Factors Affecting Recognition and Disjunction of Chromosomes at Distributive Pairing in Female DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER. II. the Effect of a Second Arm

The behavior of heterozygously inverted X chromosomes that were members of the distributive pool at least 70% of the time was studied when the other pool members were either two free 4's or one compound 4. The X's were structurally modified by additions or deletions of heterochromatin, so that the two homologues differed in both size and configuration or in size alone. In the noncompetitive situation, with two free 4's, recognition between the X's remained high despite the modifications, and primary X nondisjunction was low. In the competitive situation, with the compound 4, distributive nondisjunction of the X's increased approximately two orders of magnitude, and trivalent formation was indicated. Disjunction from the trivalent varied with X size and configuration. When both X's were acrocentric, the smaller X directed the larger X and the very small (see PDF) to the same pole; when the larger X carried a second arm, it assumed the directing role; when the size ratio of the smaller, one-armed X to the larger, two-armed X became less than ~5/9, the smaller X again directed the other two.     

Quantitative Genetics of DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER. I. Sexual Dimorphism in Genetic Parameters for Wing Traits

Sexual dimorphism in genetic parameters is examined for wing dimensions of Drosophila melanogaster. Data are fit to a quantitative genetic model where phenotypic variance is a linear function of additive genetic autosomal variance (common to both sexes), additive genetic X-linked variances distinct for each sex, variance due to common rearing environment of families, residual environmental variance, random error variance due to replication, and variance due to measurement error and developmental asymmetry (left vs. right sides). Polygenic dosage compensation and its effect on genetic variances and covariances between sexes is discussed. Variance estimates for wing length and other wing dimensions highly correlated with length support the hypothesis that the Drosophila system of dosage compensation will cause male X-linked genetic variance to be substantially larger than female X-linked variance. Results for various wing dimensions differ, suggesting that the level of dosage compensation may differ for different traits. Genetic correlations between sexes for the same trait are presented. Total additive genetic correlations are near unity for most wing traits; this indicates that selection in the same direction in both sexes would have a minor effect on changing the magnitude of difference between sexes. Additive X-linked correlations suggest some genotype x sex interactions for X-linked effects.     

Complete Chloroplast Genome of Chionographis japonica (Willd.) Maxim. (Melanthiaceae): Comparative Genomics and Evaluation of Universal Primers for Liliales

The complete chloroplast genome of Chionographis japonica (Willd.) Maxim. (Melanthiaceae, Liliales) was mapped using polymerase chain reaction and the Sanger method. The circular double-stranded DNA was a typical quadripartite structure consisting of two inverted repeated regions (27,397 bp), a small single copy region (18,205 bp), and a large single-copy region (81,646 bp), with a total length of 154,645 bp. The genome consisted of 137 coding genes, including 91 protein-coding genes, 38 distinct tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes. The ycf15 and ycf68 genes had several internal stop codons interpreted as pseudogenes. The inverted repeat (IR) region expanded to part of the rps3 gene in the junction between large single-copy and IRA regions in C. japonica. We designed 785 primers, of which 481 were used to map the entire chloroplast genome of C. japonica. Primers were compared with the complete chloroplast sequence of Smilax china (Smilacaceae) to identify primers that could be used for other Liliales members and whole chloroplast genome sequencing. Of the primers used for C. japonica, 398 could be used with other smaller species within the order.     

Differences in the Effects of Dehusking during Formation of Seeds on the Germination of Seeds of Indica and Japonica Rice (Oryza sativaL.)

Differences in germination of intact and dehusked seeds of two japonica and two indica cultivars of rice (Oryza sativaL.) were examined during the development and maturation of seeds both under high-temperature (30/23°C) and low-temperature (20/13°C) regimes and a 14-h photoperiod in growth cabinets. As described previously for seeds grown in the paddy fields, germination of freshly harvested japonica rice seeds that developed and matured in growth cabinets was inhibited by dehusking. We observed a roughly consistent triphasic pattern with respect to the germination of intact and dehusked seeds during the development and maturation of seeds of indica and japonica rice. The triphasic pattern consisted of: (a) an initial phase, during which germination was stimulated by dehusking both in indica and japonica rice; (b) a second phase during which almost no dehusked seeds of indica or japonica rice germinated; and (c) a third phase during which intrinsic differences between indica and japonica rice were observed, with dehusking stimulating germination of indica rice but inhibiting that of japonica. Temperature regimes did not affect this triphasic pattern, but the time from the day of anthesis to mass maturity was affected by temperature regimes, and the effect was more pronounced in indica than in japonica rice.     

Effects of shell morphological traits on the weight trait of the orange strain of the Manila clam

A new strain of Manila clam with orange shell color was produced after selection within a full-sib family for two generations. In the present study, the shell length, height, and width, and the live body weight of the orange strain were measured, and their correlation coefficients were calculated. The shell morphological traits were used as independent variables, and the live body weight was used as the dependent variable for calculating the path coefficients, correlation index, and determination coefficients. The results showed that the correlation coefficients between each shell morphological trait and the live body weight were all highly significant (P < 0.01). The correlation indices (R²) of morphological traits against the live body weight of clams were larger than 0.85, indicating that the morphology traits were the main factors affecting the body weight. Multiple regression equations were obtained to estimate shell length X₁ (cm), shell height X₂ (cm), and shell width X₃ (cm) against live body weight Y (g): Y = ? 2.62 + 0.34 X₁ + 0.145 X₂, (X₁ < 0.05, X₂ < 0.05). The results suggest that the shell length could be used as the main trait for selective breeding and could indirectly make a large improvement in the weight trait.     

Genomic selection using beef commercial carcass phenotypes

In this study, an industry terminal breeding goal was used in a deterministic simulation, using selection index methodology, to predict genetic gain in a beef population modelled on the UK pedigree Limousin, when using genomic selection (GS) and incorporating phenotype information from novel commercial carcass traits. The effect of genotype–environment interaction was investigated by including the model variations of the genetic correlation between purebred and commercial cross-bred performance (ρ_X). Three genomic scenarios were considered: (1) genomic breeding values (GBV)+estimated breeding values (EBV) for existing selection traits; (2) GBV for three novel commercial carcass traits+EBV in existing traits; and (3) GBV for novel and existing traits plus EBV for existing traits. Each of the three scenarios was simulated for a range of training population (TP) sizes and with three values of ρ_X. Scenarios 2 and 3 predicted substantially higher percentage increases over current selection than Scenario 1. A TP of 2000 sires, each with 20 commercial progeny with carcass phenotypes, and assuming a ρ_X of 0.7, is predicted to increase gain by 40% over current selection in Scenario 3. The percentage increase in gain over current selection increased with decreasing ρ_X; however, the effect of varying ρ_X was reduced at high TP sizes for Scenarios 2 and 3. A further non-genomic scenario (4) was considered simulating a conventional population-wide progeny test using EBV only. With 20 commercial cross-bred progenies per sire, similar gain was predicted to Scenario 3 with TP=5000 and ρ_X=1.0. The range of increases in genetic gain predicted for terminal traits when using GS are of similar magnitude to those observed after the implementation of BLUP technology in the United Kingdom. It is concluded that implementation of GS in a terminal sire breeding goal, using purebred phenotypes alone, will be sub-optimal compared with the inclusion of novel commercial carcass phenotypes in genomic evaluations.     

Correlations between Chromosome Segments and Fitness in DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER. II. the X Chromosome and Egg Viability

Unmarked segments within the X chromosomes of four different Drosophila melanogaster isogenic lines were assessed with respect to egg-to-adult viability. The results were compared with those of an earlier study involving egg production. All segments influence both traits, but to extents that are dependent upon the strains being compared. Segmental effects are also a function of the genetical background, which, in this case, constitutes material within the same chromosome. With respect to both traits, the segments are not necessarily parallel in their effects. A segment that increases fecundity, for example, may or may not augment viability. The possibility of manipulating chromosomal segments to improve "yield" in organisms is explored.     

Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia leaf: New source of polysaccharide and its anti-oxidant activity

Ultrasonic technology was applied for polysaccharide extraction from the leaves of Dodonaea viscosa and response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the effects of processing parameters on polysaccharide extraction yield. Three independent variables were extraction time (X₁), extraction temperature (X₂) and ultrasonic power (X₃), respectively. The statistical analysis indicated the independent variables (X₁, X₂, X₃), the quadratic terms (X₁₁ and X₃₃) and the interaction terms (X₁X₂, X₁X₃, X₂X₃) had significant effects on the yield of polysaccharides (P < 0.05). The optimal extraction conditions of D. viscosa leaf were determined as follows: extraction time 50.54 min, extraction temperature 85 °C and ultrasonic power 400 W. Under these conditions, the experimental yield of polysaccharides was 9.455 ± 0.24%, which was agreed closely with the predicted value (9.398%). The evaluation of anti-oxidant activity suggested that the polysaccharide exhibited significant protection against DPPH and hydroxyl radicals and could be explored as a nutraceutical agent.     

Effects of shell morphological traits on the weight traits of Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum)

The shell length, height, and width, live body weight, and edible tissue weight of Manila clam of 1, 2, and 3 years of age were measured, and their correlation coefficients were calculated. The shell morphological traits were used as independent variables, and live body weight or edible tissue weigh used as a dependent variable for calculating the path coefficients, correlation index and determination coefficients. The results showed that the correlation coefficients between each shell morphological trait and the live body weight or edible tissue weight were all highly significant (P < 0. 01). The shell height at 1-year old clams was highly correlated with the live body weight and edible tissue weight. The shell width of 2- to 3-year-old clams was strongly associated with the live body weight, while the shell length was closely linked to the edible tissue weight. The results of coefficients of determination for the morphological traits against weight traits agreed well with the results of path analysis. The correlation indices for all morphological traits against weight traits were approximately the same as determination coefficients regardless of clam age. The correlation indices (R²) of morphological traits against the live body weight of clams of all ages and edible tissue weight of 1-year-old clams were larger than 0.85, but R² of morphological traits against the edible tissue weight of 2- and 3-year-old clams was smaller than 0.85, indicating that some other factors might be associated with the edible tissue weight of 2- and 3-year-old clams. Multiple regression equations were obtained to estimate shell length X₁ (cm), shell height X₂ (cm), shell width X₃ (cm) against live body weight Y (g), edible tissue weight Z (g): for 1-year-old clams: Y = ?4.317 + 0.18X₁ + 0.147X₂, (X₁ < 0.01, X₂ < 0.01), Z = ?1.011 + 0.095X₂, (X₂ < 0.01); for 2-year-old clams: Y = ?15.119 + 0.249X₁ + 0.176X₂ + 0.688X₃, (X₁ < 0.01, X₃ < 0.01), Z = ?4.248 + 0.198X₁, (X₁ < 0.05, X₃ < 0.01); and for 3-year-old clams: Y = ?25.013 + 0.415X₁ + 1.184X₃, (X₁ < 0.01, X₃ < 0.01), Z = ?7.082 + 0.119X₁ + 0.332X₃, (X₁ < 0.05, X₃ < 0.01).     

Field performance of STG06L-35-061, a new genetic resource developed from crosses between weed-suppressive indica rice and commercial southern U.S. long-grains

Aims

Weed control in rice is challenging, particularly in light of increased resistance to herbicides in weed populations including Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. Indica rice cultivars can produce high yields and suppress barnyardgrass, but have not been commercially acceptable in the U.S. due to inferior agronomic traits and grain quality. Our objectives were to combine high yield and weed-suppressive characteristics from indica cultivars with commercially acceptable grain quality and plant types from long-grain cultivars grown in the southern U.S.

Methods

Crosses between indica and commercial tropical japonica (cv. Katy, and cv. Drew) rice were evaluated for weed suppression and agronomic traits in a breeding program.

Results

In some tests, the selection STG06L-35-061 was nearly as weed suppressive as PI 312777, the suppressive parent, and more suppressive than its tropical japonica parents. Its main crop yield is commercially acceptable, and intermediate between PI 312777 and Katy. Its milling quality and cooking quality are similar to long-grain commercial cultivars, and it has resistance to rice blast disease. Marker analyses identified introgressions from the indica parents on chromosomes 1 and 3 of STG06L-35-061 that require further analysis as possible sources of weed suppressive traits.

Conclusions

STG06L-35-061 might be suitable for organic rice or reduced input conventional systems.     

Responses of Cyperus brevifolius (Rottb.) Hassk. and Cyperus kyllingia Endl. to varying soil water availability

Different responses of Cyperus brevifolius and Cyperus kyllingia to varying soil water regimes were examined to explain their successful existence in a diverse range of habitats throughout the year in Indonesia. Thirty 43-day sprouts of each species were grown in three soil conditions, namely drought, field capacity, and flooding under greenhouse conditions. Plant height, leaf length, tiller number, and flower number were measured twice a week, from 45 to 98 days after sowing (DAS), while the other 12 traits were recorded at the end of the observation time. Ten out of the twelve traits were substantially influenced by the soil water content. Both species exhibited their best growth, production, and reproduction under field capacity conditions, and these traits were greatly subdued under drought conditions. Under drought conditions, both species manifested reduced growth and leaf expansion; however, stomatal aperture and frequency did not exhibit strong response to the soil water content. C. brevifolius showed a significantly greater biomass production and reproductive traits in field capacity and flooded conditions, but under drought conditions, growth was greatly hampered and only vegetative propagation occurred. On the other hand, C. kyllingia showed a higher tolerance to drought conditions, indicated by both a higher biomass and a higher number of flowers. The results obtained suggest that survival ability when faced with drought conditions was more apparent in C. kyllingia than in C. brevifolius, but where there was sufficient soil water, C. brevifolius was more prolific. This could be the explanation for the dominance of C. brevifolius in flooded areas and during the rainy season, and the occurrence of C. kyllingia in a wider range of habitats throughout the year.     

Kinetics of unfolding and refolding of proteins. II. Results for cytochrome c

Equilibrium and kinetic data are reported for the reversible denaturation of horse heart ferricytochrome c by guanidine hydrochloride. The results are analyzed by the procedures described in the preceding paper Ikai &; Tanford 1973. Although most of the kinetic results may be described in terms of only two exponential decay terms, mechanisms involving three species cannot account for the results in detail. Among four-species mechanisms examined, the most satisfactory proves to be the mechanism N ? X₁ ? D ? X₂, in which X₁ is an intermediate on the pathway between native (N) and denatured (D) states, whereas X₂ is a relatively highly ordered state on a dead-end pathway. We have interpreted this as representing an incorrectly folded form of the polypeptide chain. The rate constants required to account for the data are such that the first step in the conversion of the disordered polypeptide chain to the native protein would be the rapid formation of X₂. Depletion of this incorrectly folded state and ultimate conversion of all of the protein to the native state occurs more slowly, the rate-limiting step in the transition zone being the reaction D → X₁.     

Mutational and Structural Analysis of the Tandem Zinc Finger Domain of Tristetraprolin

Tristetraprolin (TTP), the best known member of a class of tandem (R/K)YKTELCX₈CX₅CX₃H zinc finger proteins, can destabilize target mRNAs by first binding to AU-rich elements (AREs) in their 3′-untranslated regions (UTRs) and subsequently promoting deadenylation and ultimate destruction of those mRNAs. This study sought to determine the roles of selected amino acids in the RNA binding domain, known as the tandem zinc finger (TZF) domain, in the ability of the full-length protein to bind to AREs within the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) mRNA 3′-UTR. Within the CX₈C region of the TZF domain, mutation of some of the residues specific to TTP, not found in other members of the TTP protein family, resulted in decreased binding to RNA as well as inhibited mRNA deadenylation and decay. Evaluation of simulation solution models revealed a distinct structure in the second zinc finger of TTP that was induced by the presence of these TTP-specific residues. In addition, mutations within the lead-in sequences preceding the first C of highly conserved residues within the CX₅C or CX₃H regions or within the linker region between the two fingers also perturbed both RNA binding and the simulation model of the TZF domain in complex with RNA. We conclude that, although the majority of conserved residues within the TZF domain of TTP are required for productive binding, not all residues at sequence-equivalent positions in the two zinc fingers of the TZF domain of TTP are functionally equivalent.     

Chloroplast translocations in Lemna trisulca L. induced by continuous irradiation and by light pulses

The analytical model describing the steady state position of chloroplasts in dependence of fluence rate as well as the chloroplast response to single strong light pulses has been proposed. The model is based on the following assumptions: 1. Irradiation of the cell generates the state X in the cell membrane region, proportional to the local fluence rate. After switching on the light, the value of X increases exponentially with the time constant of about 3 min. The dark decay of X is also exponential with the same time constant. The level of X controls all kinds of chloroplast arrangements. 2. The state X generates two further states: Y ₁ and Y ₂, the first of them representing attraction forces for chloroplasts and the second representing repulsion forces. Empirical equations have been found for both Y states. The fluence rate response curve can be described with the use of functions Y ₁ and Y ₂. 3. The kinetic analysis requires the introduction of two additional functions Z in order to account for delays and time dispersion of the chloroplast movement in response to driving and resistance factors. The computer program for the proposed model was developed and the results of calculations were compared with experimental data (fluence rate response curve and pulse effects) with satisfactory agreement. Initially no attempt was made to ascribe any physical meaning to the postulated states. Some suggestions in this respect are mentioned in the discussion.     

Cytogenetic,cross-mating and molecular evidence of four cytological races of Anopheles crawfordi (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand and Cambodia

Twenty-nine isolines of Anopheles crawfordi were established from wild-caught females collected from cow-baited traps in Thailand and Cambodia. Three types of X (X₁, X₂, X₃) and four types of Y (Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, and Y₄) chromosomes were identified, according to differing amounts of extra heterochromatin. These sex chromosomes represent four metaphase karyotypes, i.e., Forms A (X₁, X₂, X₃, Y₁), B (X₁, X₂, X₃, Y₂), C (X₂, Y₃) and D (X₂, Y₄). Forms C and D are novel metaphase karyotypes confined to Thailand, whereas forms A and B appear to be common in both Thailand and Cambodia. Cross-mating experiments between the four karyotypic forms indicated genetic compatibility in yielding viable progenies and synaptic salivary gland polytene chromosomes. The results suggest that the forms are conspecific and A. crawfordi comprises four cytological races, which is further supported by very low intraspecific variation (mean genetic distance = 0.000–0.018) of the nucleotide sequences in ribosomal DNA (ITS2) and mitochondrial DNA sequences (COI, COII).     

Genetic analysis of mitomycin C-induced interchange in Drosophila melanogaster females

A genetic analysis of an array of mitomycin-induced rearrangements in immature Drosophila oocytes is reported. Induced aberrations were recovered representing detachments of the compound-X chromosome, Y chromosome fragments, X chromosome loss and mosaicism. The spectrum of rearrangements induced by mitomycin C was very similar to that induced by X-ray treatment of immature oocytes. This work suggests that mitomycin C has two modes of action. The drug is radiomimetic for it induces the types of aberrations recovered after X-irradiation. Mitomycin C also seems to have a delayed effect which is reflected in the relatively high recovery of mosaics.     

Population Structure of the Bacterial Pathogen Xylella fastidiosa among Street Trees in Washington D.C.

Bacterial leaf scorch, associated with the bacterial pathogen Xylella fastidiosa, is a widely established and problematic disease of landscape ornamentals in Washington D.C. A multi-locus sequence typing analysis was performed using 10 housekeeping loci for X. fastidiosa strains in order to better understand the epidemiology of leaf scorch disease in this municipal environment. Samples were collected from 7 different tree species located throughout the District of Columbia, consisting of 101 samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic foliage from 84 different trees. Five strains of the bacteria were identified. Consistent with prior data, these strains were host specific, with only one strain associated with members of the red oak family, one strain associated with American elm, one strain associated with American sycamore, and two strains associated with mulberry. Strains found for asymptomatic foliage were the same as strains from the symptomatic foliage on individual trees. Cross transmission of the strains was not observed at sites with multiple species of infected trees within an approx. 25 m radius of one another. X. fastidiosa strain specificity observed for each genus of tree suggests a highly specialized host-pathogen relationship.     

Effect of temperature and pH on the yield of oxalic acid bySclerotium rolfsii

The yield of oxalic acid bySclerotium rolfsii was highest at 25 °C for the wild and X₁ strains and at 30 °C for the X₂ strain. The optimum pH for oxalic acid synthesis by wild X₁ and X₂ strains was 5.0, 6.0 and 4.5, respectively.     

Differentiation and evolutionary relationships in Erythrinus erythrinus (Characiformes, Erythrinidae): comparative chromosome mapping of repetitive sequences

Erythrinus erythrinus presents extensive karyotypic diversity, with four karyomorphs (A–D) differing in the number of chromosomes, karyotype structure or sex chromosomes systems. Karyomorph A has 2n = 54 chromosomes in males and females without heteromorphic sex chromosomes, while karyomorph C has 2n = 52 chromosomes in females and 2n = 51 chromosomes in males, due a X₁X₁X₂X₂/X₁X₂Y sex chromosome system. Three allopatric populations of the karyomorph A and one population of the karyomorph C were now in deep investigated by molecular cytogenetic analyses, using repetitive DNAs as probes. The results reinforced the relatedness among populations of the karyomorph A, despite their large geographic distribution. Karyomorph C, however, showed a remarkably difference in the genomic constitution, especially concerning the amount and distribution of the 5S rDNA and Rex3 sequences on chromosomes. In addition, although karyomorphs C and D share several features, exclusive chromosomal markers show the derivative evolutionary pathway between them. Thus, besides the classical chromosomal rearrangements, the repetitive DNAs were useful tools to reveal the biodiversity, relatedness and differentiation of this fish group. The chromosomal set strongly corroborates that E. erythrinus corresponds to a species complex instead of a single biological entity.