlings. Callus formation was induced under photoperiod (16h light/8h darkness) conditions or in the absence of light. Considerable variability in the calli was observed, depending on the explants and media used. Under photoperiod conditions, medium A with KIN (1 mg/l) and 2,4-D (3 mg/l) induced many calli with the highest contents in total carbohydrates (886.1–889.3 mg/g DW), sucrose (132.1–188.2 mg/g DW) and starch (125.2–247.6 mg/g DW) and the lowest contents in reducing sugars (118.4–173.3 mg/g DW). In media 11, A and B, under conditions of darkness, calli degenerated at the start of culture. Calli developed in darkness generally had dry weights and total carbohydrate and starch contents lower than those cultured under photoperiod conditions. However, sucrose contents were greater in calli formed in darkness. At these cultures times, differentiation, in the form of organogenesis, was only seen using medium B with cotyledons, petioles and leaves as explants. It was also observed when petioles were cultured in medium A but with a less pronounced organogenic response.     

Effects of kanamycin on tissue culture and somatic embryogenesis in cotton

The aminoglycoside antibiotic kanamycin was evaluated for its effects on callus initiation from hypocotyl and cotyledon explants, proliferation of non-embryogenic and embryogenic calli, initiation and development of somatic embryos in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). On this basis, the potential use of kanamycin as a selective agent in genetic transformation with the neomycin phosphotransferase II gene as the selective marker gene was evaluated. Cotton cotyledon and hypocotyl explants, and embryogenic calluses were highly sensitive to kanamycin. Kanamycin at 10 mg/L or higher concentrations reduced callus formation, with complete inhibition at 60 mg/L. Kanamycin inhibited embryogenic callus growth and proliferation, as well as the initiation and development of cotton somatic embryos. The sensitivity of embryogenic callus and somatic embryos to kanamycin was different during the initiation and development stages. Kanamycin was considered as a suitable selective agent for transformed callus formation and growth of non-embryogenic callus. Forty to sixty mg/L was the optimal kanamycin concentration for the induction and proliferation of transformed callus. The concentration of kanamycin must be increased (from 50 to 200 mg/L) for the selection of transformation embryogenic callus and somatic embryos. A scheme for selection of transgenic cotton plants when kanamycin is used as the selection agent is discussed.     

Lipid and fatty acid composition in non-embryogenic calli and embryogenic tissues in wild cherry (Prunus avium)

In Prunus avium , the lipid and fatty acid composition of non-embryogenic calli and embryogenic tissues was studied. The embryogenic tissues were characterised by a higher content of triglycerides and total phospholipids than non-embryogenic calli. Neutral lipids (NL) from embryogenic tissues akppeared less saturated than NL from non-embryogenic calli. Somatic embryogenesis was associated with considerable proportions of linoleic acid in both NL and phosphatidylcholine (PC) (23% in NL and 60% in PC), together with high proportions of palmitic acid in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) (92% in PE and 62% in PI). Conversely, non-embryogenic calli were characterised by a considerable proportion of palmitic acid in NL (74%) and high proportions of oleic acid in PE (100%) and PC (84%). These results suggest differences between the lipid biosynthetic pathway of embryogenic tissues when compared with that of non-embryogenic calli.     

Stimulation of root and somatic embryo production in Euonymus europaeus L. by an inhibitor of polyamine biosynthesis

In vitro formation of roots and somatic embryos is obtained from cotyledon explants of a Spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus L.) cultured on two different media: a medium inducing callus formation and the production of roots, and a medium inducing callus formation, root and somatic embryo production. We studied the effects of -difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), a specific, irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) on root and somatic embryo production, growth and titers of putrescine in Euonymus explants and explant-derived calli. Early changes in putrescine levels were detected in both cultures before the visible emergence of roots or somatic embryos. DFMO rapidly inhibited putrescine accumulation and growth in non-embryogenic calli and highly stimulated rooting activity. DFMO partially inhibited putrescine accumulation in embryogenic calli. This inhibition had no effects on callus growth but significantly reduced the time of emergence of roots and highly stimulated somatic embryo production. The relationship among putrescine, putrescine metabolism, growth, root and somatic embryo formation is discussed.     

Production of aposporous gametophytes and calli from Pteris vittata L. pinnae strips cultured in vitro

Murashige and Skoog's modified medium in 1% Difco Bacto-agar supplemented with sugar alcohols (sorbsitol, mannitol), growth regulators (1-naphthalenacetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, benzyladenine, kinetin) and sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose) induced aposporous gametophytes from pinnae of Pteris vittata cultured in vitro at lower concentrations of all the mentioned components. Aposporous gametophytes and vegetative calli were produced at higher concentrations. The calli regenerated sporophytes when cultured on MS medium without growth regulators. The gametophytes grew vegetatively on MS medium but produced sporophytes when transferred into 0.1 strength MS medium. This is the first report of simultaneous production of calli and gametophytes from fern explants.     

蔗糖转运蛋白基因VvSUC12和VvSUC27在葡萄胚性和非胚性愈伤组织中的差异表达

本研究通过对霞多丽葡萄花前约10d的花丝进行组培诱导,获得胚性和非胚性两种愈伤组织,分别进行继代、组织结构观察和体细胞胚的诱导验证。为研究两种愈伤组织对培养基中主要碳源蔗糖的利用特点,根据GenBank中的定位于细胞质膜的葡萄蔗糖转运蛋白基因VvSUC12和VvSUC27的序列,设计了这两种蔗糖转运蛋白的PCR引物。以RNAplant试剂法,提取胚性愈伤组织和非胚性愈伤组织的RNA,进行半定量RT-PCR。研究表明,31个循环半定量RT-PCR结果中VvSUC12在胚性愈伤和非胚性愈伤中均有表达,且在非胚性愈伤组织中的表达水平稍高于胚性愈伤组织,表达差异未达到显著水平,VvSUC27的表达水平明显低于VvSUC12,且只在胚性愈伤组织中表达。提高至35个循环的半定量RT-PCR结果显示VvSUC27基因在非胚性愈伤组织中微弱表达,而在胚性愈伤组织中的表达强度较31个循环有所增加,且高于非胚性愈伤。     

Efficient somatic embryogenesis in sugar beet (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Beta vulgaris</Emphasis> L.) breeding lines

Efficient regeneration via somatic embryogenesis (SE) would be a valuable system for the micropropagation and genetic transformation of sugar beet. This study evaluated the effects of basic culture media (MS and PGo), plant growth regulators, sugars and the starting plant material on somatic embryogenesis in nine sugar beet breeding lines. Somatic embryos were induced from seedlings of several genotypes via an intervening callus phase on PGo medium containing N⁶-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Calli were mainly induced from cotyledons. Maltose was more effective for the induction of somatic embryogenesis than was sucrose. There were significant differences between genotypes. HB 526 and SDM 3, which produced embryogenic calli at frequencies of 25–50%, performed better than SDM 2, 8, 9 and 11. The embryogenic calli and embryos produced by this method were multiplied by repeated subculture. Histological analysis of embryogenic callus cultures indicated that somatic embryos were derived from single- or a small number of cells. 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was ineffective for the induction of somatic embryogenesis from seedlings but induced direct somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryos (IEs). Somatic embryos were mainly initiated from hypocotyls derived from the cultured IEs in line HB 526. Rapid and efficient regeneration of plants via somatic embryogenesis may provide a system for studying the molecular mechanism of SE and a route for the genetic transformation of sugar beet.     

ABA、NAA诱导水稻胚性愈伤组织的研究

ABA和NAA联合使用能有效地诱导水稻原生质体再生的愈伤组织向胚性发展。通过液体浅层培养由原生质体得到的愈伤组织,在含ABA和NAA的N_6培养基上培养一段时间,可以诱导原来呈非胚性状态的愈伤组织形成胚性愈伤组织,并在含ZT的N_6分化陪养基上产生绿点。通过对这两种愈伤组织的生化分析,表明二者在游离氨基酸、DNA、RNA、核酸及蛋白质含量等方面,特别是SDS-PAGE谱带存在明显的差异,其细胞的形态与结构也有显著差别,其中经ABA NAA诱导后的愈伤组织其细胞形态与结构特征与来源于种胚的胚性愈伤组织基本类似,所分析的生化指标也大多数相近。结果表明,ABA和NAA联合使用得当,能促进形成胚性愈伤组织。     

Effect of methyl jasmonate on gummosis in petioles of culinary rhubarb (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rheum rhabarbarum</Emphasis> L.) and the determination of sugar composition of the gum

This study aimed to know the key chemical compound influencing gummosis in petioles of intact growing culinary rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum L.) with special emphasis on its sugar composition. The application of methyl jasmonate (JA-Me, 0.5 and 1% in lanolin, w/w) in the middle of intact petiole of growing rhubarb substantially induced gummosis in the entire petioles, below and above the treatment, within several days. JA-Me at 0.5% in lanolin greatly stimulated ethylene production in intact petiole of growing rhubarb, on the 3rd day after JA-Me treatment, ethylene level being increased five times or more. However, an ethylene-releasing compound, ethephon (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid, 1 and 2% in lanolin, w/w) alone had no effect on gummosis. Analysis of gum polysaccharides by a gel permeation chromatography with a Tosho TSK-gel G5000PW gel permeation column revealed that almost all of rhubarb gum polysaccharides were eluted near the void in this gel chromatography system, suggesting that molecular mass of rhubarb gum polysaccharides are more than 500 kDa, while precise mass has not been decided in this study. Analysis of gum sugar composition after hydrolysis revealed that rhubarb gums is rich in galactose (ca. 30%), arabinose (ca. 20%), and galacturonic acid (15–20%), although other sugars also existed in small quantities. These results suggest that the key chemical compound of gummosis in petioles of rhubarb is jasmonates rather than ethylene, and gum polysaccharides consist of not only pectic arabinogalactans but also homogalacturonans.