VINYL PHEOPORPHYRIN A5 IN THE INNER SEED COATS OF PUMPKINS

The pigments contained in the inner seed coats of Cucurbitapepo, C. maxima and C. moschata were investigated spectroscopicallyusing both intact tissues and their ether extracts. The pigment(s) contained in C. pepo and C. maxima was inferred to be "protochlorophyll"and/or Mg vinyl pheoporphyrin a₅ which are indistinguishablefrom each other by mere spectroscopic observations. The coatsof C. moschata were found to contain Mg-free vinyl pheoporphyrina₅ which has so far been reported to exist only in some Chlorellamutants. The spectra of these pigments in intact tissues wereremarkably different from those of the ether extracts, indicatingthe profound difference in their physical states in vitro andin vivo. It was discussed that the "protochlorophyll b" reportedearlier by SEYBOLD and EGLE might have been vinyl pheoporphyrina₁. (Received July 14, 1960; )     

ERRATA

p. 210. alternatus ... This entry is out of alphabetical orderand should follow after alsiosus. p. 225. caracteristicus. For x read xi. p. 236. cutis-auguina. Read cutis-anguina. p. 247. fabula. After Chem. add ) p. 271. maculosus Sow. Delete 3*. p. 279. muriculatus Sow. Delete 1. p. 302. reissi. For Sauto read Santo. p. 311. stercutius. Delete full stop after as.     

PHYSIOLOGICAL.STUDIES OF A CHIMAERA FORMED BY GRAFTING NIGHTSHADE UPON TOMATO I. RESPIRATORY ACTIVITY OF LEAVES

1. Leaves of a chimaera which are composed of the tissues fromLycopersicum esculentum var. kinnari (L. e.) covered by twolayers of cells from Solatium villosum (S. v.) were comparedwith those of control plants, L. e. and S. v. with respect tothe respiratory activity. 2. As for the respiratory activity of leaf strips, the chimaerawas more active than either L. e.. or S. v. 3. To respiratory inhibitors examined leaf strips of the chimaeraresponded rather similarly to those of S. v. but differentlyfrom those of L. e. 4. Of various substrates tested, glycolic, ascorbic and chlorogenicacids were actively oxidized by cell-free extracts of leavesfrom every plant. The first two were especially good substratesfor S. v.: L. e. attacked most the third, and the chimaera oxidizedjust as well the first two as S. v. did and the third as L.e. did. 5. Ascorbic acid and chlorogenic acid contents of the leaf extractswere not correlated with the activities of the extracts of oxidizingthese substances. 6. Physiological interactions were suggested between the twotissues of different origins in the chimaera. (Received December 2, 1963; )     

基于线粒体COI基因序列的文蛤属(软体动物门:帘蛤科)系统发育关系(英文)

测定了4种文蛤属贝类的15个个体的COI基因序列,并从GenBank下载了短文蛤 (M. petechialis)的相应序列。比对后的序列长度为574 bp,包括93个简约信息位点,A、T、C和G的平均含量分别为21.15%、44.71%、14.05%和20.09%。通过对序列的分析,共定义了12个单倍型：文蛤 (M. meretrix) 4个,斧文蛤 (M. lamarckii) 2个,丽文蛤 (M. lusoria) 3个,琴文蛤 (M. lyrata) 1个,短文蛤2个。以青蛤(Cylina sinensis)为外群,用MP法和贝叶斯法构建系统树。结果显示,短文蛤、丽文蛤和文蛤为亲缘关系较近的物种, 支持短文蛤和丽文蛤为文蛤的同物异名的观点。     

Structural studies on the tri- and tetrasaccharides isolated from porcine intestinal heparin and characterization of heparinase/heparitinases using them as substrates

We prepared a series of oligosaccharides from porcine intestinalheparin after extensive digestion with a mixture of Flavobacteriumheparinase as well as heparitinases I and II. Previously, wereported the structures of the two glycoserines derived fromthe carbohydrate-protein linkage region [Sugahara et al., J.Biol. Chem., 267, 1528–1533 (1992)] and three tetrasaccharidesderived from the antithrombin III-binding site [Yamada et al.,J. Biol. Chem., 268, 4780–4787 (1993)]. In this study,we determined the structures of 10 other tetrasaccharides anda trisaccharide by enzymatic digestion, fast atom bombardmentmass spectrometry and 500-MHz ¹H NMR spectroscopy. These tetrasaccharidesshare the common disulphated structure,     

Mutations in the SGR4, SGR5 and SGR6 Loci of Arabidopsis thaliana Alter the Shoot Gravitropism

Shoots of higher plants grow upward in response to gravity.To elucidate the molecular mechanism of this response, we haveisolated shoot gravitropism (sgr) mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana.In this report, we describe three novel mutants, sgr4-1, sgr5-1and sgr6-1 whose inflorescence stems showed abnormal gravitropicresponses as previously reported for sgr1, sgr2 and sgr3. Thesenew sgr mutations were recessive and occurred at three independentgenetic loci. The sgr4-1 mutant showed severe defect in gravitropismof both inflorescence stem and hypocotyl but were normal inroot gravitropism as were sgr1 and sgr2. The sgr5-1 and sgr6-1mutants showed reduced gravitropism only in inflorescence stemsbut normal in both hypocotyls and roots as sgr3. These resultssupport the hypothesis that some mechanisms of gravitropismare genetically different in these three organs in A. thaliana.In addition, these mutants showed normal phototropic responses,suggesting that SGR4, SGR5 and SGR6 genes are specifically involvedin gravity perception and/or gravity signal transduction forthe shoot gravitropic response. (Received November 21, 1996; Accepted February 17, 1997)     

Effects of Olisthodiscus luteus on the feeding and reproduction of the marine rotifer Synchaeta cecilia

The chrysophyte Olisthodiscus luteus is not ingested by Synchaetacecilia. It inhibits the feeding on other, acceptable food atO. luteus densities as low as 50 cells ml^–1 and reducessurvival and reproduction at O. luteus densities > 10³ cellsml^–1. The possible mechanisms and implications of thisphenomenon for the distribution and abundance of S. ceciliaare discussed.     

Cloning and Functional Expression of a Novel Geranylgeranyl Pyrophosphate Synthase Gene from Arabidopsis thaliana in Escherichia coli

A gene encoding a novel geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP)synthase from Arabidopsis thaliana has been identified and termedGGPS5. The gene has been sequenced and expressed in Escherichiacoli. The deduced amino acid sequence showed 64.5% and 57.5%identity with a putative GGPP synthase from Arabidopsis andCapsicum annuum, respectively. GGPP enzymatic activity was detectedin E. coli cells expressing the GGPS5 gene in two differentways. One was the direct measurement of GGPP synthase activityin cell extracts and the other was the yellow color productionof cells when the GGPS5 gene was co-expressed with crtB, crtI,crtX, crtY and crtZ genes derived from Erwinia uredovora. (Received May 20, 1996; Accepted December 14, 1996)     

Properties of the Cytochrome c Oxidase Activity of Cytochrome b561 from Photoanaerobically Grown Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides

Cytochrome b₅₆₁ from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides had cytochromec (c2) oxidase activity and a pH optimum at 6.0 for this activity.The activity was affected by the ionic strength of the reactionmixture. The apparent K_m and maximal velocity (V_max) valuesin the absence of addea salts were 14 µM and 120 nmoloxidized per min per mg protein for horse heart cytochrome c.Reduced horse heart cytochrome c was reoxidized in first-orderkinetics by this cytochrome b₅₆₁. The specific activity was0.7 s^–1 per mg protein at 20°C at the concentrationof 30 µMM cytochrome c. Activity was inhibited by KCN and NaN₃, but not by antimycin.The addition of a low concentration of KCN to the cytochromeb₅₆₁ produced a change in the absorption spectrum, evidencethat KCN interacts with the heme moiety of cytochrome b₅₆₁.Results of this and preceeding studies show that the cytochromeoxidase (cytochrome "o") described earlier (Sasaki et al. 1970)is cytochrome b₅₆₁. (Received May 16, 1983; Accepted September 8, 1983)     

Effect of UV-Irradiation on Total Protein and Nucleic Acids in Alternaria alternata and Fusarium solani

UV-A^* irradiation caused increases in total protein in Fusariumsolani, while its effect on Alternaria alternata was variable,and not as clear-cut as in F. solani. On the other hand, UV-Birradiation stimulated protein production in both fungi. UV-Airradiation showed an inhibitory effect on total DNA in bothfungi, while the effect on RNA was stimulatory in F. solanibut had no effect on A. alternata. Short fluences of UV-B inhibitedDNA production to some extent in both fungi, however longerfluences increased DNA content especially in F. solani. Theeffect of UV-B on RNA production was inhibitory in F. solanibut not in A. alternata. A. alternata is much more resistantto UV-irradiation than is F. solani, and increases in proteinin the former after UV-irradiation suggests that protein mayplay a part in protection against the harmful effect of UV-irradiation. UV-A, UV-B, fluence, protein, nucleic acids, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani     

CHLOROPHYLL AMOUNT AS AN INDICATOR OF MATTER PRODUCTIVITY IN BIO-COMMUNITIES

The data of chlorophyll amounts in diverse bio-communities arecompiled and discussed with reference to matter production. The chlorophyll amount in euphotic zone of lakes and oceanswas less than 1 g/m², mostly less than 0.1 g/m². In phytoplanktonblooms it was ca. 0.1–1 g/m². Large values of 5–20g/m² were obtained in the outdoor mass cultures of Chlorella,in which the high population density and chlorophyll contentof the alga were observed. In terrestrial higher plant communitiesthe chlorophyll amount (ca. 1–10 g/m²) was usually higherthan in aquatic phytoplankton communities. The largest (13.3g/m²) was obtained with an evergreen gallery forest in Thailand.The chlorophyll amount of desert bio-community could be expectedto be as high as that in water blooms. The maximum chlorophyll amount in bio-communities seems to attainup to 20 g/m² when the conditions are favorable. ¹ Dedicated to Prof. H. TAMIYA on the occasion of his 60th birthday. (Received December 25, 1962; )     

Photosynthesis in Panicum milioides, a Species with Reduced Photorespiration

The capacity for C₄ photosynthesis in Panicum milioides, a specieshaving reduced levels of photorespiration, was investigatedby examining the activity of certain key enzymes of the C₄ pathwayand by pulse-chase experiments with ¹⁴CO₂. The ATP$P₁ dependentactivity of pyruvate,P₁ dikinase in the species was extremelylow (0.14–0.18 µmol mg chlorophyll^–1 min^–1).Low activity of the enzyme was also found in Panicum decipiensand Panicum hians (related species with reduced photorespiration)and in Panicum laxum (a C₃ species). The antibody to pyruvate,P₁dikinase caused about 70% inhibition of the ATP$P₁ dependentactivity of the enzyme in P. milioides. The activity of NAD-malicenzyme and NADP-malic enzyme in ^P. ^milioides was equally low(approximately 0.1–0.2 µmol mg chlorophyll^–1min^–1) and similar to the activity in P. decipiens, P.hians and P. laxum. Photosynthetic pulse-chase experiments underatmospheric conditions showed a typical C₃-like pattern of carbonassimilation including the labelling of glycine and serine asexpected during photorespiration. During the pulse with ¹⁴CO₂only about 1% of the labelled products appeared in malate and2–3% in aspartate. During a chase in atmospheric levelsof CO₂ for up to 6 min there was a slight increase in labellingin the C₄ acids. The amount of label in carbon 4 of aspartatedid not change during the chase, indicating little or no turnoverof the C₄ acid via decarboxylation. The results indicate thatunder atmospheric conditions P. milioides assimilates carbondirectly through the C₃ pathway. Photorespiration as indicatedby the CO₂ compensation point may be repressed in the speciesby a more efficient recycling of photorespired CO₂. (Received June 8, 1982; Accepted July 22, 1982)     

Ethylene evolution in marine algae and a proteinaceous inhibitor of ethylene biosynthesis from red alga

Fronds of marine algae, especially green alga, Codium latum,and red alga, Porphyra tenera, evolved a quantity of ethylenewhen IAA was exogenously applied, while brown alga, Padina arborescens,evolved only a little. Propionic acid, when added together withIAA, noticeably enhanced IAA-induced ethylene evolution in P.tenera and P. arborescens. This evolution was also enhancedby added acrylic acid in P. arborescens but not in P. tenera.It was promoted by methionine, though only at a high concentration(0.1 M), in P. tenera but not in P. arborescens. The rate ofethylene evolution was highest at 12?C among the incubationtemperatures tested of 5, 12 and 15?C. The conversion of ¹⁴C-3-methionineto radioactive ethylene in P. tenera was remarkably inhibitedby a proteinaceous inhibitor from P. tenera. ¹Present address: Division of Environmental Biology, NationalInstitute for Environment, Yatabe, Ibaraki, Japan. (Received May 27, 1976; )     

Composition and seasonality of nocturnal peracarid zooplankton from coastal New Hampshire (USA) waters, 1978-1980

Seasonal changes in the nocturnal peracarid zooplankton froma nearshore area of the Gulf of Maine were studied from January1978 through December 1980 as a requirement of an ecologicalmonitoring program for the Public Service Company of New Hampshire'sSeabrook Generating Stanon. Numerically dominant species includedthe mysids Michteimysis mixta and Neomysis americana. the amphipodsPontogeneia inermis, Themisto gaudichaudi and Monoculodes edwardsi.and the cumaceans Diastylis polita and Lamprops quadriplicata.A general seasonal cycle was documented with a more abundantand speciose assemblage during fall and winter than summer.Peak abundance occurred during spring months prior to emigrationof juvenile M.mixta from the study area. Abiotic and bioticfactors which may affect the structure and composition of thisassemblage are discussed.     

ANATOMICAL STUDIES REVEAL NEW PHYLOGENETIC INTERPRETATIONS IN LISSACHATINA (PULMONATA: ACHATINIDAE)

This is essentially a preliminary report on the revision ofsubgenus Lissachatina of the African land snail family Achatinidae.It extends the conchological revisionary work of J.C. Bequaert(1950) along the complementary line of comparative anatomicalstudies of the reproductive tracts. This is directed towardthe goal of a better understanding of phylo-geny in this family.Species emphasized are Achatina albopicta E.A. Smith,1878; A.allisa Reeve, 1849; A. fulica Bowdich, 1822; A. loveridgei Clench& Archer, 1930; A. zanzibarica Bourguignat, 1879, and thenew species A. eleanorae. Relegated tosynonymy are A. albicansPfeiffer, 1851; A. delorioli Bonnet, 1864; and A. iredalei Preston,1910. Tangible anatomical characters separate subgenera Lissachatinaand Achatina. A. capelloi Furtado, 1886; A. craveni E.A. Smith,1881; and A. connollyi Preston, 1912 are transferred from Lissachatinato Achatina s.s. Other transfers are in progress. (Received 26 September 1994; accepted 25 November 1994)     

Control of Germination and Seedling Morphology by Ethene: Differential Responses, Related to Habitat of Epilobium hirsutum L. and Chamerion angustifolium (L.) J. Holub

Germination rate and total germination of Epilobium hirsutumseed were increased by treatment with ethene in air (4 volumesper million) but seeds of Chamerion angustifolium were unaffected.Seventeen days from sowing the elongation of primary roots hadbeen reduced by ethene in both species but more markedly inE. hirsutum. Adventitious root formation at the base of hypocotylswas initiated by ethene in E. hirsutum but not in C. angustifolium.Root hair length was reduced by ethene rather more in E. hirsutumthan in C. angustifolium. The results are discussed in relationto the ecology and known differential waterlogging sensitivityof the two species. Epilobium hirsutum, Chamerion angustifolium, Willowherbs, ethene, germination, waterlogging, growth, roots, adventitious, ecology     

Calanoid copepods feeding on algae and filamentous cyanobacteria: rates of ingestion, defaecation and effects on trichome length

The relative abilities of freshwater calanoid copepods to grazealgae and filamentous cyanobacteria were examined in three speciesof Boeckella (B.triarticulata, B.hamata, B.dilatata) fed Cydotella,Cryptomonas and two species of Nostoc and Anabaena. Althoughrates of ingestion were highest on Cryptomonas, all the Boeckellaspecies consumed cyanobacteria, some species at similar ratesto Cyclolella. Faecal production on the foods was highest onCydotella and, in B.triarticulata, higher on A.flos-aquae andNostoc sp. 2 than on Cryptomonas. At 1 mg l^–1 of thesecyanobacteria, female B.triarticulata voided 70% by volume ofthe material they ingested as compact faecal pellets. By theirgrazing they also decreased dramatically the trichome lengthsof A.flos-aquae, A.oscillarioides and Nostoc sp. 2, therebypossibly altering the potential susceptibility of these filamentouscyanobacteria to grazing by other zooplankton.     

The Hydration-Induced Ca2+ Release Is a General Phenomenon in Characeae

When an internodal cell of Nitella axilliformis that had beentreated with 10 mM KCl and 1 mM EGTA was examined for transcellularosmosis, an increase in the cytosolic concentration of Ca²⁺on the endoosmotic side was observed, as was the case in Nitellaflexilis even though the increase was much smaller in Nitellaaxilliformis. The hydration-induced calcium release (HICR) wasalso observed in other species of Characeae, namely, Chara corallinaand Nitellopsis obtusa. HICR was also demonstrated in cytoplasmisolated from Nitella axilliformis and Chara corallina as fromNitella flexilis. Thus, it appears that HICR is not specificto Nitella flexilis but may be a general phenomenon in Characeae. ²Present adress: Department of Biology, Faculty of Science,Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263 Japan     

Effect of Sodium on Phosphate Uptake in Unicellular and Filamentous Cyanobacteria

The effect of Na⁺ on phosphate uptake was studied in four strainsof cyanobacteria: Synechococcus PCC 7942, Gloeothece PCC 6501,Phormidium sp. and Chlorogloeopsis PCC 6912. Phosphate uptakewas stimulated by Na⁺ in all cases. Li⁺ and K⁺ acted as partialanalogues for Na⁺. Half-saturation [K_1/2(Na⁺)] of phosphateuptake was reached with Na⁺ concentrations ranging from 317µM in Chlorogloeopsis to 659 µM in Phormidium. Theconcentration of phosphate required to reach half-saturationof phosphate uptake [K_1/2(P_i)]was not changed by the presenceof Na⁺. (Received April 11, 1994; Accepted July 5, 1994)