Cold-induced accumulation of raffinose family oligosaccharides in somatic embryos of Norway spruce (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea abies</Emphasis>)

Summary Exposure of mature cotyledonary somatic embryos of Picea abies to low temperature (4°C) resulted in the accumulation of raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs)—raffinose and stachyose. The RFO content represented approximately 20% of the total soluble saccharides with the RFO: sucrose ratio being almost 1∶3 (molar basis) after 3 wk of cold exposure. This treatment, like desiccation, brings the endogenous saccharide spectrum nearer to that of mature zygotic embryos of the same species (zygotic embryos, RFO: sucrose ratio 1∶1.5 on a molar basis). Based on indications that RFOs are at least partly responsible for the positive effects of desiccation, we propose cold treatment as an alternative to slow desiccation for conifer somatic embryogenesis protocols.     

Exogenous Spermidine Promotes Somatic Embryogenesis of <i>Cunninghamia lanceolata</i> by Altering the Endogenous Phytohormone Content

In order to study how exogenous hormones in C. lanceolata (gymnosperm) regulate somatic embryogenesis, we measured the endogenous phytohormones of two genotypes with different somatic embryogenesis efficiency and found that an increase in endogenous concentrations of IAA and ABA may be correlated to more efficient somatic embryogenesis. By applying exogenous spermidine, we found that exogenous hormones may affect somatic embryogenesis efficiency through affecting the endogenous phytohormone content. Based on these results, further studies can be conducted whereby the concentration of exogenous hormones or the levels of endogenous phytohormones by molecular methods are regulated to promote somatic embryogenesis. Our research may benefit the long-term economic output of the forestry industry and lays the foundation to studying the molecular mechanism that controls somatic embryogenesis efficiency.     

Cold-enhanced somatic embryogenesis in cell suspension cultures of Astragalus adsurgens Pall.: relationship with exogenous calcium during cold pretreatment

The inter-relationship between exogenous calcium (Ca²⁺) during cold pretreatment and cold-enhanced somatic embryogenesis was investigated using cell suspension cultures of Astragalus adsurgens Pall. Cell suspension was obtained from embryogenic callus and could be induced to form somatic embryos in the differentiation medium. Suspension cells, after cold-treatment at 8 °C for 2 to 3 wk, displayed an enhanced capacity for somatic embryogenesis as compared to those without cold pretreatment. Longer cold pretreatment (> 4 wk) resulted in the inhibition of somatic embryogenesis. The enhanced embryogenic response of cells to cold pretreatment was dependent on the Ca²⁺ level in the pretreatment medium. Ca²⁺ levels below 1 mM suppressed the cold-enhanced response. Addition of lanthanum into the pretreatment medium completely abolished the cold induced enhancement of somatic embryogenesis. These results suggest that embryogenic cells require a minimal concentration of Ca²⁺ during pretreatment for the expression of this cold-enhanced capacity for somatic embryogenesis in A.adsurgens and the influx of exogenous Ca²⁺ during pretreatment might also be involved.     

Factors Influencing Somatic Embryogenesis Induction and Plant Regeneration with Particular Reference to Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh

The broad applications of somatic embryogenesis, both in basic and applied research, have stimulated studies on the determination of in vitro conditions for the induction of somatic embryos and their conversion into plants. As a result, efficient protocols on SE induction and plant regeneration have recently become available for many plant species, including Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh., a model plant in genetics and embryogenesis.Studies on factors controlling in vitro plant morphogenesis are highly desirable not only for the development of improved regeneration systems, but also for the analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying plant embryogenesis. This review focuses on the conditions influencing the induction of embryogenic potential in in vitro cultured plant cells. The roles of explant type, endo- and exogenous plant growth regulators and stress factors in the induction of somatic embryogenesis are especially emphasized. Possible mechanisms by which different factors induce or modify embryogenic competence in cultured plant cells are also discussed. Since the production of genetically solid and true-to-type plants is desired, especially for transformation and micropropagation practice, the problem of the genetic characteristics of regenerants, in terms of their chimerism and somaclonal variation, is discussed in some detail.Special consideration is given to A. thaliana– a major model plant species for classical genetics and genomics. Recent availability of efficient embryogenic cultures in this organism makes it possible to benefit from advanced genomic research of Arabidopsis to study plant embryogenesis on the molecular level.     

Embryogeny of gymnosperms: advances in synthetic seed technology of conifers

Synthetic seed technology requires the inexpensive production of large numbers of high-quality somatic embryos. Proliferating embryogenic cultures from conifers consist of immature embryos, which undergo synchronous maturation in the presence of abscisic acid and elevated osmoticum. Improvements in conifer somatic embryo quality have been achieved by identifying the conditions in vitro that resemble the conditions during in ovulo development of zygotic embryos. One normal aspect of zygotic embryo development for conifers is maturation drying, which allows seeds to be stored and promotes normal germination. Conditions of culture are described that yield mature conifer somatic embryos that possess normal storage proteins and fatty acids and which survive either partial drying, or full drying to moisture contents similar to those achieved by mature dehydrated zygotic embryos. Large numbers of quiescent somatic embryos can be produced throughout the year and stored for germination in the spring, which simplifies production and provides plants of uniform size. This review focuses on recent advances in conifer somatic embryogenesis and synthetic seed technology, particularly in areas of embryo development, maturation drying, encapsulation and germination. Comparisons of conifer embryogeny are made with other gymnosperms and angiosperms.Abbreviations ABA abscisic acid - LEA late embryogenesis abundant - PEG polyethylene glycol - PGR plant growth regulator - RH relative humidity - TAG triacylglycerol     

Conservation of the Cedrus libani populations in Lebanon: history, current status and experimental application of somatic embryogenesis

Cedrus libani, the cedar of Lebanon, is a threatened conifer native to the Levant. Over 4000 years of exploitation have resulted in the fragmentation and degradation of the Lebanese cedar populations. Continued urban and agricultural development in Lebanon adds to the difficulty of effective conservation. Two protected areas have recently been established which contain two of the more important forests: a cedar dominated forest in the Shouf region and a mixed forest at Ehden. A number of other populations are protected by ministerial decrees, and there is a need for rigorous management of all the remaining populations. The application of in vitro techniques such as somatic embryogenesis may assist in the conservation of this species. We have produced somatic pro-embryos using immature zygotic tissue as explants cultured on half-strength MS medium containing an auxin and a cytokinin (10 M 2,4-D and 5 M BAP). The application of somatic embryogenesis to the Lebanese cedar would be in the propagation and preservation of selected genotypes, either those from old growth provenance for use in restoration, or those with desirable commercial or horticultural characteristics.     

植物激素对体细胞胚胎发生的诱导与调节

以作者自己的工作为背景,结合国内外近几年的有关报道,综述了几种外源和内源激素对植物体细胞胚胎发生的诱导与调节作用。外源生长素和细胞分裂素是诱导离体培养细胞分化与增殖所必需的,2,4-D是诱导胚性愈伤组织的重要激素。在体细胞胚胎发生中内源激素含量和代谢的平衡起着关键的作用,而且外源和内源激素对诱导体细胞胚胎发生起相互调节作用。ABA在提高体细胞胚胎发生频率和质量上具有重要作用,同时,外源与内源ABA对体细胞胚胎发生起相互促进作用。本文还较为深入地讨论了这些激素诱导体细胞胚胎发生的可能作用机制。 Abstract:The paper summarizes the induced and regulatory effects of a few exogenous and endogenous hormones in plant somatic embryogenesis by our studies and related international reports.The exogenous auxin and cytokinin are necessary to induced differentiation and proliferation of cells of culture in vitro.2,4-D is an important hormone of induced embryogenic calluses.The contents and the metabolic balances of endogenous hormones have key effects for somatic embryogenesis.In addition,the exogenous and endogenous hormones have mutual regulatory effects for somatic embryogenesis.ABA has an important effect to improving the frequency and quality of somatic embryogenesis.Meanwhile,the exogenous and endogenous ABA have mutual promoted effects for somatic embryogenesis.The paper discusses possible mechanism of hormones-induced somatic embryogenesis in a deep-going way.     

Antioxidant Enzyme Activities during in vitro Morphogenesis of Gladiolus and the Effect of Application of Antioxidants on Plant Regeneration

Activity of antioxidant enzymes was evaluated during somatic embryogenesis and shoot organogenesis from cultured leaf segments of Gladiolus hybridus Hort. The effect of exogenous antioxidants on somatic embryogenesis and shoot organogenesis has also been monitored. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) gradually increased during somatic embryogenesis. while activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) decreased. In contrast, increase in CAT and POX activity and a concomitant decrease in SOD activity were noted during shoot organogenesis. Exogenous application of antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH), α-tocopherol and ascorbate (AA) inhibited somatic embryogenesis but stimulated shoot organogenesis. The frequency of somatic embryogenesis increased with the addition of H₂O₂. However, H₂O₂ inhibited shoot organogenesis. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Application of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi in Vegetative Propagation of Conifers

In forestry, vegetative propagation is important for the production of selected genotypes and shortening the selection cycles in genetic improvement programs. In vivo cutting production, in vitro organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis are applicable with conifers. However, with most coniferous species these methods are not yet suitable for commercial application. Large-scale production of clonal material using cuttings or organogenesis is hindered by rooting problems and difficulties in the maturation and conversion limit the use of somatic embryogenesis. Economically important conifers form symbiotic relationship mostly with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, which increase the fitness of the host tree. Several studies have shown the potential of using ECM fungi in conifer vegetative propagation. Inoculation with specific fungi can enhance root formation and/or subsequent root branching of in vivo cuttings and in vitro adventitious shoots. Germination of somatic embryos and subsequent root growth can also be improved by the use of ECM fungi. In addition, inoculation can increase the tree's ability to overcome the stress related to ex vitro transfer. A specific interaction between a fungal strain and tree clone occurs during root induction and germination of somatic embryos. Multiple rooting factors exist in this interaction that complicate the predictability of the response to inoculation. Fungal-specific factors that influence rooting responses to inoculation may include plant growth regulator production, modification of the rooting environment, and interactions with beneficial microbes. A combination of these factors may act synergistically to result in positive responses in tree genotypes that are compatible with the fungus.     

Genetic improvement of the somatic embryogenesis and regeneration in soybean and transformation of the improved breeding lines

Somatic embryos of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] have been used to generate transgenic plants by particle bombardment. The induction and proliferation of somatic embryos from immature cotyledons are dependent on the genotype of the cultivar. Whereas somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration are inefficient in most cultivars, they are efficient in the cultivar Jack. We previously established a breeding line, QF2, by the integration of null mutations of each subunit of the major seed storage proteins glycinin and β-conglycinin, but the embryogenic response of this line is insufficient to allow efficient transformation. We have now backcrossed QF2 to cultivar Jack in order to combine the null traits with competence for somatic embryogenesis. The backcrossed breeding lines selected on the basis of the absence of the major storage proteins exhibited an improved capacity for the induction and proliferation of somatic embryos compared with that of QF2. The induced somatic embryogenic tissue of these breeding lines was successfully used for the production of transgenic plants by particle bombardment. These results also indicate that somatic embryogenesis in soybean is genetically controlled and inherited in a manner independent of the null traits of the major seed storage proteins.     

Effect of plant growth regulators on the cellular growth and levels of intracellular protein,starch and polyamines in embryogenic suspension cultures of Pinus taeda

Somatic embryogenesis is the most important in vitro culture system for conifer propagation. However, Pinus taeda has been considered recalcitrant to somatic embryogenesis in commercial scale-up. The study of biochemical and physiological aspects of cell growth could lead to a better understanding of somatic embryogenesis in this species. In the present work, we investigated the cell growth dynamics, intracellular levels of proteins, starch and polyamines in suspension cultures of Pinus taeda established in plant growth regulator-free medium (BM0) and in medium supplemented with 2 M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 0.5 M 6-benzylaminopurine and 0.5 M Kinetin (BM2). Cell cultures growing in BM0 medium showed an increase in the sedimented cell volume from 3.77 to 17.73 ml after 24 days of culture. Those cultured in BM2 medium showed an increase in the sedimented cell volume from 4.23 to 25.17 ml after 20 days of culture. Intracellular proteins levels increased during the exponential growth phase and starch levels decreased until the exponential phase, followed by a synthesis up to the stationary phase, in both BM0 and BM2 media. Highest putrescine levels occurred in cultures growing in BM0 medium and this was associated with the low cellular growth.     

Effects of brassinosteroid on cotton regeneration via somatic embryogenesis

Brassinolide (BR), which is the most biologically active brassinosteroid, was used to examine the potential effect of hormone on cotton somatic embryogenesis. Ten-day-old cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L., cv. Cooker) seedlings were used for explant source and hypocotyls were removed and cultured on MS basal medium with B₅ vitamins supplemented with 1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine + 0.5 mg/L kinetin for callus induction. After one month proliferating calli pieces were collected and cultured on MS basal medium containing various concentrations of BR (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 μM) with their controls. BR treatments were negatively effective on the fresh weight of calli when compared to control. Differential somatic embryogenesis maturation rates due to BR treatment were observed. Somatic embryogenesis was stimulated especially for transition to cotyledonary phase at 0.5 mg/L BR. Histological preparations from embryogenic calli and somatic embryos at different stages of development revealed the spontaneous polyploidisation during early somatic embryogenesis on BR-treated calli. Present results suggest that BR negatively effected calli growth, however, had a stimulating role in maturation of somatic embryos.     

Improvement of somatic embryogenesis in zonal geranium

A number of media constituents including sucrose, ammonium nitrate and plant growth regulators were evaluated in an attempt to improve somatic embryo production in zonal geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum) cv. Scarlet Orbit Improved. Somatic embryo production was characterized by the quantity and type of somatic embryo induced by the treatments. Sucrose at 4% supported the highest number of total somatic embryos while improving the proportion of the morphologically normal cotyledon-stage somatic embryos. Addition of ammonium nitrate also improved embryo production. With 1.89 mM ammonium nitrate, normal cotyledon-stage embryo development was increased by 53%; the proportion of normal cotyledon-stage embryos decreased and abnormal embryos with leaves or serrated margins in cotyledons (fringed-shoot type) increased with higher ammonium nitrate concentrations. The effect of plant growth regulators on somatic embryogenesis indicated that exogenous supply of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at a range of 0.25 to 4 μM failed to promote somatic embryogenesis. In contrast, benzyladenine (BA) up to 2.0 μM increased the total embryo number and the proportion of desirable cotyledon-stage embryos. There was no interaction between IAA and BA. Our research has demonstrated that improvement in both quantity and quality of somatic embryos can be achieved in zonal geranium.     

Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in cotton

An efficient in vitro plant regeneration system characterized by rapid and continuous production of somatic embryos using leaf and stem explants of abnormal seedling as an explant have been developed in Gossypium hirsutum L. Embryogenic callus and somatic embryos have been obtained directly from the explants of cotton abnormal seedlings. Plant growth regulators influenced the induction of cotton somatic embryogenesis. The optimal medium for direct somatic embryogenesis was modified MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg l^-1 ZT and 2 g l^-1 activated carbon. On this medium, an average of 28.0 and 28.1 matured somatic embryos formed from per leaf and stem explants respectively. The highest frequency of somatic embryogenesis was 100%. The somatic embryos were converted into normal plantlets when cultured on modified MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg l^-1 ZT. Upon transfer to soil, plants grew well and appeared normal. Plants could be regenerated within 60–80 days. The system of cotton somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration described here will facilitate the application of plant tissue culture and genetic engineering on cotton genetic improvement. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Distribution and nature of saccharides of plasma membranes of rat ascites hepatoma cells as detected by ferritin-conjugated lectins and dialysed iron

Electron microscopic cytochemical studies were made on saccharides involved in the plasma membranes of rat ascites hepatoma cells (AH7974F) using ferritin-conjugated lectins and dialysed iron (DI). In the rat hepatoma cells, saccharide receptors for each of the three lectins used (concanavalin A (ConA), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA)) were shown to be distributed homogeneously throughout the plasma membranes. When the cells were agglutinated, however, the saccharide receptors for each lectin appeared to form clusters on the plasma membranes. The cluster formation induced by one lectin was found to lead to a changed distribution of saccharide receptors for another lectin. None of the cluster formation types induced by lectins yield any noticeable effects upon the distribution of DI reactive acidic saccharides on the plasma membranes.     

Carbon Partitioning and Assimilation as Affected by Nitrogen Deficiency in Cassava

Plants of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) were raised in a sand root medium watered with nutrient solutions, under greenhouse conditions. As the N-supply increased, shoot dry mass was enhanced to a greater extent than root dry mass, thus leading to an increased shoot to root ratio. In leaves, contents of total soluble saccharides, non-reducing saccharides, and inorganic phosphate increased linearly with increasing N-supply. An opposite response was found for reducing saccharides and starch. In general, content of non-reducing saccharides was considerably greater than starch content. Activity of sucrose synthase was not detected, regardless of the N-treatments; by contrast, activity of neutral and acid invertases increased with increasing N-availability. Roots accumulated more total soluble saccharides, but less reducing saccharides and starch, as the N-supply increased. Photosynthetic rates decreased with increasing N-deficiency. Such a decrease was circumstantially associated to reducing saccharide, but not starch, accumulation. Results suggest a limited capacity for carbon export from source leaves under N-limitation. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

龙眼体胚发生相关未知蛋白DlUP-3基因的克隆与表达分析

在龙眼体胚发生早期的蛋白质组学研究中,发现1个体胚发生相关未知蛋白DlUP-3,通过简并引物结合RACE技术进行其基因全长序列克隆。结果显示:(1)克隆到的龙眼体胚发生相关未知蛋白基因DlUP-3的全长cDNA序列为1 681bp,开放阅读框由1 017个核苷酸组成,编码338个氨基酸(GenBank登录号为GQ167202)。(2)生物信息学分析发现,该基因推导蛋白分子量为36 854.2Da,pI为9.05;该蛋白为Ras蛋白质家族成员,具有ATP/GTP-binding site motif A(P-loop)结合位点和1个典型的Ras_like_GTPase superfamily组件,无典型信号肽结构,但有跨膜螺旋的亲水性蛋白;不规则卷曲是其最大量的结构元件,散布于整个蛋白质中。(3)实时荧光定量PCR分析显示,该基因在龙眼体胚发生过程中均有表达,其中以胚性愈伤组织阶段表达量最低,而球形胚阶段最高。研究表明,DlUP-3基因在龙眼体胚发生过程尤其是球形胚阶段有重要的作用,为进一步研究该基因在龙眼体胚发生过程中的功能奠定了基础。     

Micropropagation ofPanax notoginseng by somatic embryogenesis and RAPD analysis of regenerated plantlets

Somatic embryogenesis was induced in callus tissues derived from young flower buds ofPanax notoginseng via callus within 18 weeks of culture. The mature somatic embryos were germinated on half-strength Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with gibberellic acid A₃(GA) and 6-benzyladenine (BA). The most suitable medium for optimal root formation proved to be MS medium supplemented with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Total DNA was extracted from the leaves of the regenerated plantlets ofP. notoginseng. Analysis of random-amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) using 21 arbitrary oligonucleotide 10-mers, showed the genetic homogeneity ofP. notoginseng. The amplification products were monomorphic for all of the plantlets ofP. notoginseng regenerated by embryogenesis, suggesting that somatic embryogenesis can be used for clonal micropropagation of this plant.