Ultrastructural Evidence for Bacterial Incorporation and Myxotrophy in the Photosynthetic Cryptomonad Chroomonas Pochmanni Huber-Pestalozzi (Chyptomonadida)

Ultrastructural evidence indicates that bacteria are routinely incorporated into the Cells Chroomonas Pochmanni. This strain has a specialized vacuole for capturing bacteria and retaining them in this vacuole. Bacteria appear to be drawn into the vacuole through a small opening which becomes occluded by membranes, completely enclosing the Bacteria. On rare occasions, ohter membrane components and intact ejectisomes also become incorporated into this vacuole. Bacteria-like remnants in small vesicles, in other locations in the cell, suggest that bacteria are digested in these vesicles.     

STUDIES ON ULTRASTRUCTURE AND THREE‐GENE PHYLOGENY OF THE GENUS MALLOMONAS (SYNUROPHYCEAE)1

The genus Mallomonas, a common and often abundant member of the planktic community in many freshwater habitats worldwide, consists of 180 species divided into 19 sections and 23 series. Classification of species is based largely on ultrastructural characteristics of the siliceous scales and bristles that collectively form a highly organized covering over the cell. However, the relative importance of the different siliceous features of the scales, such as the dome, V rib, and secondary structures, as well as the different types of scales, in understanding the evolution and phylogeny of the genus is little known. In this study, we investigated the scale and bristle ultrastructure, along with sequences of three genes, for 19 isolates (18 species) of Mallomonas (18 isolates were from Korean habitats). The isolates represented nine of the 19 sections. Sequences for both the nuclear SSU and LSU rDNA and plastid LSU of RUBISCO (rbcL) genes for each of the 19 Mallomonas isolates and four outgroups were determined. Bayesian and maximum‐likelihood (ML) analyses of the data revealed that Mallomonas consists of two strongly supported clades. Mallomonas bangladeshica (E. Takah. et T. Hayak.) Siver et A. P. Wolfe was at the base of the first clade that included taxa from the sections Planae and Heterospinae, both of which lack a V rib on the shield of the scales. Our results indicated that the sections Planae and Heterospinae should be combined. The second clade, with Mallomonas insignis Penard and Mallomonas punctifera Korshikov at the base, contained taxa from the sections Mallomonas, Striatae, Akrokomae, Annulatae, Torquatae, Punctiferae, and Insignes, all of which have V ribs or well‐developed marginal ribs on the scales. Sister relationships between Mallomonas and Striatae were strongly supported, but interrelations among the remaining sections were not resolved, probably due to inclusion of too few species. Our results suggest that the current classification of the genus Mallomonas at the section level will require some revision. Additional species will need to be added in future analyses.     

Comparative analyses of classical phenotypic method and ribosomal RNA gene sequencing for identification of medically relevant Candida species

As the distribution of Candida species and their susceptibility to antifungal agents have changed, a new means of accurately and rapidly identifying these species is necessary for the successful early resolution of infection and the subsequent reduction of morbidity and mortality. The current work aimed to evaluate ribosomal RNA gene sequencing for the identification of medically relevant Candida species in comparison with a standard phenotypic method. Eighteen reference strains (RSs), 69 phenotypically identified isolates and 20 inconclusively identified isolates were examined. Internal transcribed spaces (ITSs) and D1/D2 of the 26S ribosomal RNA gene regions were used as targets for sequencing. Additionally, the sequences of the ITS regions were used to establish evolutionary relationships. The sequencing of the ITS regions was successful for 88% (94/107) of the RS and isolates, whereas 100% of the remaining 12% (13/107) of the samples were successfully analysed by sequencing the D1/D2 region. Similarly, genotypic analysis identified all of the RS and isolates, including the 20 isolates that were not phenotypically identified. Phenotypic analysis, however, misidentified 10% (7/69) of the isolates. Phylogenetic analysis allowed the confirmation of the relationships between evolutionarily close species. Currently, the use of genotypic methods is necessary for the correct identification of Candida species.     

A genetic diversity study of endangered Psiadia species endemic from Mauritius Island using PCR markers

The genus Psiadia Jacq. represents the most important indigenous genus, by the number of species present, in the Mascarene archipelago (Mauritius, Reunion, Rodrigues), and is a typical example of adaptive radiation in oceanic islands. The Mauritius species are used in traditional pharmacopoeia for their expectorant properties, and most of them are heavily threatened. Molecular genetic relationships between representatives of eight endangered endemic Psiadia species from Mauritius, conserved in Le Mondrain Reserve, and P. dentata (Cass.) DC, endemic from Reunion island, were studied. The absence of length variations of the 5s rDNA non-transcribed spacer demonstrated the recent common origin of all the species surveyed. RAPD analysis revealed a relatively high intra-specific variability in accordance with the outcrossing mode of reproduction of Psiadia species. Moreover, RAPD analysis showed the existence of four major phenetic groups: (A) P. arguta (Pers.) Voigt, P. dentata, (B) P. penninervia D. C., P. terebinthina A.J. Scott, P. lithospermifolia (Lam.) Cordem, (C) P. viscosa (Lam.) A.J. Scott, P. canescens A.J. Scott, P. cataractae A.J. Scott, and (D) P. pollicina A.J. Scott. These groups were consistent with the chemical composition of the essential oils of the species as well as with their floral characteristics, based on literature. A molecular germplasm database for Psiadia species was established, which will allow further characterisation of new samples being introduced in Le Mondrain Reserve for conservation purpose.     

DNA分析与基因组序列和植物系统学研究

从DNA杂交、RFLP分析、DNA的限制酶图谱分析等方面描述DNA分析技术在植物学研究中的应用,讨论了DNA分析技术与植物系统学的关系及分子数据的分析方法。并以高等植物为对象,从核DNA、叶绿体DNA和线粒体DNA三方面对植物分子系统学进行了论述。     

A ribosomal DNA-based framework for the detection and quantification of stress-sensitive nematode families in terrestrial habitats

Indigenous communities of soil‐resident nematodes have a high potential for soil health assessment as nematodes are diverse, abundant, trophically heterogeneous and easily extractable from soil. The conserved morphology of nematodes is the main operational reason for their under‐exploitation as soil health indicators, and a user‐friendly biosensor system should preferably be based on nonmorphological traits. More than 80% of the most environmental stress‐sensitive nematode families belong to the orders Mononchida and Dorylaimida. The phylogenetic resolution offered by full‐length small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequences within these two orders is highly different. Notwithstanding several discrepancies between morphology and SSU rDNA‐based systematics, Mononchida families (indicated here as M1–M5) are relatively well‐supported and, consequently, family‐specific DNA sequences signatures could be defined. Apart from Nygolaimidae and Longidoridae, the resolution among Dorylaimida families was poor. Therefore, a part of the more variable large subunit rDNA (≈ 1000 bp from the 5′‐end) was sequenced for 72 Dorylaimida species. Sequence analysis revealed a subclade division among Dorylaimida (here defined as D1–D9, PP1–PP3) that shows only distant similarity with ‘classical’ Dorylaimid systematics. Most subclades were trophically homogeneous, and — in most cases — specific morphological characteristics could be pinpointed that support the proposed division. To illustrate the practicability of the proposed molecular framework, we designed primers for the detection of individual subclades within the order Mononchida in a complex DNA background (viz. in terrestrial or freshwater nematode communities) and tested them in quantitative assays (real‐time polymerase chain reaction). Our results constitute proof‐of‐principle for the concept of DNA sequence signatures‐based monitoring of stress sensitive nematode families in environmental samples.     

CHANGES IN THE MORPHOLOGY AND POLYSACCHARIDE CONTENT OF MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA (CYANOBACTERIA) DURING FLAGELLATE GRAZING1

To investigate the changes in the morphology and polysaccharide content of Microcystis aeruginosa (Kütz.) Kütz. during flagellate grazing, cultures of M. aeruginosa were exposed to grazing Ochromonas sp. for a period of 9 d under controlled laboratory conditions. M. aeruginosa responded actively to flagellate grazing and formed colonies, most of which were made up of several or dozens of cells, suggesting that flagellate grazing may be one of the biotic factors responsible for colony formation in M. aeruginosa. When colonies were formed, the cell surface ultrastructure changed, and the polysaccharide layer on the surface of the cell wall became thicker. This change indicated that synthesis and secretion of extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) of M. aeruginosa cells increased under flagellate grazing pressure. The contents of soluble extracellular polysaccharide (sEPS), bound extracellular polysaccharide (bEPS), and total polysaccharide (TPS) in colonial cells of M. aeruginosa increased significantly compared with those in single cells. This finding suggested that the increased amount of EPS on the cell surface may play a role in keeping M. aeruginosa cells together to form colonies.     

应用随机PCR方法鉴定一株真养产碱杆菌

采用随机引物PCR技术从新建细胞培养室空气中获得一段长414bp的片段,通过克隆测序及序列分析,结果表明所测序列与真养产碱杆菌主要参考菌株的同源性分别高达79%-83%,由其推导的氨基酸序列与真养产碱杆菌主要参考菌株的同源性高达86.4%-89.1%,从而确定所分离菌株为真养产碱杆菌。     

Parental analysis using RAPD markers in the antColobopsis nipponicus: A test of RAPD markers for estimating reproductive structure within social insect colonies

Summary Previously known parent-offspring relationship for queens and her daughters of the antColobopsis nipponicus was examined using RAPD markers in order to test the reliability of this molecular technique for estimating the reproductive structure within colonies of social insects. RAPD markers from 20 oligomers successfully clustered the queen with her daughters among an artificially generated polygynous society, even when paternal information was unavailable. When information from both the queen and her sperm was included in the analysis, 20 polymorphic bands seem to be sufficient to cluster correctly the true parents to their offspring. Lack of father's information considerably decreased accuracy of the analysis. Thus, if RAPD markers are to be used to demonstrate parent-offspring relationship between individuals in the field, sperm from the queen's spermatheca should be incorporated in analysis.     

Phenotypic, genotypic and technological characterization of predominant lactic acid bacteria in Pecorino cheese from central Italy

AIMS: Identification and biotyping of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from raw-milk Pecorino cheese manufactured in the Marche region (central Italy) for selection of suitable starter cultures or adjuncts. METHODS AND RESULTS: Preliminary characterization with morphological and biochemical assays were undertaken for 112 Gram-positive and catalase-negative isolates. Unequivocal identification of the isolates was obtained through restriction analysis of the amplified 16S rRNA gene and sequencing of 360-380 bp amplicons. Fifty-nine isolates belonging to LAB species generally recognized as safe and potentially utilized as starters or flavour-producing adjuncts were preselected and tested for their acidifying, proteolitic and autolytic activities. Fifty-five of these isolates were also subject to RAPD (randomly amplified polymorphic DNA) fingerprinting and unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) cluster analysis for the estimation of genotypic intra-species variation. As a result, in Pecorino cheese, a heterogeneous lactic acid bacteria population, which includes strains with metabolic characteristics of technological interest, was characterized. CONCLUSIONS: The polyphasic approach proposed allows the bacterial ecology of Pecorino cheese to be investigated and allows to assess the potential role of autochthonous LAB strains for the dairy industry. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The great economic importance of Pecorino cheese encouraged a deeper knowledge of its microbiota, which is known to influence the peculiar sensory properties of this cheese, also in view of its exploitation.     

两个地区东方田鼠基因组RAPD分析比较研究

目的　从DNA的水平分析比较两个地区东方田鼠的分子遗传特征,探讨以RAPD标记鉴别两个地区的东方田鼠。方法　筛选6条10bp的随机引物对洞庭湖和青铜峡地区的东方田鼠基因组进行了随机扩增多态DNA(RAPD)分析,并对这两个地区的东方田鼠的基因组DNA进行了比较。结果　①两个地区东方田鼠的所有受试个体中共有的片段数为20条,这是两个地区东方田鼠的共性所在;②两个地区东方田鼠各有其特异性扩增片段;③引物S17和S80可作为鉴别两个地区东方田鼠的特异性引物;④不同地区的东方田鼠其不同个体之间的共享度较低,且存在较大差异;两个地区东方田鼠的遗传背景均呈非均一性。结论　运用RAPD方法可以作为鉴别不同地区东方田鼠的基因多态性的标记。     

磷酸化酶mRNA在水稻雌蕊中表达的时空动态

利用RNA原位杂交技术, 对水稻受精前后雌蕊组织切片进行磷酸化酶基因表达的定位。结果显示, 磷酸化酶mRNA在柱头、花柱、子房壁以及维管束中大量表达, 而胚珠中除合点部位外表达很弱。受精前后的胚囊中各细胞磷酸化酶mRNA表达也很弱, 并且没有明显的时空变化。在积累淀粉的胚乳细胞中磷酸化酶mRNA大量分布。原胚中的磷酸化酶mRNA表达较弱, 到分化胚积累过渡性淀粉时才显著增加。本文首次对磷酸化酶mRNA在植物雌性器官发育过程中的时空分布动态作了初步研究。Abstract:Phosphorylase gene expression was localized in tissue sections of rice pistils before and after fertilization byin situRNA hybridization. Phosphorylase mRNA was substantially expressed in the stigma, style, ovary wall and vascular bundle, but weakly in ovular tissues except chalazal portion. It was weakly expressed and did not show temporal and spatial changes in embryo sacs before and after fertilization. A great quantity of phosphorylase mRNA was distributed in endosperm cells accumulating starch grains. Phosphorylase mRNA was less in proembryos, but significantly increased in differentiation embryos accumulating transition starch. This report is, for the first time, a tentative investigation on the temporal and spatial expression patterns of phosphorylase mRNA in plant female organ development.     

鲈鱼寄生逆转指环虫的分类地位

采用单个虫体PCR扩增、序列测定与分析的方法,对寄生于鲈鱼及鲤科鱼类的4种指环虫的核糖体28SrRNA基因5'端部分序列和内转录间隔区1(ITS1)进行了研究,并采用PAUP软件中的最大简约法(most parsimo-ny,MP)和邻接法(neighborjoining,NJ)构建了28S rDNA分子系统树.结果显示,逆转指环虫明显地嵌合于其它3种指环虫之间,不宜将其从指环虫属中移出另立似小突虫属,从而进一步明确了逆转指环虫的分类地位.     

Phylogenetic relationships among annual and perennial species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cicer</Emphasis> as inferred from ITS sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA

The cladistic analysis of the DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacers of ribosomal cistrons (ITS1 and ITS2) for 20 species of Cicer L. (among which all the annuals), shows that various sections of the genus are not monophyletic. Annual species do not form a clade: C. arietinum, in fact, is closely related to both C. echinospermum and C. reticulatum, whereas C. bijugum, C. judaicum, and C. pinnatifidum form a separate clade. The annual C. cuneatum is sister group to the perennial C. canariense and both are archaic species within the genus. C. yamashitae is, on the contrary, the only annual species belonging to a group of perennials, within which close relationships are evident between C. graecum and C. montbretii as well as among a group of mainly Asian species.     

柑桔原生质体融合再生叶肉亲本型植株的遗传分析

叶肉亲本（粗柠檬）型植株叶形指数、气孔特征与亲本粗柠檬无异,与同组合体细胞杂种差异显著。染色体计数为二倍体（２ｎ＝２ｘ＝１８）。过氧化物酶（ＰＯＸ）、多酚氧化酶（ＰＰＯ）、谷草转氨酶（ＧＯＴ）同工酶图谱与粗柠檬一致。ＲＡＰＤ分析表明,在具多态性的５４个随机引物中,大多数引物（５２个）上的图谱与粗柠檬相同。但ＯＰＷ－１２上,叶肉亲本型植株含有哈姆林甜检的特征谱带。ＯＰＶ－０４扩增产物显示,叶肉亲本型