How many times has polyploidization occurred during acipenserid evolution? New data on the karyotypes of sturgeons (Acipenseridae,Actinopterygii) from the Russian Far East

The karyology of species of sturgeon from the Russian Far East demonstrates that the karyotype of the Sakhalin sturgeon (Acipenser mikadoi) includes 262 ± 4 chromosomes with 80 biarmed chromosomes and the number of chromosome arms (NF) 342 ± 4, the karyotype of the Amur sturgeon (A. schrenckii) includes 266 ± 4 chromosomes with 92 biarmed chromosomes and NF 358 ± 4, and the karyotype of the kaluga (A. dauricus) consists of 268 ± 4 chromosomes with 100 biarmed chromosomes and NF 368 ± 4. These results prove that all western Pacific sturgeon species are from a tetraploid origin, based on a recent ploidy scale. This suggests that at least three polyploidization events have occurred during the evolution of Acipenseridae. However, if polyploid species originated by hybridization between diploid species, there may have been more polyploidization events in this group of fishes.     

Cell surface hydrophobicity of colistin-susceptible vs resistant Acinetobacter baumannii determined by contact angles: methodological considerations and implications

Contact angle analysis of cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) describes the tendency of a water droplet to spread across a lawn of filtered bacterial cells. Colistin‐induced disruption of the Gram‐negative outer membrane necessitates hydrophobic contacts with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We aimed to characterize the CSH of Acinetobacter baumannii using contact angles, to provide insight into the mechanism of colistin resistance. Contact angles were analysed for five paired colistin‐susceptible and resistant Ac. baumannii strains. Drainage of the water droplet through bacterial layers was demonstrated to influence results. Consequently, measurements were performed 0·66 s after droplet deposition. Colistin‐resistant cells exhibited lower contact angles (38·8±2·8–46·8±1·3°) compared with their paired colistin‐susceptible strains (40·7±3·0–48·0±1·4°; anova ; P < 0·05). Contact angles increased at stationary phase (50·3±2·9–61·5±2·5° and 47·4±2·0–50·8±3·2°, susceptible and resistant, respectively, anova ; P < 0·05) and in response to colistin 32 mg l^?1 exposure (44·5±1·5–50·6±2·8° and 43·5±2·2–48·0±2·2°, susceptible and resistant, respectively; anova ; P < 0·05). Analysis of complemented strains constructed with an intact lpxA gene, or empty vector, highlighted the contribution of LPS to CSH. Compositional outer‐membrane variations likely account for CSH differences between Ac. baumannii phenotypes, which influence the hydrophobic colistin–bacterium interaction. Important insight into the mechanism of colistin resistance has been provided. Greater consideration of contact angle methodology is necessary to ensure accurate analyses are performed.     

Aluminum effects on embryo suspensor polytene chromosomes of Phaseolus coccineus L

Aluminum (Al) represents a widespread environmental pollutant, with severe toxic impacts on plants. In this study, we documented for the first time the structural and functional responses induced by two concentrations of AlCl₃ (10^?2 M and 10^?1 M) in the polytene chromosomes that characterize the chromatin organization in the embryo suspensor cells of Phaseolus coccineus. Polytene chromosomes showed signs of dose-dependent genotoxicity following AlCl₃ treatments with a significant increase in both chromatin stickiness and chromatin fragmentation. Polytene chromosomes specifically reacted to AlCl₃ also in terms of DNA and RNA puffing activity: with respect to the control, the treatments promoted ex-novo and/or inhibited puff formation along chromosome arms, suggesting a fine modulation of the differential genome activity in response to the treatments. The nuclei of suspensors from control and treated seeds showed nucleoli mainly arranged by more than one NOR-bearing chromosome. In addition, AlCl₃ treatments affected the frequency of nucleoli organized by singular organizer chromosomes, with an increase in the frequencies of nucleoli organized by chromosome II and a reduction in the frequencies of those organized by chromosomes I or V. These results confirm that, also in our system, nucleolus may react as stress response organelle.     

Silver staining of Drosophila polytene chromosomes and the effect of hyaluronidase and lysozyme pretreatment

The Ag-AS technique was used for staining the polytene chromosomes of D. melanogaster and D. lummei. Bands were stained dark reddish-brown, interbands light yellow. A toromere was heavily stained on the sixth chromosome of D. lummei. The staining intensity of nucleoli was lower than that of chromosomes. During a prolonged staining ectopic threads and the nonhomogeneous structure of nucleoli were revealed. Pretreatment with RNase caused slight changes in the silver staining pattern of chromosomes; pretreatment with DNase did not result in any visible changes, while after preincubation with proteolytic enzymes chromosome morphology was destroyed. Hyaluronidase and lysozyme removed the silver-reducing components from chromosomes without destroying the general chromosome structure. Each of these two enzymes acts specifically: hyaluronidase affects the morphology of chromosomes, but not nucleoli and bands at heat shock puffs, whereas the action of lysozyme is probably evenly distributed between chromosomes and nucleoli.     

Effect of gamma irradiation on nucleolar activity in root tip cells of tetraploid Triticum turgidum ssp. durum L

Ionizing irradiation induces positive or negative changes in plant growth (M1) depending on the amount of irradiation applied to seeds or plant parts. The effect of 50–350 Gy gamma irradiation of kernels on nucleolar activity, as an indicator of metabolic activity, in root tip cells of tetraploid wheat Triticum turgidum ssp. durum L. cv. Orania (AABB) was investigated. The number of nucleoli present in nuclei and micronuclei as well as the mitotic index in the different irradiation dosages was used as an indicator of the cells entering mitosis, the chromosomes with nucleolar organizer regions that are active as well as chromosome doubling in the event of unsuccessful mitotic division. Nucleolar activity was investigated from 17.5 to 47.5 h after the onset of imbibition to study the first mitotic division and its consequences on the cells that were in G₂ and G₁ phases at the time of gamma irradiation. Untreated material produced a maximum of four nucleoli formed by the nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) on chromosomes 1B and 6B. In irradiated material, additional nucleoli were noted that are due to the activation of the NORs on chromosome 1A in micronuclei. The onset of mitosis was highly significantly retarded in comparison to the control due to checkpoints in the G₂ phase for the repairing of damaged DNA. This study is the first to report on the appearance of nucleoli in micronuclei as well as activation of NORs in the micronuclei that are inactive in the nucleus and the effect of chromosome doubling on nucleolar activity in the event of unsuccessful mitotic division.

     

Nucleolar behaviour in Triticum

The maximum number of major nucleoli (macronucleoli) per nucleus of hexaploid, tetraploid and diploid wheat, Aegilops speltoides and Ae. squarrosa corresponded to the number of satellited chromosomes of each species. Smaller nucleoli (micronucleoli) were rare or absent in all of these species except the hexaploid, in which they were predominantly organized on chromosome arm 5D^s. — Fewer than the maximum number of macronucleoli in a mitotic interphase nucleus resulted from fusion of developing nucleoli. Enforced proximity of nucleolus-organizing regions resulted in more frequent fusion of nucleoli. — Analyses of related interphase nuclei showed that nucleoli, and hence probably chromosomes, undergo limited movement during mitotic interphase. These observations also indicate that specific chromosomes do not occupy specific sites in the interphase nucleus.     

Accessory nucleoli in microsporocytes of hybrid Phlox

Studies were conducted on the number of nucleoli present during diplotene and diakinesis in plants adjacent to, at the edge, and at the center of a zone of secondary intergradation between Phlox pilosa subsp. pilosa and P. pilosa subsp. fulgida. Assessory nucleoli were present in some cells of about 75% of the plants examined. Nucleolar numbers varied from 1 to 5. Where 2 or more nucleoli were present they were usually attached to different chromosomes. As the number of nucleoli increased, the volume of single nucleoli decreased so that volume of all nucleoli was roughly that of a normal single nucleolus. — Only 1% of the microsporocytes from populations adjacent to the zone had accessory nucleoli as compared to 4.6% of the cells in populations at the edge of the zone, and 7.7% in populations in the center. The correlation between population hybridity and incidence of accessory nucleoli is r = 0.80.     

Mapping genes controlling hematocrit in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

The genes that determine the baseline hematocrit level in humans and experimental animals are unknown. The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), the most widely used animal model of human essential hypertension, exhibits an increased hematocrit when compared with the normotensive Brown Norway (BN-Lx) strain (0.54 ± 0.02 vs. 0.44 ± 0.02, p < 0.01). Distribution of hematocrit values among recombinant inbred (RI) strains derived from SHR and BN-Lx progenitors was continuous, which suggests a polygenic mode of inheritance. The narrow heritability of the hematocrit was estimated to be 0.32. The Eno2 marker on Chromosome (Chr) 4 showed the strongest association (p < 0.0001) with the observed variability of hematocrit among RI strains. The erythropoietin (Epo) gene, originally reported to be syntenic with Eno2, has been mapped to Chr 12, thus excluding it as a potential candidate gene for the increased hematocrit in the SHR. The current linkage data extend homologies between rat, mouse, and human chromosomes. Received: 11 December 1996 / Accepted: 17 February 1997     

Satellite association of the nucleolar chromosomes in a plant

Summary A method for preparing chromosomes that included enzyme maceration and subsequent flame-drying allowed us to easily detect satellite association in the mitotic cells ofNothoscordum fragrans (2 n=19), which has six acrocentric nucleolar chromosomes in its chromosome complement. Of 593 metaphase plates examined, approximately 60% had satellite association. The number of chromosomes involved in the association varied from two to six, and the incidence decreased as the number of chromosomes involved in the association increased. Comparison of the same chromosomes stained with Giemsa and subsequently with silver demonstrated that the nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) that responded almost negatively to Giemsa and positively to silver was responsible for satellite association. The nucleoli may strongly correlate with satellite association since persistent nucleoli associated with a few metaphase chromosomes were sometimes found and the nucleoli had a strong tendency to fuse with each other at interphase. Four types of acrocentric chromosomes could be discriminated on the basis of the bands negatively staining with Hoechst. All four types were involved in satellite association and there were significant deviations from the expectation for random participation in the association.     

Genome Analysis of Several Marine, Magnetotactic Bacterial Strains by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis

The genomic DNA of three strains of marine magnetotactic bacteria, including two facultatively anaerobic vibrios, strains MV-1 and MV-2, and the microaerophilic coccus, strain MC-1, was analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Digestion of the genomic DNA of strain MV-1 by the restriction endonucleases AvrII, BamHI, HindIII, NheI, SalI, SfiI, SgfI, SgrAI, and XbaI resulted in a large number of fragments below 400 kb that were difficult to resolve by PFGE. Digestion of MV-1 DNA with NotI and RsrII resulted in no fragments. Treatment of genomic DNA of strains MV-1 and MV-2 with PacI, PmeI, and SpeI yielded a manageable number of fragments (ca. 20) that were relatively easily resolved with PFGE, while PacI and SpeI were effective for strain MC-1. There was no evidence for the presence of plasmids and linear chromosomes in any of the strains, and strains MV-1 and MV-2 appear to contain a single, circular chromosome. Genome sizes of strains MV-1, MV-2, and MC-1 were estimated to be between 3.6 and 3.9 Mb (mean ± SD; 3.7 ± 0.2), 3.3 and 3.7 Mb (3.6 ± 0.2), and 4.3 and 4.7 Mb (4.5 ± 0.3), respectively. The restriction fragment patterns of the vibrioid strains MV-1 and MV-2 were extremely similar, suggesting that the strains are closely related. Received: 30 March 1999 / Accepted: 17 May 1999     

The nucleolar cycle in karyomeres ofTetranychus urticae Koch (Acari,Tetranichidae) in relation to replication of fragments of holokinetic chromosomes

Summary Chromosomes and nucleoli in the karyomeres of cleavage eggs of the arrhenotokous spidermiteTetranychus urticae Koch were treated with a silver-staining procedure for nucleolar material to establish the number of nucleoli and of the chromosomes that produce them. Each of the three holokinetic chromosomes of the haploid chromosome complement produces nucleolar material. This is confirmed by observations on the ultrastructure of karyomeres in serial sections of interphase cleavage divisions. These findings are thought to be in agreement with facts from previous radiation research and may help to explain the fate of induced fragments in holokinetic chromosomes.     

Struktur und Funktion der Oocytenchromosomen und Nukleolen sowie der Extra-DNS während der Oogenese panoistischer und meroistischer Insekten

In panoistic ovaries (without nurse cells) there are three predominating structures: lampbrush chromosomes, multiple nucleoli, and the hitherto undescribed endobody (Binnenkörper). Nucleoli are always multiple during the growth period of the oocyte of panoistic ovaries. This is true even in the case of Blattella which seems to possess only one big nucleolus, if examined in the light microscope (cf. Figs. 2 and 14b).—In the meroistic type of ovary (with nurse cells) the development of nucleoli and lampbrush chromosomes in the oocyte is very reduced. Only in the early growth stages of the oocyte the chromosomes despiralisize in a speciesspecific degree before they condense to a karyosphere (Pigs. 8, 9). On the other hand the endobody is bigger in the meroistic than in the panoistic ovary (Figs. 5, 8,14). — Lampbrush chromosomes and multiple nucleoli are sites of a very intensive RNA-synthesis (Fig. 1). The nucleoli are built up by granules measuring 125 Å in diameter (Figs. 15, 16). In the endobody, no RNA-metabolism could be demonstrated (Figs, 1a, b, 8c). The endobody is very homogeneous in electron microscope pictures and clearly distinct from the granular nucleoli (Fig. 17). The labelling pattern after incubation with ³H-amino acids suggests a permanent exchange of protein molecules between the karyoplasm and the endobody. — In the meroistic type of ovary the oocyte obtains RNA from the nurse cells, and RNA-synthesis in the oocyte nucleus is decreased in the same measure as its chromosomes are condensed. — The water-beetles Dytiscus and Acilius possess extra-DNA and deviate from the rule of restricted RNA-synthesis in the oocyte nucleus of the meroistic ovary albeit their chromosomes form a karyosphere too (Fig. 11) and RNA streams also from the nurse chamber into the ooplasm (Fig. 10). The extra-DNA resolves itselve into a network of fine fibrils no longer stainable by the Feulgen reaction. True multiple nucleoli develop on the fibrils suggesting the extra-DNA contains a huge mass of nucleolus organizers. The case of Dytiscus is very similar to the development of the multiple nucleoli in Gryllus.     

MITOSIS AND CYTOKINESIS IN THE CHLOROMONADOPHYCEAN ALGA GONYOSTOMUM SEMEN1

Mitosis and cytokinesis in Gonyostomum semen (Ehrenberg) Diesing have been investigated with the light microscope. During prophase nucleoli disappear and the chromatid structure of the chromosomes becomes apparent. Separation of chromatids at anaphase is accompanied by progressive fusion of the progeny chromosomes. This process continues into telophase by which stage the progeny nuclei consist of dense masses of chromatin with occasional chromosomes extending from their equatorial surfaces. By the end of telophase, nucleoli are reforming and the interphase nuclear morphology is reestablished. Mitosis is followed by cytokinesis, which is a relatively lengthy phase. In early cytokinesis the 2 interphase nuclei are present, and there is no indication of the forthcoming division of the cytoplasm. Later in cytokinesis a membrane is formed between the 2 nuclei. Final separation of the progeny individuals is accomplished by vigorous movements of swimming cells or, in the case of palmelloid cells, by the deposition of a mucilaginous layer.     

Rearrangements of ribosomal DNA clusters in late generation telomerase-deficient<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Arabidopsis</Emphasis>

The ends of eukaryotic chromosomes are capped with special nucleoprotein structures called telomeres. Telomere shortening due to telomerase inactivation may result in fusion of homologous or heterologous chromosomes, leading to their successive breakage during anaphase movement, followed by fusion of broken ends in the next cell cycle, i.e. the breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) cycle. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with 25S rDNA and specific bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) probes we demonstrate participation of chromosomes 2 and 4 of Arabidopsis thaliana AtTERT null plants in the formation of anaphase bridges. Both homologous and non-homologous chromosomes formed transient anaphase bridges whose breakage and unequal separation led to genome rearrangement, including non-reciprocal translocations and aneuploidy. The 45S rDNA regions located at the ends of chromosomes 2 and 4 were observed in chromosome bridges at a frequency approximately ten times higher than expected in the case of random fusion events. This outcome could result from a functional association of rDNA repeats at nucleoli. We also describe increased variation in the number of nucleoli in some interphase cells with supernumerary rDNA FISH signals. These data indicate that dysfunctional telomeres in Arabidopsis lead to massive genome instability, which is induced by multiple rounds of the BFB mechanism.     

Ontogenesis of the ovary in a moth midge,Tinearia alternata Say (Diptera: Psychodidae)

In a psychodid, Tinearia alternata, the initial differentiation of the polytrophic ovary occurs during the early larval stages. Early in development, each ovary anlage is a solid organ subdivided into three distinct zones: the cortex houses germ cells and somatic interstitial tissue, while two other somatic regions will give rise to the oviduct calyx and anterior part of the lateral oviduct. Germ cell cluster formation precedes the development of ovarioles. Each ovariole houses only one functional egg chamber. All ovarioles within paired ovaries are developmentally synchronized. In the larval ovaries, the newly formed egg chambers and then the ovarioles are intermingeled with and surrounded by the somatic interstitial tissue of the ovary cortex. The interstitial cells give rise to all the somatic elements of the ovarioles. In the pupal ovaries, the remaining interstitial tissue degenerates; thus, the ovarioles protrude into the body cavity. The ovaries in psychodids develop relatively large and swollen oviduct calyxes that are equivalent to receptaculum seminis (spermatheca). The morphological differentiation of germ cells within the egg chambers starts during late larval/early pupal stages. Nurse cell nuclei contain prominent nucleoli and polytene chromosomes. Oocyte growth results from accumulation of yolk and then, in the final stages of oogenesis, from an inflow of cytoplasm from the nurse cells. J. Morphol. 236:167–177, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Leopard density in post-conflict landscape,Cambodia: Evidence from spatially explicit capture–recapture

Effective conservation of large carnivores requires reliable estimates of population density, often obtained through capture–recapture analysis, in order to prioritize investments and assess conservation intervention effectiveness. Recent statistical advances and development of user-friendly software for spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) circumvent the difficulties in estimating effective survey area, and hence density, from capture–recapture data. We conducted a camera-trapping study on leopards (Panthera pardus) in Mondulkiri Protected Forest, Cambodia. We compared density estimates using SECR with those obtained from conventional approaches in which the effective survey area is estimated using a boundary strip width based on observed animal movements. Density estimates from Chao heterogeneity models (3.8 ± SE 1.9 individuals/100 km²) and Pledger heterogeneity models and models accounting for gender-specific capture and recapture rates (model-averaged density 3.9 ± SE 2.9 individuals/100 km²) were similar to those from SECR in program DENSITY (3.6 ± SE 1.0/100 km²) but higher than estimates from Jack-knife heterogeneity models (2.9 ± SE 0.9 individuals/100 km²). Capture probabilities differed between male and female leopards probably resulting from differences in the use of human-made trails between sexes. Given that there are a number of biologically plausible reasons to expect gender-specific variation in capture probabilities of large carnivores, we recommend exploratory analysis of data using models in which gender can be included as a covariate affecting capture probabilities particularly given the demographic importance of breeding females for population recovery of threatened carnivores. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

A dinoflagellate with both a mesocaryotic and a eucaryotic nucleus I. Fine structure of the nuclei

Summary Glenodinium foliaceum Stein (Pyrrophyta) has a single mesocaryotic nucleus which contains numerous typically dinoflagellate chromosomes and one or more nucleoli with a structure similar to that of nucleoli in higher organisms. In addition this organism possesses another nucleus-like organelle which is here termed the eucaryotic nucleus. This is a polymorphic body which varies in shape from ovoid to a branched filamentous form. As with the mesocaryotic nucleus it is surrounded by a perforated envelope. The organelle contains granular material and usually several nucleoli which again appear to have the typical form of nucleoli. No other dinoflagellate is known in which two nuclei of differing types are found. The function and significance of the presence of the two nuclei is discussed.     

Sur la structure des chromosomes salivaires de Bilobella massoudi Cassagnau (Collembola: Neanuridae)

This work is a study of the giant salivary chromosomes of a Collembolan species of the family Neanuridae, Bilobella massoudi, recently discovered in North Jugoslavia. The salivary glands of this species have a great number of nuclei (from 100 to 140) containing polytene chromosomes which are very short and easy to spread. Their number is diploid (2n=14), with sometimes partial pairing of the homologues and they are characterized by the presence of broad heterochromatic zones. Chromosomes VI and VII produce ringlike nucleoli. Differences of structure are observed in these chromosomes according to ecological conditions which influence the animal's life.

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Zusammenfassung Wir studieren in dieser Arbeit die Riesenchromosomen eines im Norden Yugoslaviens kürzlich entdeckten Collembolen der Neanuridae-Familie, Bilobella massoudi. Die Speicheldrüsen dieser Art besitzen zahlreiche Kerne (100–140), deren polytäne Chromosomen besonders kurz und leicht ausbreitbar sind. Ihre Zahl ist diploid (2n=14), und sie sind charakterisiert durch die Anwesenheit breiter, Scheiben- oder schärpenförmiger Zonen von negativem Heterochromatin. Zwei dieser Chromosomen (VI und VII) haben ringförmige Nukleolen.Strukturveränderungen wurden bei diesen Chromosomen bemerkt, je nach den ökologischen Bedingungen, denen diese Tiere unterworfen sind.

     

Determination of substrate preferences of tench, Tinca tinca (L.), under controlled experimental conditions

The substrate preference of tench Tinca tinca (L.), 33 2‐year‐old individuals, mean size 10 ± 0.36 cm total length, was determined using four different substrates (concrete, artificial vegetation, sand and mud) in a 26 m long maquette. The species showed a high preference (100%) for the mud. Six more trials were performed combining the substrates by pairs (concrete–vegetation, concrete–mud, concrete–sand, mud–vegetation, mud–sand, sand–vegetation). Selection order was: mud (100% of the individuals when compared with concrete and sand and 98.26 ± 2.68% when compared with artificial vegetation), artificial vegetation (100% of the individuals when compared with concrete and 99.81 ± 0.76% when compared with sand), sand (98.29 ± 3.66% when compared with concrete) and concrete.     

Cytogenetics of Crotalaria V. Supernumerary nucleoli in C. agatiflora (Leguminosae)

Of 35 species of Crotalaria (Leguminosae) studied, all but one had usually one nucleolus in the premetaphase I cells. In C. agatiflora 300 PMCs from four out of five plants were investigated and the percentage cells with more than one nucleolus was determined as well as the nature of nucleolar attachment to bivalents and the range and the sizes of various nucleoli present in the cell. The aberrant cells ranged from 42 to 50%. The nucleoli (1–6) were usually attached to different bivalents. Where one nucleolus was present in the cell, it was always attached to an X-shaped bivalent, formed of a pair of nucleolar chromosomes. In the aberrant cells one nucleolus usually was attached to such a bivalent. The presence of accessory nucleoli has been attributed to hybridity as a result of large-scale intercrossing among five subspecies and consequent dispersal of intermediates in the adjoining areas where C. agatiflora grows wild (East Africa and Ethiopia). The change in the regulatory system of the cell caused by hybridity results in activation of latent nucleolar organizers, although their overall presence in the genome is not due to hybridity.