珍稀濒危植物小花木兰传粉生物学研究

基于定株观测,对小花木兰（Magnolia sieboldii）野生种群和人工栽培种的开花物候进行了研究。结果表明,小花木兰花期为5月中下旬至6月中下旬,花期20d左右,单花花期一般为5～7d,盛花期为6月1～5日;开花过程中花部表型变化明显,花粉在花开时不成熟,但雌蕊已经成熟,花开后雌蕊柄伸长,约20h后下柱头依然湿润,上柱头已萎缩变褐色,再过约40h下柱头也萎缩失去活力．此时花粉成熟,花药裂开;花的柱头接受到的花粉量由下往上依次减少。检测花粉活力、萌发率发现,小花木兰花粉在散发6d后基本失去活力和萌发能力。重力玻片法观测表明,小花木兰为虫媒传粉;花柱的授粉率不高,为65％;柱头上平均花粉量为3．5个;自然状态下结实率低,为13．5％,人工栽培为20．1％;外轮花被片全部去掉,结果率下降至11．3％;去掉雄蕊,结实率下降至10．7％;再辅以人工授粉,结果率上升至25．0％。小花木兰的访花昆虫种类较少,访花频率低,其中蜜蜂和一种蚜科（Aphididae）小昆虫对其传粉影响较大。同花期灯台附（Cornus controversa）等植物对其传粉产生昆虫竞争作用。环境因素如光照、温度、阴雨、海拔等均对其传粉产生一定影响。     

Pollination biology of Eriocaulon parkeri in Connecticut

Eriocaulon parkeri B. L. Robinson is a monoecious, pioneer species of tidal mudflats that displays characteristics that suggest outcrossing as a preferred breeding system. Analyses of breeding system dynamics, fruit set, and pollen and seed viabilities were undertaken in Connecticut and Wisconsin to test the hypothesis of entomophyly and outcrossing as a preferred breeding strategy. Potential pollinators included syrphid and long-legged flies. Seed viability was estimated at 94 ± 16% (n = 133); pollen viability at 88 ± 13%. Pollen production averaged ∼500 grains per flower. Pollen–ovule ratios within inflorescences averaged 196:1, suggesting facultative autogamy. Seed set in natural populations averaged 74%, not significantly different between early and late season plants or between greenhouse controls and hand pollinations. Emasculated plants produced small amounts of seed under controlled greenhouse conditions. Pollen tube growth through the styles of E. aquaticum, a related species, was much more prevalent than that of E. parkeri. Results suggest that E. parkeri relies heavily on geitonogamy for seed production. Some seed may be produced by agamospermy.     

Pollination biology of two chiropterophilous agaves in Arizona

I studied the pollination biology of two closely related species of agave, Agave palmeri and A. chrysantha (Agavaceae), which exhibit several chiropterophilous (bat-pollinated) traits. Floral studies, floral visitor observations, and pollination studies were conducted over four summers at six different sites to examine floral traits and determine the relative importance of diurnal vs. nocturnal pollinators. Agave chrysantha appears to have developed minor shifts in several floral characters that enhance diurnal pollination. Although floral shifts towards diurnal pollination were fewer in A. palmeri, stigmas were diurnally receptive and copious floral rewards were available in the morning, indicating that some adaptations exist to allow for multiple pollinators. Differences in fruit and seed set between naturally day- and night-pollinated umbels for both species were either not significant or significantly higher in day-pollinated plants. Bats were not important pollinators of A. chrysantha, and the mutualistic relationship between A. palmeri and the lesser long-nosed bat was found to be asymmetric. "Bat-adapted" floral traits appear to be flexible enough to respond to the climatic and pollinator unpredictability experienced by agaves at the northern edge of their distribution. This variability may be a more important factor affecting evolution of floral characters than a particular pollinator.     

Pollination biology of basal angiosperms (ANITA grade)

The first three branches of the angiosperm phylogenetic tree consist of eight families with ～201 species of plants (the ANITA grade). The oldest flower fossil for the group is dated to the Early Cretaceous (115-125 Mya) and identified to the Nymphaeales. The flowers of extant plants in the ANITA grade are small, and pollen is the edible reward (rarely nectar or starch bodies). Unlike many gymnosperms that secrete "pollination drops," ANITA-grade members examined thus far have a dry-type stigma. Copious secretions of stigmatic fluid are restricted to the Nymphaeales, but this is not nectar. Floral odors, floral thermogenesis (a resource), and colored tepals attract insects in deceit-based pollination syndromes throughout the first three branches of the phylogenetic tree. Self-incompatibility and an extragynoecial compitum occur in some species in the Austrobaileyales. Flies are primary pollinators in six families (10 genera). Beetles are pollinators in five families varying in importance as primary (exclusive) to secondary vectors of pollen. Bees are major pollinators only in the Nymphaeaceae. It is hypothesized that large flowers in Nymphaeaceae are the result of the interaction of heat, floral odors, and colored tepals to trap insects to increase fitness.     

An analysis of countercurrent exchange with emphasis on renal function

An analysis of countercurrent exchange in a U-tube is presented for a single-solute, constant-volume flow rate system with spatially varying source fluxes and permeabilities. Analytical solutions are given for the steady-state equations and numerical solutions for the unsteady-state equations. The solutions indicate that an external source of solute delivered to the stream flowing away from the U-tube bend can be distributed by the exchanger so that the concentration in both limbs increases toward the bend. In particular, there exist source fluxes whose magnitude decreases monotonically toward the bend for which the maximum solute concentration occurs at the bend. The point at which a concentration maximum occurs is governed principally by the solute permeability of the barrier separating the two limbs and by the volume flow rate through the exchanger. The system dynamics depend strongly on the relative cross-sectional areas of the two limbs or, equivalently, on the flow velocities within them. The model is used as a basis for discussion of various functional aspects of the renal vasa recta system.     

Pollination biology of the Chilean endemic orchid Chloraea lamellata

Chloraea lamellata Lindl. is one of the 50 taxa of terrestrial orchids occurring in Chile. In this paper we report the breeding system, phenology and pollinator activity in a population of the species located in the Province of Valdivia, X Región, Chile (39°28 S). Chl. lamellata flowers from November to January, forming a lax spike with ca. 13 flowers. The floral life-span is 14 ± 4 days. The species is self-compatible. There was no statistical difference between the amount of seed produced after hand cross-pollination and hand self-pollination treatments. Neither direct autogamy nor agamospermy are involved in seed setting, thus pollinating agents are essential for the species' reproduction. Also, it has a high number of pollen grains (881733) and ovules (599833) per flower. The P/O ratio calculated is low (1.46). Probable pollinators belong to the orders Hymenoptera (Corynura chloris and Ruizantheda proxima) and Diptera (Sarcophagidae); these insects had a low visitation rate (0.00002 visits/spike/minute). The rate of pollination observed was low (28.6% flowers with pollinia deposited versus 71.3% flowers with pollinia removed). The reproductive features of Chl. lamellata suggest that the survival capability and long-term persistence of the species will be seriously threatened if the plant–pollinator interaction is disrupted.     

Pollination by deceit in Paphiopedilum barbigerum (Orchidaceae): a staminode exploits the innate colour preferences of hoverflies (Syrphidae)

Paphiopedilum barbigerum T. Tang et F. T. Wang, a slipper orchid native to southwest China and northern Vietnam, produces deceptive flowers that are self‐compatible but incapable of mechanical self‐pollination (autogamy). The flowers are visited by females of Allograpta javana and Episyrphus balteatus (Syrphidae) that disperse the orchid’s massulate pollen onto the receptive stigmas. Measurements of insect bodies and floral architecture show that the physical dimensions of these two fly species correlate with the relative positions of the receptive stigma and dehiscent anthers of P. barbigerum. These hoverflies land on the slippery centralised wart located on the shiny yellow staminode and then fall backwards through the labellum entrance. They are temporarily trapped in the inflated chamber composed of the interconnected labellum and column. The attractive staminode of P. barbigerum strongly reflects the colour yellow (500–560 nm), a colour preferred innately by most pollen‐eating members of the Syrphidae. No scent molecules were detected using GC mass spectrometry analysis, showing that the primary attractant in this system is visual, not olfactory. Pollination‐by‐deceit in P. barbigerum is contrasted with its congener, P. dianthum, a brood site mimic that is pollinated by ovipositing females of E. balteatus. As the natural rate of fruit set in P. barbigerum (mean 26.3% pooled over three seasons) is lower than that of P. dianthum (mean 58.5% over two seasons), the evolution of false brood sites in some Paphiopedilum spp. should be selectively advantageous as they may provide an increase in the attention and return rates of dependable pollinators to flowers that always lack a reward.     

广东地区外来种五爪金龙的传粉生物学研究（英文）

五爪金龙(Ipomoea cairica)是一种匍匐或攀援生长的入侵杂草。2006-2007年作者在广东地区开展了对该入侵种的传粉生物学研究。五爪金龙在广东全年均可开花,花序为聚伞花序,花冠为紫色或蓝紫色喇叭状。开花时间在早晨4:30-5:20之间,下午17:40闭合,持续大约12h。每朵花平均分泌花蜜量为5.82±2.47μL(n=10),花蜜平均含糖量为41.03±6.52%,氨基酸含量为0.042mg/mL。开花过程中花粉活性和柱头可受性均保持较高水平(>90%)。花粉/胚珠比率(P/O)为4,778.18±264.58(n=10)。木蜂(Xylocopasp.)是其有效的传粉昆虫,蝇类和蝶类为随机访问者。开花过程中柱头与花药相接触,有利于自花授粉。然而,繁育系统的研究表明五爪金龙是自交不亲和植物,其种子仅能通过异花授粉获得。     

Pollination biology of annual and perennialLeonotis species (Lamiaceae)

The pollination syndromes ofLeonotis (Pers.)R. Br. are discussed. Ornithophily accounts for most of the nutlets set in perennialLeonotis species but in the annual species [L. nepetifolia (L.)R. Br.] autogamy prevails.Leonotis species are predominantly pollinated by a variety of sunbirds, although bees are also involved. Nectar is sucrose-dominant in perennial species but hexose-dominant in the annual.     

Pollination biology of the Proteaceae in Australia and southern Africa

Proteaceae are most diverse in southern Africa and Australia, especially in the south-western portions of these regions. Most genera have some species in flower at all times of the year, although generally there is a preponderance of species that flower between late winter and early summer. The one genus that is an exception to this generalization is Banksia, which either has approximately the same percentage of species in flower at various times of the year (southwestern Australia) or peaks in autumn (southeastern Australia). Within particular communities, opportunities for hybridization among congeneric species are minimized by staggered flowering times, different pollen vectors and/or various incompatibility mechanisms. Birds, mammals and arthropods have been identified as visitors to the inflorescences of many Proteaceae. The most common avian visitors to the majority of genera in Australia are honeyeaters, although lorikeets, silvereyes and approximately 40 other species sometimes may be important. Sugarbirds and sunbirds are seen most frequently at inflorescences of Protea, Leucospermum and Mimetes in southern Africa, although they rarely visit other genera. In most cases, avian visitors forage in a manner that permits the acquisition and transfer of pollen. Limited evidence supports the hypothesis that birds are selective in their choice of inflorescences, responding to morphological and/or colour changes and usually visiting those inflorescences that offer the greatest nectar rewards. Arthropods may be equally selective, although it is possible that only the larger moths, bees and beetles are important pollinators, even for those plant species that rely entirely on arthropods for pollen transfer. Mammals are pollen vectors for some Proteaceae, especially those that have geoflorous and/or cryptic inflorescences. In Australia, small marsupials may be the most important mammalian pollinators, although rodents fill this niche in at least some southern African habitats. All but two genera of Proteaceae are hermaphroditic and protandrous, the exceptions being the dioecious southern African genera Aulax and Leucadendron. For hermaphroditic species, the timing of visits by animals to inflorescences is such that they not only acquire pollen from freshly opened flowers but also brush against pollen presenters and stigmas of others that have lost self-pollen and become receptive. Birds and insects (and probably mammals) generally forage in such a way as to facilitate both outcrossing and selfing. Some species are self-compatible, although many require outcrossing if viable seed is to be formed. Regardless of which animals are the major pollen vectors, fruit set is low relative to the number of flowers available, especially in Australian habitats. Functional andromonoecy of the majority of flowers is advanced as the major cause of poor fruit set. The pollination biology and breeding systems of Australian and southern African Proteaceae resemble one another in many ways, partly because of their common ancestry, but also due to convergence. Divergence is less obvious, apart from the dichotomy between dioecious and hermaphroditic genera, and differences in the levels of seed set for Australian and African species. Future studies should concentrate on identifying the most important pollinators for various Proteaceae, the manner in which their visits are integrated with floral development and factors responsible for limiting fruit set.     

春兰(兰科)传粉生物学的研究

为探讨兰属Cymbidium建兰亚属subgen.Jensoa植物与传粉者之间的关系,对湖南省西南部野生春兰Cymbidiumgoeringii的传粉生物学进行了研究.结果表明春兰花期近40天,多数花(60%左右)在30天内开放.春兰的花开放与气温有直接的关系,当温度明显升高时,春兰的花会大量开放;春兰的花唇瓣3裂,中裂片强烈外弯成90°至180°不等,且少数花的中裂片上有紫褐色斑点;花能够散发出浓郁的香气,距离花1m左右就可以闻到香气.春兰唯一的传粉者为中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana,主要在晴天1000-1700气温较高的时间段活动.中华蜜蜂访花时,直接落在唇盘上,后腿蹬在唇瓣中裂片上.头部直接进入花内.当中华蜜蜂头部接近合蕊柱基部时便不能继续进入,开始挣扎退出.退出过程中有时中胸会随着挣扎而拱起,接触到合蕊柱上部,蹭到粘盘(viscidium).当中华蜜蜂中胸背部蹭到粘盘后,花粉块连同药帽就粘到蜜蜂的背部被一起带出.中华蜜蜂访花后,如果没有带出花粉块,则继续访花或者飞离居群;访花后若带出花粉块,则会立即飞离该居群.黑颚条蜂Anthophora melanognatha只是春兰的访问者.春兰不会为传粉者提供花蜜、花粉等报酬,也没有模仿同期开花植物花的形态特征,因而可能是通过其强烈的香味来吸引传粉者.自然条件下,春兰的结实率仅为6.67%.人工异花授粉、自花授粉、同克隆内授粉的结实率分别为100%、90%和100%,表明春兰是高度自交亲和的.而套袋后不采取措施、去雄的花均不结实,表明春兰不存在自动的自花授粉、无融合生殖,因而,春兰必须通过一定的媒介传粉才能繁衍后代.     

Heat shock proteins with an emphasis on HSP 60

Molecular Biology Reports - Heat shock phenomenon is a process by which cells express a set of proteins called heat shock proteins (HSPs) against heat stress. HSPs include several families...     

Controlling gene loss of function in newts with emphasis on lens regeneration

Here we describe a protocol for gene loss of function during regeneration in newts, specifically applied to lens regeneration. Knockdown with the use of morpholinos can be achieved both in vitro and in vivo, depending on the experimental design. These methods achieve desirable levels of gene knockdown, and thus can be compared with methods developed for use in other animals, such as zebrafish. The technology has been applied to study molecular mechanisms during the process of lens regeneration by knocking down genes at specific stages and examining their effects on other genes and lens differentiation. The protocol can take a few days or up to 20 d to complete, depending on the duration of the experiment.     

Pollination biology in the Snowy Mountains of Australia: Comparisons with montane Colorado,USA

Various aspects of the pollination biology of the alpine flora of Kosciusko National Park, NSW, were examined from late December 1983 until the end of March 1984, including flowering phenology, corolla tube lengths, flower colour, ultraviolet reflectance patterns, visitation rates to the flowers and proboscis lengths of the flower-visiting insects. An average of 5.3 species flowered in each of 13, 2 m×2 m montane plots and 5.6 species in the 13 alpine plots. The maximum number in flower simultaneously averaged 4.1 species in the montane and 3.3 in the alpine plots; flowering peaked in mid-January, Corolla tube lengths of the flora averaged 1.73 mm. The most common floral colour was white or predominantly white (40 species), followed by yellow (14 species). Only six of the 38 species (16%) examined had some type of reflectance pattern; the remaining species all absobed ultraviolet. Flies appeared to be the major pollinators. The insects collected in the study area comprised 60 species of Diptera, 33 species of Hymenoptera, and several species each of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. On average, 14.4% of flowers watched during 379 observation periods (10 min each) were visited. On average, each plant species was visited by 6.4 species of flies, 2.4 species of bees, wasps or sawflies, one species of butterfly or moth and 0.3 species of beetles. Visitation rates increased over the growing season, and were significantly affected by ambient temperature (positively), light levels (positively) and wind speed (negatively). The maximum proboscis length for the 25 most common species of bees was 2.76 mm, but 18 of 51 species of flies had proboscis lengths longer than this. The mean proboscis length for all 25 species of bees was 1.68 mm, and for 51 species of flies was 2.31 mm. Proboscis lengths for flies were positively correlated with the average corolla length for the plant species they visited. For bees, however, the range in proboscis lengths was relatively small and did not show this pattern. There appear to be significant differences between the plant-pollinator community of alpine Australia and other alpine areas where bumblebees are common pollinators. These differences include shorter proboscis and corolla tube lengths, and perhaps an increased diversity and significance of flies as pollinators.     

A la carte proteomics with an emphasis on gel-free techniques

Since the introduction of the proteome term somewhat more than a decade ago the field of proteomics witnessed a rapid growth mainly fueled by instrumental analytical improvements. Of particular notice is the advent of a diverse set of gel-free proteomics techniques. In this review, we discuss several of these gel-free techniques both for monitoring protein concentration changes and protein modifications, in particular protein phosphorylation, glycosylation, and protein processing. Furthermore, different approaches for (multiplexed) gel-free proteome analysis are discussed.     

Pollination biology of Indotristicha ramosissima (Podostemaceae: Tristichoideae)

Floral morphology, phenology and mode of pollination have been studied in Indotristicha ramosissima (Wt.) van Royen. Although the plants are submerged, self-pollination (autogamy) occurs above water. This is aided by considerable elongation of the pedicel (20 mm) prior to pollination. The filaments of the stamens also elongate rapidly (∼6.5 mm/h) before and after pollination. The flowers are typically trimerous. Each anther contains 1743 ± 187 pollen grains. These are spherical, multiporate, 3-celled and ∼97% fertile at the time of shedding. Germination of pollen on the stigma and the growth of pollen tubes have been traced in both naturally and manually (self- as well as cross-) pollinated pistils. The pollen:ovule ratio is ∼72:1 and the ovule: seed ratio is ∼2:1. Mature fruits are 8 or 9 ribbed and open by 2 or 3 longitudinal slits that release ∼32 seeds.