Degenerate MAGGY elements in a subgroup of Pyricularia grisea : a possible example of successful capture of a genetic invader by a fungal genome

The LTR-retrotransposon MAGGY is found sporadically in isolates of Pyricularia grisea (Magnaporthe grisea). Based on a dendrogram constructed by RFLP analysis of rDNA, isolates that carry MAGGY elements were classified into a single cluster that comprised four rDNA types. However, in a few members of this cluster, exemplified by isolates from common millet (Panicum miliaceum), the MAGGY element has distinct features. Southern analysis suggested that these isolates possessed a single copy of a MAGGY-related sequence whose restriction map differed from that of MAGGY itself. Sequence analysis revealed that the MAGGY-related sequence was a degenerate form of MAGGY, characterized by numerous C:G to T:A transitions, which have often been reported to result from RIP (Repeat-induced point mutation) or RIP-like processes. However, the favored target site for C:G to T:A transitions in this fungus, determined by examining a total of 501 sites, was (A/T)pCp(A/T), which differs from that for the RIP process originally reported in Neurospora (CpA), and from that reported in Aspergillus (CpG). The fact that certain members of the cluster of MAGGY carriers retain a single copy of a degenerate MAGGY element implies that the ancestor of these isolates successfully “captured” the invading MAGGY element. Received: 1 February 1999 / Accepted: 8 April 1999     

水杨酸在紫杉醇生物合成中诱导作用的研究

研究了水杨酸对红豆杉细胞培养中紫杉烷合成的影响。在适宜浓度的水杨酸诱导下,紫杉醇(Taxol)的产量提高了近3倍,同时10去乙酰基巴卡亭Ⅲ(10-DAB)与巴卡亭Ⅲ(Baccatin Ⅲ)相应上升。通过对紫杉醇合成代谢途径的动力学分析,初步推断水杨酸的加入提高了10-DAB合成速率。并通过水杨酸和硝酸银的配伍诱导,实现了诱导子之间的协同作用,获得了39 mg/L的紫杉醇含量,比两个诱导子单独作用时的最高含量之和还高出50%。     

一种便携式测定昆虫过冷却点的方法

本文介绍了热敏电阻 +万用电表测定昆虫过冷却点的新方法。通过实验比较发现使用热敏电阻法测定昆虫过冷却点较之热电偶法有如下优点 :(1)测量灵敏度和精确度高 ;(2 )测定昆虫范围广 ;(3)装置体积小 ,不用交流电 ,携带方便 ;(4 )价格较低。     

On explicit formulas of edge effect correction for Ripley's K-function

Abstract. The analysis of spatial pattern in plant ecology usually implies the solution of some edge effect problems. We present in this paper some explicit formulas of edge effect correction that should enable plant ecologists to analyse a wider range of real field data. We consider the local correcting factor of edge effect for Ripley's K-function, that can also be used for other statistics of spatial analysis based on the counting of neighbours within a given distance. For both circular and rectangular study areas, we provide a review of explicit formulas and an extension of these formulas for long and narrow plots. In the case of irregular-shaped study plots, we propose a generalization of the method that computes edge effect correction by excluding triangular surfaces from a simple (rectangular or circular) initial shape. An example in forest ecology, where the soil characteristics determine a study plot of complex shape, illustrates how this edge effect correction can be effective in avoiding misinterpretations.     

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of an endogenous endoglucanase belonging to GHF45 from the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera

A novel insect β-1,4-endoglucanase (DvvENGaseI) gene belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family (GHF) 45 was identified from the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. The cDNA of the DvvENGaseI consisted of a 720 bp open reading frame encoding a 239 amino-acid protein. Analysis of the amino acid sequence revealed that DvvENGaseI exhibits 60% protein sequence identity when compared with an endoglucanase belonging to GHF45 from another beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Western blot analyses using a polyclonal antiserum developed from a partial peptide sequence revealed that DvvENGaseI expression coincided with body regions corresponding to the fore-, mid- and hindgut, although regions corresponding to the midgut and hindgut were the primary sites for DvvENGaseI expression. Functional analysis of the DvvENGaseI by RNA interference (RNAi) indicated that nearly complete knock-down of gene expression could be obtained by injection of dsRNA based on qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. However, suppression only resulted in slight developmental delays suggesting that this gene may be part of a larger system of cellulose degrading enzymes.     

PRC1 Catalytic Activity Is Central to Polycomb System Function

1. Download : Download high-res image (176KB)
2. Download : Download full-size image

     

Do small riverine fish move inshore at night?

We tested the hypothesis that numbers of small fish increase along river banks with decreasing light levels. Fish were sampled every 3h over a 24-h period (30–31 August 1992) along two adjacent stretches of bank (one shallow sand, one steep boulder) on the R . Morava near Breelav, Czech Republic. The size of fish was significantly greater along the boulder bank than along the sand bank. Numbers of fish along the steep boulder bank did not increase with decreasing light levels, except in Rhodeus sericeus and perch Perca fluviatilis , which were significantly more abundant at night. Along the shallow sand bank, all species increased in number at night, most significantly so. As light levels decreased, numbers of whitefin gudgeon Gobio albipinnatus and roach Rutilus rutilus decreased along the boulder bank, as their numbers increased along the sand bank, suggesting a dusk migration to the sand bank to avoid predation. This assumption was corroborated by the significantly higher number of potentially piscivorous fishes ( P. ftuviatilis and chub Leuciscus cephalus ≥ 80 mm) along the boulder bank during the night.