Phylogenetic analysis of eastern Asian and eastern North American disjunct Lespedeza (Fabaceae) inferred from nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid region sequences

Lespedeza (tribe Desmodieae, Fabaceae) follows a disjunct distribution in eastern Asia and eastern North America. Phylogenetic relationships among its species and related taxa were inferred from nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and plastid sequences (trnH‐psbA, psbK‐psbI, trnK‐matK and rpoC1). We examined 35 species of Lespedeza, two of Kummerowia and one of Campylotropis, the sole constituents of the Lespedeza group. An analysis of these data revealed that the genus Campylotropis is sister to the other two genera. However, we were unable to resolve the relationships between Kummerowia and Lespedeza in the strict consensus trees of parsimony analyses based on plastid and combined DNA data. In the genus Lespedeza, the Old World subgenus Macrolespedeza is monophyletic, whereas the transcontinental subgenus Lespedeza is paraphyletic. Monophyly of eastern Asian species and of North American species is strongly supported. Although inconsistent with the traditional classification, this phylogenetic finding is consistent with seedling morphology. Three subgroups recognized in subgenus Macrolespedeza were unresolved in our phylogenetic trees. An incongruence length difference (ILD) test indicated that the two partitions (nuclear ITS and plastid sequences) were significantly incongruent, perhaps because of hybridization between species in Lespedeza. Most of the primary clades of tribe Desmodieae are Asian, implying that the relatively few New World ones, such as those in Lespedeza, are more recently derived from Asia. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 164 , 221–235.     

Lemyra flammeola (Moore) (Lepidoptera,Arctiidae), new to Korea

An arctiine species Lemyra flammeola (Moore) is newly recorded from Korea. Three specimens of L. flammeola were collected on the island of Jejudo in September of 2009. Here we provide a diagnosis and systematic account of L. flammeola. Up to now 79 species of Arctiidae have been recorded from the Korean peninsula.     

Evidence for Symbiont-induced Alteration of a Host's Gene Expression: Irreversible Loss of SAM Synthetase from Amoeba proteus

ABSTRACT. Symbiont-bearing xD amoebae no longer produce a 45-kDa cytoplasmic protein that functions as S-adenosylmethionine synthetase in symbiont-free D amoebae. The absence of the protein in xD amoebae is attributable to xD amoeba's failure to transcribe the corresponding gene as a result of harboring bacterial symbionts. However, xD amoebae have about half the level of enzyme activity found in D amoebae, indicating that they use an alternative source for the enzyme. xD amoebae originated from D amoebae by bacterial infection and now depend on their symbionts for survival. xD amoebae exhibit irreversible nucleolar abnormalities when their symbionts are removed, suggesting that X-bacteria supply the needed enzyme. A monoclonal antibody against the 45-kDa protein was produced and used as a probe in cloning its corresponding cDNA. The product of the cDNA was found to have S-adenosylmethionine synthetase activity. These results show how symbiotic X-bacteria may become essential cellular components of amoebae by supplementing a genetic defect for an amoeba's house-keeping gene that is brought about by an action of X-bacteria themselves. This is the first reported example in which symbionts alter the host's gene expression to block the production of an essential protein.     

A Nuclear-Envelope-Specific Protein In Amoeba Proteus Detected With A Monoclonal Antibody

ABSTRACT A protein with two subtypes of 205 and 180 kDa was localized on the nuclear envelope of amoebae as detected by indirect immunofluorescence staining and immuno-electron microscopy using a monoclonal antibody as a probe. Electron microscopic observation showed that the protein was located on the honeycomb lamina of the nuclear envelope. During mitosis, the protein dispersed throughout the cytoplasm but reappeared on the nuclear envelope after the reformation of the envelopes of daughter nuclei. the findings suggested that the protein is a component of the nuclear lamina of amoebae.     

Conservation of Hipparchia autonoe (Esper) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), Natural Monument in South Korea

Hipparchia autonoe, designated Natural Monument no. 458, is a species inhabiting Mt. Halla on Jeju Island, which is the only habitat of H. autonoe in South Korea. Recently, this species is in danger of extinction as the population has been remarkably reduced because its host plants and nectar plants are gradually disappearing due to plant succession in its habitat. On the climbing road of Jeju Island Eorimok, H. autonoe used to be observed at and above 1300 m a.s.l. However, since Sasa quelpaertensis has recently expanded its habitat up to 1400 m, H. autonoe is now observed at and above 1500 m. In Mongolia, the population of H. autonoe seems quite stable as there are dense populations of a host plant and nectar plants. Accordingly it is judged that we can maintain a stable community for support of H. autonoe if we successfully manage the host plant and nectar plant communities by controlling the density of S. quelpaertensis using biological and physical control methods. Comparative analysis of DNA barcode region of COI (658 bp) was done to check the homogeneity and the genetic diversity of H. autonoe collected in Korea and Mongolia. The DNA sequence difference among individuals collected in South Korea was 0.0–0.2%, and in Mongolia 0.0–1.4%. This confirmed a 0.06–1.2% barcoding gap. We believe that this result will provide basic information useful to guide conservation of H. autonoe in South Korea.     

Characteristics and habitats of non-native plant species in the city of Chonju,southern Korea

Investigations on non-native organisms have become an important task of modern ecology throughout the world. The major objective of this study was to identify the characteristics and habitats of non-native plant species in Korean cities in order to derive conclusions on the success of biological invaders. The city of Chonju in southwest Korea was selected as a representative investigation area. All wild-growing vascular plants were recorded in the city on a total of 106 sample plots located in representative land-use types and within various distances of the city center. Frequency, origin, life forms, and plant families of non-native species were analyzed. Additionally, the percentage of non-native species along a gradient from the city center to the outskirts was investigated. We found that most common non-native species of the flora of Chonju are: (i) native to the Northern hemisphere; (ii) belong to the annuals; (iii) belong to the plant families of the Compositae or Leguminosae; and (iv) they perform best on sites that are continuously disturbed by human impact. In conclusion, non-native species play a significant role in enhancing biological diversity in urban areas.