极地雪衣藻的研究进展

综述了富含类胡萝卜素(虾青素)的极地雪衣藻(Chlamydomonas nivalis)研究的最新进展,并对其研究前景作了分析。     

极地雪藻在不同培养基中生长和虾青素累积的研究

在常温（23℃）和低温（10℃）条件下,用BBM、Bold 1NV、TAP和MCM四种培养基对极地雪藻进行培养。通过对生长速率、细胞数、A535值及虾青素累积量的测定,比较不同培养基、不同培养条件对极地雪藻的生长与虾青素累积的影响。结果表明,低温有利于极地雪藻的生长和虾青素的累积,BBM培养基比其它培养基更适合极地雪藻的生长,10℃时条件下其生长速率最高,培养14d细胞数可达到3．53×10^6／mL;在高光强条件下培养15d后用BBM培养基培养的极地雪藻细胞的虾青素累积为其它培养基的2．21-3．59倍。     

Mechanisms governing sex-ratio variation in dioecious Rumex nivalis

Sex ratios of flowering individuals in dioecious plant populations are often close to unity, or are male biased owing to gender-specific differences in flowering or mortality. Female-biased sex ratios, although infrequent, are often reported in species with heteromorphic sex chromosomes. Two main hypotheses have been proposed to account for female bias: (1) selective fertilization resulting from differential pollen-tube growth of female- versus male-determining microgametophytes (certation); (2) differences in the performance and viability of the sexes after parental investment. Here we investigate these hypotheses in Rumex nivalis (Polygonaceae), a European alpine herb with female-biased sex ratios in which females possess XX, and males XY1Y2, sex chromosomes. Using field surveys and a glasshouse experiment we investigated the relation between sex ratios and life-history stage in 18 populations from contrasting elevations and snowbed microsites and used a male-specific SCAR-marker to determine the sex of nonflowering individuals. Female bias among flowering individuals was one of the highest reported for populations of a dioecious species (mean female frequency = 0.87), but males increased in frequency at higher elevations and in the center of snowbeds. Female bias was also evident in nonflowering individuals (mean 0.78) and in seeds from open-pollinated flowers (mean 0.59). The female bias in seeds was weakly associated with the frequency of male flowering individuals in populations in the direction predicted when certation occurs. Under glasshouse conditions, females outperformed males at several life-history stages, although male seeds were heavier than female seeds. Poor performance of Y1Y2 gametophytes and male sporophytes in R. nivalis may be a consequence of the accumulation of deleterious mutations on Y-sex chromosomes.     

Chemosensory responses of Aporcelaimellus nivalis (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) towards kairomones emitted by prey nematodes belonging to different trophic groups

Abstract

Observations were made on the attraction of Aporcelaimellus nivalis towards kairomones/attractants emitted by prey nematodes belonging to different trophic categories, viz., saprophagous, epidermal, migratory semi-endodermal, predatory nematodes, virus vectors and cortical feeders. Aporcelaimellus nivalis responded positively and significantly to prey kairomones, but showed variation in their individual behaviour. Predators are most attracted towards epidermal feeders and least attracted to virus vectors. The differential responses of A. nivalis towards different prey were attributed to the inert behaviour of predators, their preference for a particular species of prey, chemical composition, concentration, quality, quantity of prey attractant, formation of minimum perceptible attraction gradient of prey and minimum response threshold of predators. Various factors such as prey density, period of prey incubation, starvation of predators, temperature, agar concentration, agar thickness and distance of predators from the source of attraction (prey) govern chemosensory responses of predator. Aporcelaimellus nivalis maximum response was towards Hirschmanniella oryzae, when tested as 10 day starved predators in agar plates containing 2 mm thick layer of 1% water-agar with 200 prey individuals previously incubated for 16 h at 30°C. Prey kairomones were most attractive when A. nivalis were tested from a distance of 2 and 3 cm.     

雪花莲外源凝集素基因的克隆及序列分析

外源凝集素(lectin)是自然界中广泛分布的一组蛋白质,在多种生物中均有发现。外源凝集素为一类能特异地识别并可逆结合糖类复合物的糖基部分而不改变被识别糖基的共价结构的非免疫性蛋白。它对植物有很重要的生理作用。例如保护功能,在植物生长的各个阶段以不同的方式保护植物免于害虫的侵害;作为储藏蛋白,在植物发芽和幼苗生长阶段,裂解的外源凝集素为其提供氨基酸;外源凝集素还可能参与细胞间的识别,如在植物建立共生关系中,根部的外源凝集素可能是宿主特异性的重要决定因素。     

Phylogeography and population history of the least weasel (Mustela nivalis) in the Palearctic based on multilocus analysis

The least weasel (Mustela nivalis) is one of the most widely distributed carnivorans. While previous studies have identified distinct western and eastern mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages of the species in the western Palearctic, their broader distributions across the Palearctic have remained unknown. To address the broad-scale phylogeographical structure, we expanded the sampling to populations in Eastern Europe, the Urals, the Russian Far East, and Japan, and analyzed the mtDNA control region and cytochrome b, the final intron of the zinc finger protein on Y chromosome (ZFY), and the autosomal agouti signaling protein gene (ASIP). The mtDNA data analysis exposed the previous western lineage (Clade I) but poorly supported assemblage extending across Palearctic, whereas the previous eastern lineage (Clade II) was reconfirmed and limited in the south western part of the Palearctic. The ZFY phylogeny showed a distinctive split that corresponding to the mtDNA lineage split, although less phylogeographical structure was seen in the ASIP variation. Our data concur with the previous inference of the Black Sea–Caspian Sea area having an ancestral character. The Urals region harbored high mitochondrial diversity, with an estimated coalescent time of around 100,000 years, suggesting this could have been a cryptic refugium. Based on the coalescent-based demographic reconstructions, the expansion of Clade I across the Palearctic was remarkably rapid, while Clade II was relatively stable for a longer time. It seems that Clade II has maintained a constant population size in the temperate region, and the expansive Clade I represents adaptation to the cold regions.     

Seasonal and diel changes in photosynthetic activity of the snow alga Chlamydomonas nivalis (Chlorophyceae) from Svalbard determined by pulse amplitude modulation fluorometry

The seasonal and diel dynamics of the physiological state and photosynthetic activity of the snow alga Chlamydomonas nivalis were investigated in a snowfield in Svalbard. The snow surface represents an environment with very high irradiation intensities along with stable low temperatures close to freezing point. Photosynthetic activity was measured using pulse amplitude modulation fluorometry. Three types of cell (green biflagellate vegetative cells, orange spores clustered by means of mucilaginous sheaths, and purple spores with thick cell walls) were found, all of them photosynthetically active. The pH of snow ranged between 5.0 and 7.5, and the conductivity ranged between 5 and 75 microS cm(-1). The temperature of snow was stable (-0.1 to +0.1 degrees C), and the incident radiation values ranged from 11 to 1500 micromol photons m(-2) s(-1). The photosynthetic activity had seasonal and diel dynamics. The Fv/Fm values ranged between 0.4 and 0.7, and generally declined over the course of the season. A dynamic response of Fv/Fm to the irradiance was recorded. According to the saturating photon fluence values Ek, the algae may have obtained saturating light as deep as 3 cm in the snow when there were higher-light conditions, whereas they were undersaturated at prevalent low light even if on the surface.     

雪花莲凝集素基因转化小麦及转基因小麦抗蚜性的研究

雪花莲凝集素对具有刺吸式口器的同翅目害虫具有毒杀作用。用基因枪法将1个新的雪花莲凝集素(GNA)基因转入普通春小麦品种中-60634和生产上正在推广的冬小麦高产品种——豫麦66中,分别获得了转基因小麦植株。抗蚜实验证明,转化gna基因的小麦植株对我国北方冬麦区的主要麦蚜——麦长管蚜和禾谷缢管蚜的抗性效果不尽相同。对禾谷缢管蚜,在接种当代即表现出明显的毒杀作用。对麦长管蚜,则表现为虫体发育减缓并且降低了其所生产的若蚜成活率。在自然放养条件下,gna基因则对这两种麦蚜的取食均起到了一定的抑制作用。     

Environmental and genetic influences on body mass and resting metabolic rates (RMR) in a natural population of weasel Mustela nivalis

Body mass (BM) and resting metabolic rates (RMR) are two inexorably linked traits strongly related to mammalian life histories. Yet, there have been no studies attempting to estimate heritable variation and covariation of BM and RMR in natural populations. We used a marker‐based approach to construct a pedigree and then the ‘animal model’ to estimate narrow sense heritability (h²) of these traits in a free‐living population of weasels Mustela nivalis—a small carnivore characterised by a wide range of BM and extremely high RMR. The most important factors affecting BM of weasels were sex and habitat type, whereas RMR was significantly affected only by seasonal variation of this trait. All environmental factors had only small effect on estimates of additive genetic variance of both BM and RMR. The amount of additive genetic variance associated with BM and estimates of heritability were high and significant in males (h² = 0.61), but low and not significant in females (h² = 0.32), probably due to small sample size for the latter sex. The results from the two‐trait model revealed significant phenotypic (r_P = 0.62) and genetic correlation (r_A = 0.89) between BM and whole body RMR. The estimate of heritability of whole body RMR (0.54) and BM corrected RMR (0.45) were lower than estimates of heritability for BM. Both phenotypic and genetic correlations between BM corrected RMR and BM had negative signals (r_P = ?0.42 and r_A = ?0.58). Our results indicate that total energy expenditures of individuals can quickly evolve through concerted changes in BM and RMR.     

Statistical downscaling of monthly mean air temperature to the beginning of flowering of Galanthus nivalis L. in Northern Germany

 We have examined the relationship between phenological data and concurrent large-scale meterological data. As phenological data we have chosen the beginning of the flowering of Galanthus nivalis L. (flowering date) in Northern Germany, and as large-scale meteorological data we use monthly mean near-surface air temperatures for January, February and March. By means of canonical correlation analysis (CCA), a strong linear correlation between both sets of variables is identified. Twenty years of observed data are used to build the statistical model. To validate the derived relationship, the flowering date is downscaled from air temperature observations of an independent period. The statistical model is found to reproduce the observed flowering dates well, both in terms of variability as well as amplitude. Air temperature data from a general circulation model of climate change are used to estimate the flowering date in the case of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. We found that at a time of doubled CO₂ concentration (expected by about 2035) G. nivalis L. in Northern Germany will flower ∼2 weeks and at the time of tripled CO₂ concentration (expected by about 2085) ∼4 weeks earlier than presently. Received: 7 August 1996 / Accepted: 27 November 1996     

Enhanced Resistance of Snowdrop Lectin (Galanthus nivalis L. agglutinin)-Expressing Maize to Asian Corn Borer (Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée)

Abstract: In order to enhance the resistance to pests, transgenic maize ( Zea mays L.) plants from elite inbred lines containing the gene encoding snowdrop lectin ( Galanthus nivalis L. agglutinin; GNA) under control of a phloem-specific promoter were generated through the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated method. The toxicity of GNA-expressing plants to Asian corn borer ( Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée; ACB) was also studied. Thirty-six independently derived plants were subjected to molecular analyses. The level of GNA expression at 0.13%–0.28% of total soluble protein was observed in different transgenic plants. The progeny of three GNA-expressing independent transformants that were derived separately from the elite inbred lines DH4866, DH9942, and 8902, were selected for examination of resistance to ACB. These plants synthesized GNA at levels above 0.24% total soluble protein and enhanced resistance to ACB was demonstrated by exposing the plants to insects under greenhouse conditions. Semi-artificial diet bioassays also showed the toxic effect of GNA on ACB. Field evaluation of the transgenic plants supported the results from the artificial trial. In the present study, we have obtained new insect-resistant maize material for further breeding work and have found that GNA-expressing plants not only gained significant resistance to homopterans, but also showed toxicity to ACB, which is a type of Lepidoptera.
(Managing editor: Li-Hui ZHAO)     

The diet of weasels (Mustela nivalis vulgaris) from Purerua Peninsula,Bay of Islands,New Zealand

We studied the diet of weasels (Mustela nivalis vulgaris) caught on Purerua Peninsula, Bay of Islands, by examining gut contents of 16 individuals caught between 2011 and 2012. Mammals were the prey group most consumed by weasels, when measured both as frequency of occurrence and dry weight. In addition, weasels consumed introduced birds, native invertebrates and reptiles, including the endemic copper skink (Oligosoma aeneum), supporting previous studies and suggesting that weasels have greater effects on biodiversity losses than previously acknowledged.     

Functional response of the least weasel, Mustela nivalis nivalis

We investigated the functional response of the least weasel ( Mustela nivalis nivalis ) in a series of experiments conducted in large outdoor enclosures (0.5 ha). Radiocollared Microtus voles were released in the enclosures at different densities (4, 8, 16 and 100/ha) three days before the release of a radiocollared weasel. During the three-day experiment every vole killed was replaced with another one as soon as possible to retain constant prey density. The results demonstrated type II functional response with the predation rate reaching 50% of the asymptotic rate at a vole density of 15 individuals per ha. More voles were killed at the highest densities than would be expected from the known energy demands of weasels. Female and male voles were killed in proportion to their abundances in the enclosures, and no difference in predation risk was detected between voles released in the enclosure before the weasel (residents) and during the experiment (transients).     

The snowdrop lectin Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA) and a fusion protein ButaIT/GNA have a differential affect on a pest noctuid Lacanobia oleracea and the ectoparasitoid Eulophus pennicornis

Fusion proteins have considerable potential as novel insect control agents because they enable the oral delivery of insecticidal peptides to the haemolymph of pests. Transport is achieved via fusion of the toxin to a carrier protein Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA) that, after ingestion, binds to and crosses the insect gut epithelia. A fusion protein comprising a toxin from the South Indian red scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus) that is fused to a GNA polypeptide (ButaIT/GNA) has a detrimental effect on the development of tomato moth Lacanobia oleracea (L.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae. The present study examines the effects of ButaIT/GNA and GNA, delivered orally or by injection, on the development of L. oleracea larvae, and the subsequent effects on the gregarious ectoparasitoid Eulophus pennicornis (Nees) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) developing on ButaIT/GNA‐ and GNA‐treated hosts. The fusion protein, but not GNA, reduces the growth of fifth stadium L. oleracea larvae. The development of E. pennicornis is not affected by the presence of ButaIT/GNA in hosts that ingest the protein, although it is affected when hosts are injected with the protein. This difference is considered to be a result of higher levels of fusion protein being present when the fusion protein is injected. Intact ButaIT/GNA is detected by immunoassay in the haemolymph of L. oleracea larvae after ingestion of the fusion protein. More unexpectedly, negative effects are observed for the growth of E. pennicornis larvae developing on hosts that have either ingested, or been injected with GNA.     

Circannual variation in habitat use of the White-winged Snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis nivalis

High mountain areas are subject to strong seasonal fluctuations, and species inhabiting these particular environments show a high degree of habitat specialization to cope with extreme abiotic conditions. Estimates of habitat use are influenced by the spatial and seasonal scales at which they are evaluated, so studies at multiple scales are important in order to explore adaptive responses to seasonal environments. In the present study, we assessed habitat use of the White-winged Snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis subsp. nivalis (henceforth Snowfinch) during breeding and non-breeding seasons at three different spatial scales (diameters of 100, 250 and 500 m). Although Snowfinches clearly used high-elevation habitats in both seasons, there was evidence that they are less specific during the non-breeding period: the variance explained by habitat and topographical factors was lower in winter than in the breeding season. Moreover, our results suggest that the use of habitat is scale-dependent. This pattern was especially relevant in the breeding season, perhaps because habitat use might be more related to nest-site selection and specific foraging sites to provide food for nestlings. Snowfinches use high mountain habitats throughout the year, probably as a consequence of physiological and morphological specializations typical of high-elevation species, but in winter they show a certain flexibility in habitat use. Snowfinches might thus adopt a flexible specialist strategy. This could represent a trade-off to overcome possible effects on survival, condition and fitness, which can be particularly strong in harsh, unpredictable environments.     

Alkaloids from Galanthus nivalis

Phytochemical studies on Galanthus nivalis of Bulgarian origin resulted in the isolation of five compounds: 11-O-(3'-hydroxybutanoyl)hamayne, 3,11-O-(3',3'-dihydroxybutanoyl)hamayne, 3-O-(2'-butenoyl)-11-O-(3'-hydroxybutanoyl)hamayne, 3,11,3'-O-(3',3',3'-trihydroxybutanoyl)hamayne, and 2-O-(3'-acetoxybutanoyl)lycorine, together with five known alkaloids: ungeremine, lycorine, tazettine, hamayne, and ismine. Their structures were determined by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and two-dimensional (1)H-(1)H and (1)H-(13)C chemical shift correlation experiments.     

Fungal Antagonists of Gerlachia nivalis

Trichoderma viride was strongly antagonistic to Gerlachia nivalis in agar plate culture and it controlled infection of barley seedlings from seed-borne inoculum when incorporated in soil as straw culture and from soil-borne inoculum when conidia were applied to the seed coat. Penicillium expansum and Papulaspora byssina were inhibitory towards G. nivalis in culture, although not as strongly as T. viride, and they did not control seedling infection as effectively.     

Bildungsabweichungen anGalanthus nivalis L.

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

中国小麦雪霉叶枯病菌种的鉴定

系统研究和鉴定了产自中国陕西、青海、宁夏、四川、贵州、西藏、湖北、新疆等8个省区的31个小麦雪霉叶枯病菌菌系和1个产自捷克的菌系。结果表明,各菌系的培养性状和形态特征、尤其是环痕状的产孢细胞和具淀粉质顶环的子囊等均符合 Gerlachia nivalis (Ces.Ex Sate．)W．Gares & E．Mdll．[有性态：Monographella nivalis (Schaffn·)E·Mfill·]的鉴别特征。小麦雪霉叶桔病菌对三唑酮等8种药物比镰刀菌敏感,各菌系人工接种小麦幼苗均引起相同症状,人工接种可侵染22属55种禾本科植物。确认了该菌与欧洲、北美发生的红色雪霉病病菌为同种。因此,将中国小麦雪霉叶枯病菌定名为雪腐格氏霉[Gerlaehia nivalis(Ces．Ex Saee．)W．Gams ＆ E. Miill.]。     

小麦雪霉叶枯病菌侵染过程的细胞学研究

采用电镜技术研究了小麦雪霉叶枯病菌(Gerlachia nivalis)侵染过程的细胞学特征。电镜观察发现,分生孢子萌发产生的芽管由孢子细胞壁内层延伸而成;病菌侵入寄主体内后,胞间菌丝先在寄主细胞间扩展,随后胞间菌丝侵入坏死的寄主细胞,形成胞内菌丝;胞间菌丝和胞内菌丝在形态结构上无明显差异。在病菌扩展过程中,寄主细胞发生了一系列的病理变化,并最终坏死消解,寄主细胞的变化可能与病菌分泌的毒素有关。