Cytokinin-binding proteins

This article is focused on the modalities of reception of cytokinins which remain largely unknown. It summarizes the main steps of the different protocols used to study cytokinin-binding proteins (CBPs). We place emphasis on the significance and specificity of the detection according to the properties of the probes used: radioactive or photoreactive cytokinins, fluorescent anticytokinins, anti-idiotype antibodies. The purification procedures are also examined. The cellular localisation and the putative physiological roles of the numerous and different CBPs found are considered. The interest of genetic and molecular studies is discussed.     

The influence of growth rate on the size of migrating female eels in Lake Ellesmere, New Zealand

Lake Ellesmere, a large coastal lake in the South Island of New Zealand, supports an important commercial eel fishery, based mainly on migrating (silver) male Anguilla australis . Lengths of silver female eels from samples collected in 1942, 1974–1982 and 1998–1999 showed an initial decline between 1942 and 1974 but an increase from 1979 onwards. Back-calculated growth rates of 50 female silver eels caught in 1998 showed that most (90%) exhibited a period of accelerated linear growth commencing at lengths between 380 and 660 mm (mean 598 mm); this accelerated growth coincided with a change in diet to piscivory. The onset of maturity was more closely associated with length than age, condition, or growth rate. The increase in average length of female silver eels of 250 mm over the past 20 years is consistent with the hypothesis that female eels adopt a size-maximizing growth strategy to ensure maximum fecundity; this is the first time this hypothesis has been demonstrated from temporal changes within a single population.     

A general approach for developing a commercial micropropagation system

Summary Five distinct steps can be recognized in the establishment of a plant in a commercial micropropagation system, especially if the most utilized approach (shoot culture) is the focus. Failure at any one step can make the total system commercially unworkable. When one considers a plant without extensive previous history of microculture, the first step involves an analysis of the potential market (economic reality) as well as the plant’s general growth habit (biological reality). For the latter, the general growth habit of the plant can provide valuable predictive information as to the potential ease of microculture. For example, plants showing indeterminant herbaceous growth (e.g., Chrysanthemum, Solanum, Dieffenbachia) or continuous woody seasonal growth (e.g., Betula, Ulmus, Thuja) are generally much more amenable to microculture than those that are determinant herbaceous (e.g., Panix, Paeonia) or episodic woody organisms (e.g., Quercus, Pinus). At times, an episodic habitat can be overcome in microculture (Syringa, Rhododendron). The next four steps involve the actual manipulation and microculture of the plant and include the initiation, stabilization, optimization, and production phases. The most intensive analytical step is usually the optimization phase in which plant growth regulator response curves, replication, repetition through multiple subcultures, and evaluation of productivity and product quality are involved. The intent of this discussion is to help develop a decision tool to be used as a first approach to designing a potential new micropropagation system for an untested plant genotype.     

Immunogenicity of standard and extended dosing intervals of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine

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Soluble ACE2-mediated cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 via interaction with proteins related to the renin-angiotensin system

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B cell genomics behind cross-neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants and SARS-CoV

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Low-dose Ad26.COV2.S protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in rhesus macaques

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