2-β-d-Glucopyranosyloxy-2-methylpropanol in Acacia sieberana var. woodii

A new diol glucoside, 2-β-d-glucopyranosyloxy-2-methylpropanol, the first reported naturally occurring monoglucoside of an aliphatic dihydric alcohol, was isolated from pods of Acacia sieberana var. woodii. Structure elucidation was based on ¹ H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and enzymatic analyses. The compound was hydrolysed very slowly by almond β-glucosidase, but cleaved by a β-glucuronidase enzyme complex from Helix pomatia.     

Variations in the composition and properties of the gum exuded by Acacia karroo Hayne in different African locations*

The variation in chemical composition of 15 specimens of the gum exudate from Acacia karroo Hayne, obtained from four different African locations, has been investigated. The range of analytical values found (e.g., specific rotation + 36° to + 67°; uronic acid 10.3 to 18.1%; rhamnose 4 to 10%) reflect the well-known variability of this Acacia species. The major analytical difference concerns the unusually wide range of molecular weights observed, i.e., 1.5 × 10⁵ to 48 × 10⁵. The material of highest molecular weight, from trees infested with Cerambycid beetles, is consumed by bush-babies (Galagidae).     

Cis-4-hydroxypipecolic acid and 2,4-cis-4,5-trans-4,5-dihydroxypipecolic acid from Calliandra

cis-4-Hydroxypipecolic acid and 2,4-cis-4,5-trans-4,5-dihydroxypipecolic acid were isolated from leaves of Calliandra pittieri. A system for resolving the eight imino acids isolated from Calliandra is described.     

Proacaciberin,A cyanogenic glycoside from Acacia sieberiana var. Woodii

A new cyanogenic glycoside isolated from pods of Acacia sieberiana var. woodii has been shown by chemical and spectroscopic methods to be (2S)-2-[(6-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-3-methylbut-3-enenitrileo. Acid-catalysed hydrolysis of the glycoside afforded arabinose and proacacipetalin, and base-catalysed double-bond migration gave 2- [(6-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-β- d-glucopyranosyl)oxy ]-3-methylbut-2-enenitrile.     

Beyond the pollination syndrome: nectar ecology and the role of diurnal and nocturnal pollinators in the reproductive success of Inga sessilis (Fabaceae)

Inga species present brush‐type flower morphology allowing them to be visited by distinct groups of pollinators. Nectar features in relation to the main pollinators have seldom been studied in this genus. To test the hypothesis of floral adaptation to both diurnal and nocturnal pollinators, we studied the pollination ecology of Inga sessilis, with emphasis on the nectar secretion patterns, effects of sequential removals on nectar production, sugar composition and the role of diurnal and nocturnal pollinators in its reproductive success. Inga sessilis is self‐incompatible and pollinated by hummingbirds, hawkmoths and bats. Fruit set under natural conditions is very low despite the fact that most stigmas receive polyads with sufficient pollen to fertilise all ovules in a flower. Nectar secretion starts in the bud stage and flowers continually secreting nectar for a period of 8 h. Flowers actively reabsorbed the nectar a few hours before senescence. Sugar production increased after nectar removal, especially when flowers were drained during the night. Nectar sugar composition changed over flower life span, from sucrose‐dominant (just after flower opening, when hummingbirds were the main visitors) to hexose‐rich (throughout the night, when bats and hawkmoths were the main visitors). Diurnal pollinators contributed less than nocturnal ones to fruit production, but the former were more constant and reliable visitors through time. Our results indicate I. sessilis has floral adaptations, beyond the morphology, that encompass both diurnal and nocturnal pollinator requirements, suggesting a complementary and mixed pollination system.     

Purification and characterization of a new trypsin inhibitor from Dimorphandra mollis seeds

A second trypsin inhibitor (DMTI-II) was purified from the seed of Dimorphandra mollis (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) by ammonium sulfate precipitation (30–60%), gel filtration, and ion-exchange and affinity chromatography. A molecular weight of 23 kDa was estimated by gel filtration on a Superdex 75 column SDS-PAGE under reduced conditions showed that DMTI-II consisted of a single polypeptide chain, although isoelectric focusing revealed the presence of three isoforms. The dissociation constant of 1.7 × 10^–9 M with bovine trypsin indicated a high affinity between the inhibitor and this enzyme. The inhibitory activity was stable over a wide pH range and in the presence of DTT. The N-terminal sequence of DMTI-II showed a high degree of homology with other Kunitz-type inhibitors.     

A Kunitz proteinase inhibitor from Archidendron ellipticum seeds: purification, characterization, and kinetic properties

Leguminous plants in the tropical rainforests are a rich source of proteinase inhibitors and this work illustrates isolation of a serine proteinase inhibitor from the seeds of Archidendron ellipticum (AeTI), inhabiting Great Nicobar Island, India. AeTI was purified to homogeneity by acetone and ammonium sulfate fractionation, and ion exchange, size exclusion and reverse phase chromatography (HPLC). SDS-PAGE of AeTI revealed that it is constituted by two polypeptide chains (alpha-chain, M(r) 15,000 and beta-chain, M(r) 5000), the molecular weight being approximately 20 kDa. N-terminal sequence showed high homology with other serine proteinase inhibitors belonging to the Mimosoideae subfamily. Both Native-PAGE as well as isoelectric focussing showed four isoinhibitors (pI values of 4.1, 4.55, 5.27 and 5.65). Inhibitory activity of AeTI remained unchanged over a wide range of temperatures (0-60 degrees C) and pH (1-10). The protein inhibited trypsin in the stoichiometric ratio of 1:1, but lacked similar stoichiometry against chymotrypsin. Also, AeTI-trypsin complex was stable to SDS unlike the SDS unstable AeTI-chymotrypsin complex. AeTI, which possessed inhibition constants (K(i)) of 2.46 x 10(-10) and 0.5 x 10(-10)M against trypsin and chymotrypsin activity, respectively, retained over 70% of inhibitory activity after being stored at -20 degrees C for more than a year. Initial studies on the insecticidal properties of AeTI indicate it to be a very potent insect anti-feedant.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sphaerophragmium pulchrum</Emphasis>, a new species of rust fungi on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Albizia adinocephala</Emphasis> from Panama

Sphaerophragmium pulchrum is proposed as a new microcyclic rust species on Albizia adinocephala from Panama. Telia and spermogonia are described, illustrated, and compared to those of known species of Sphaerophragmium. Spermogonia are described for the first time for a species of Sphaerophragmium. This is the first record of this genus for the southern part of the Central American isthmus.     

2,4-cis-4,5-cis-4,5-Dihyroxypipecolic acid—a naturally occurring imino acid from Calliandra pittieri

2,4-cis-4,5-cis-4,5-Dihydroxypipecolic acid has been isolated from the leaves of Calliandra pittieri. This is the third dihydroxypipecolic acid isomer isolated from Calliandra and the first report of this compound from a natural source.     

A populational survey of amino acids in Prosopis species from North and South America

Leaf extracts of 540 plants representing 24 species of the genus Prosopis from North and South America were analyzed by 2-D PC and high voltage electrophoresis for their protein and non-protein amino acids. In addition to the presence of the usual protein amino acids, most of the species examined contained high concentrations of the non-protein amino acids, pipecolic acid, 4-hydroxypipecolic acid and proline.