Defective remethylation of homocysteine is related to decreased synthesis of coenzymes B2 in thyroidectomized rats

Summary. We investigated the influence of hypothyroidism on homocysteine metabolism in rats, focusing on a hypothetical deficient synthesis of FAD by riboflavin kinases. Animals were allocated in control group (n=7), thyroidectomized rats (n=6), rats with diet deficient in vitamin B2, B9, B12, choline and methionine (n=7), thyroidectomized rats with deficient diet (n=9). Homocysteine was decreased in operated rats (2.6±1.01 vs. 4.05±1.0mol/L, P=0.02) and increased in deficient diet rats (29.56±4.52 vs. 4.05±1.0mol/L, P=0.001), when compared to control group. Erythrocyte-Glutathione-Reductase-Activation-Coefficient (index of FAD deficiency) was increased in thyroidectomized or deficient diet rats (P=0.004 for both). Methylenetetrahydrofolate-reductase and methionine-synthase activities were decreased in thyroidectomized rats but not in those subjected to deficient diet. Cystathionine--synthase was increased only in operated rats. Taken together, these results showed a defective re-methylation in surgical hypothyroidism, which was due in part to a defective synthesis of vitamin B2 coenzymes. This defective pathway was overcompensated by the increased Cystathionine--synthase activity.     

The filtration apparatus of Cladocera: Filter mesh-sizes and their implications on food selectivity

Summary The filtering apparatus of eleven Cladoceran species was studied. The distances between the setulae, which act as filters, were measured. Among adult individuals, they vary from 0.2 m in Diaphanosoma brachyurum to 4.7 m in Sida crystallina. Species can be grouped according to the mesh-sizes, as fine mesh filter-feeders: Diaphanosoma brachyurum, Ceriodaphnia quadrangula, Chydorus sphaericus, Daphnia cucullata and Daphnia magna; medium mesh filter-feeders: Daphnia galeata, D. hyalina. D. pulicaria, Bosmina coregoni, and coarse mesh filter-feeders: Holopedium gibberum and Sida crystallina. In Daphnia hyalina, the distances between setulae increase from 0.3–0.4 m in small juveniles, to 0.8–2.0 m in adults. In Daphnia magna, the mesh-size of the filter does not increase significantly with growth. There is good evidence that the relative abundance of the filter-feeding types varies with the trophic state of the lake. In oligotrophic lakes the coarse mesh filter-feeders usually dominate throughout the year. The seasonal succession of zooplankton species in eutrophic lakes can be interpreted as a succession of feeding types; during winter coarse mesh filter-feeders dominate, while fine mesh filter-feeders are most abundant during summer phytoplankton blooms. Our results support the hypothesis that the species composition of filter-feeding zooplankton is strongly influenced by the amount of suspended bacteria which are available as food only for filter-feeding species with fine meshes.     

Synthesis of Gal-β-(1→4)-GlcNAc-β-(1→6)-[Gal-β- (1→3)]-GalNAc-α-OBn oligosaccharides bearing O-methyl or O-sulfo groups at C-3 of the Gal residue: specific acceptors for Gal: 3-O-sulfotransferases

Our recent studies have revealed the existence of two distinct Gal: 3-O-sulfotransferases capable of acting on the C-3 position of galactose in a Core 2 branched structure, e.g., Gal14GlcNAc16(Gal13)GalNac1OBenzyl as acceptor to give 3-O-sulfoGal14GlcNAc13(Gal13)GalNAc1OB 20 and Gal14GlcNAc16(3-O-sulfoGal13)GalNAc1OB 23. We herein report the synthesis of these two compounds and also that of other modified analogs that are highly specific acceptors for the two sulfotransferases. Appropriately protected 1-thio-glycosides 7, 8, and 10 were employed as glycosyl donors for the synthesis of our target compounds.     

Body temperature responses of Savanna Brown goat to the harmattan and hot-dry season

Rectal and vaginal temperature responses of the Savanna Brown goat indigenous to the Nigerian guinea savanna were determined during the harmattan and the hot-dry season. Measurements were made at 06:00h and at 14:00h after 8h exposure to field conditions. At the 06:00h measurements during the harmattan, all animals were observed to shiver. A significant (P<0.01) positive correlation was found between rectal (T_re) and vaginal temperatures. During the harmattan, mean T_re was 38.2C at 06:00h and 39.7C at 14:00h; the mean difference, T_re was 1.5C. During the hot-dry season, T_re at 06:00h was 38.1C, and at 14:00h, 38.7; T_re was 0.6C. It is concluded that the harmattan is thermally more stressful than the hot-dry season and that passive thermolability may not be an important mechanism in the Savanna Brown goat in adaptation to thermal stress.     

Different ζ globin gene deletions among Black Americans

Summary Four types of chromosomes with a deletion between the human embryonic and globin genes were identified among 2.8% of 321 Black Americans from Georgia. Two deletions of approximately 11 kb which differed by about 300 bp occurred on chromosomes with or without a polymorphic Xba I site 5 to the globin gene [(X⁺) or (X^-)]. The deletions are identifiable in Xba I digests of genomic DNA using an or a globin gene probe which yield fragments of 23 kb from (X⁺)–^* chromosomes or 27 kb from (X^–)–^* chromosomes. Digestion with other enzymes and probing with both and probes gave fragments typical of the two globin gene deletions previously identified in Polynesians. Among Black Americans, these globin gene deletions have been found in combination with globin gene deletions in trans but not in cis. Homozygotes have not been found. Hematologic data on carriers of the globin gene deletions in association with Hb AS, SS, and SC suggest that these deletions have no effect on the function of the adult globin genes.     

Uptake of sewage derived nitrogen by<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Ulva rigida</Emphasis> (Chlorophyceae) in Bahía Nueva (Golfo Nuevo,Patagonia, Argentine)

Uptake kinetics of nitrogen derived from sewage–seawater mixtures (2.5–20% v/v effluent) were determined in the laboratory for Ulva rigida (Chlorophyceae) native from Bahía Nueva (Golfo Nuevo, Patagonia, Argentine). In terms of nitrogen concentration, experimental enrichment levels varied between 53.7 and 362.3M of ammonium and between 0.77 and 6.21M of nitrate+nitrite. Uptake rates were fitted to the Michaelis–Menten equation, with the following kinetic parameters: ammonium: V_max = 591.2molg^–1h^–1, K _s=262.3M, nitrate+nitrite: V _max=12.9molg^–1h^–1, K _s=3.5M). Both nutrients were taken up simultaneously, but ammonium incorporation was faster in all cases. The results show a high capability of Ulva rigida to remove sewage-derived nitrogen from culture media. In the field, most of the nitrogen provided by the effluent would be tied up in algal biomass, supporting low nitrogen levels found at a short distance away from the source.     

Sialidase of swine influenza A viruses: variation of the recognition specificities for sialyl linkages and for the molecular species of sialic acid with the year of isolation

The sialidase of swine influenza A viruses of N1 and N2 subtypes, isolated from 1930 to 1992, was studied for substrate specificity with ganglio-series, lacto-series type II and GM3 gangliosides containing Neu5Ac2-3Gal, Neu5Gc2-3Gal and Neu5Ac2-6Gal linkages. All viral sialidases tested showed that the activity for hydrolysing substrates with Neu5Ac2-3Gal was higher than the activities with Neu5Gc2-3Gal and Neu5Ac2-6Gal linkages. When GM1b, GM3 and sialylparagloboside were used as substrates, the earliest strain (A/Wisconsin/15/30 H1N1, isolated in 1930) showed the activity ratio of Neu5Ac2-6Gal to Neu5Ac2-3Gal to be 0.13:0.2, and the ratio Neu5Gc2-3Gal/Neu5Ac2-3Gal to be 0.19:0.37, while those strains isolated from 1978 to 1992 exhibited ratios of 0.29:0.58 for Neu5Ac2-6Gal/Neu5Ac2-3Gal and 0.51:0.76 for Neu5Gc2-3Gal/Neu5Ac2-3Gal. The above results indicate that the substrate specificities of sialidases from swine influenza A viruses towards sialyl linkages and the molecular species of sialic acid are related to the year of isolation, i.e. strains isolated after 1978 exhibited higher activity towards Neu5Ac2-6Gal and Neu5Gc2-3Gal linkages when compared with strains isolated in an earlier year, 1930.Abbreviation Neu5Ac 5-N-acetylneuraminic acid - Neu5Gc 5-N-glycolyneuraminic acid - Gal d-galactose - Glc d-glucose - Cer Ceramide - II³(Neu5Ac)Lac Neu5Ac2-3Gal1-4Glc - GM3(Neu5Ac2-3Gal) Neu5Ac2-3Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - GM3(Neu5Gc2-3Gal) Neu5Gc2-3Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - GM1b(Neu5Ac2-3Gal) Neu5Ac2-3Gal1-3GalNac1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - GMlb(Neu5Gc2-3Gal) Neu5Gc2-3Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - IV³(Neu5Ac)nLc4Cer Neu5Ac2-3Gal1-3GlcNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - IV³(Neu5Gc)nLc4Cer Neu5Gc2-3Gal1-3GlcNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - IV⁶(Neu5Ac)nLc4Cer Neu5Ac2-6Gal1-3GlcNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - TDC taurodeoxycholate.     

Multiple shoot regeneration from root organ cultures of Populus alba x P. grandidentata

Excised roots of various ages from Crandon and Hansen clones of Populus alba x P. grandidentata were tested for their regeneration capacity. Sixty-day-old excised roots that contained root tips were found to be most suitable. The highest number of shoots (an average of 111 shoots/root segment with Crandon and 98 with Hansen) was obtained by adding 22M and 14M zeatin to the medium, respectively. The two clones of hybrid poplar responded similarly to growth regulator treatments; however, the number of shoots produced was greater from the root organs derived from Crandon clones. Regenerated shoots were rooted in basal Woody Plant Medium without any growth regulators. Successful transplantation into soil and growth was achieved with all plants.     

Induction,polarity and spatial control of cytokinesis in some abnormal subsidiary cell mother cells ofZea mays

Summary Cytokinesis in the subsidiary cell mother cells (SMCs) ofZea mays leaves grown in the presence of 5 mM of caffeine solution is usually partially inhibited. A continuous wall strip, resembling a portion of the subsidiary cell (SC) wall, is laid down in the preprophase microtubule band (PMB) cortical zone. Sometimes, the incomplete SC (SC) wall grows centripetally in the absence of a phragmoplast and the gap becomes smaller or closes. The SC nucleus escapes through the SC wall gap into the larger SMC compartment and may fuse with the other nucleus.The aberrant SMCs (a-SMCs) pass through another division cycle, reattempting to produce a SC. A typical PMB is found in the SC space, in the site of the previous PMB. Moreover, in some preprophase SMCs, the cytoplasm adjacent to the SC wall is traversed by a small number of microtubules. The preprophase nuclei are partly or totally separated from the PMB by the perforated SC wall and may lie far from the latter.Usually, one mitotic spindle is assembled. The cycling paired polarized nuclei appear to synchronize and their chromosomes line up together on a single metaphase plate. Although the mitotic spindle axis is diversely oriented, one of its poles tends to be stabilized in the proximity of the SC wall gap. These divisions separate abnormal cells. Most or all the cell plate edges fuse with wall regions far from the PMB cortical zone. However, when some of them approach the SC wall strips, they are attracted and intersect their rims. In rare occasions the cell plate, invading the SC space is guided by the PMB cortical zone to create a SC-like curved wall portion, in absence of a daughter nucleus.Observations show that the cell plate arrangement in redividing aberrant SMCs is not subjected to a strict spatial control. The disorder of polarization sequence generated by the SC wall ring and especially the perturbation of the spatial (and functional?) relationship between PMB-PMB cortical zone and the nucleus—mitotic spindle is a causal factor of the variable cell plate arrangements.     

Genetic Linkage Maps of the Guppy (Poecilia reticulata): Assignment of RAPD Markers to Multipoint Linkage Groups

Genetic linkage maps of the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) were constructed from independent crosses between the Tuxedo strain and a feral line (Wildtype). Segregation patterns of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and phenotypic markers were investigated in F₂ offspring of Tuxedo × Wildtype and Wildtype × Tuxedo crosses. Among the 300 and 276 RAPD markers scored for the respective crosses, linkages were identified for 230 and 212, respectively. The Tuxedo × Wildtype and Wildtype × Tuxedo maps spanned 2100 Kosambi centiMorgans (cM_K) and 1900 cM_K, respectively, in 28 linkage groups. Average marker resolution was 10 cM_K. Genome length was estimated at 4410 cM_K and 4060 cM_K for the respective crosses, with an average physical distance of 166 kbp/cM_K. Several RAPD markers were closely linked to or mapped onto the loci for the sex-determining region (SdR), and the sex-linked black caudal-peduncle (Bcp) and red tail (Rdt) genes. These primary linkage maps are the initial step toward the construction of a composite high-density map to facilitate map-based cloning and marker-assisted selection of quantitative trait loci that are essential for the development of comprehensive breeding programs for the guppy.     

Plastids of the yellow y-1 strain ofEuglena gracilis

Summary A yellow strain, called y-1, was isolated during heat-induced bleaching ofEuglena gracilis strain Z.The ultrastructure, growth, and carotenoid content of this strain were studied and compared with those of the wild-typeEuglena and the heat-bleached colourless strain.The yellow, xanthophyll-containing strain y-1 resembles in many respects the etiolated wild-typeEuglena which has lost the ability to form chloroplasts in the light. It represents a transitional stage in the process of progressive degradation of plastids induced by bleaching treatments between the wild-typeEuglena and the colourless strain.Both bleached strains differ mainly in their carotenoid content formed in the light and especially in the dark, and the size and distribution of undeveloped plastids. In the yellow bodies of both strains PLB structure appears in accordance with their plastid nature.Thus, as shown in the present paper, the structural changes, appearing in the plastids of bleachedEuglena, seem to be at least morphologically very similar to the structural changes occuring in transforming plastids of higher plants.     

Beitr?ge zum Verhalten des Krabbentauchers(Plautus alle alle)

Summary The behavior of the Little Auk(Plautus alle alle) has been studied in June/ July 1968 in West-Spitzbergen.In the shelf-area we counted 32–75 Little Auks per km² flying or swimming in the sea. Flight behavior is described. On small rocky ledges before the entrances of the breeding caves, singing, display, sleeping and preening take place. Mass singing (Massengesang), display flight and parade (Imponierflug und Imponiergehen) and billing (Schnäbeln) are described. The calls of the Little Auk consist of 5 variable elements.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> screening of sugarcane to evaluate smut susceptibility

Tissue-cultured plantlets of three sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) cultivars having a known field smut reaction were screened for susceptibility to Ustilago scitaminea H&P Sydow. Plantlets were inoculated with 0.5 l of a suspension of equally mixed quantities of plus and minus mating type sporidia of U. scitaminea at concentrations ranging from 1×10¹ to 1×10⁶ cells. Fungal sori (whips) were produced in cultivar N12 (intermediate) 6weeks following inoculation with 1×10⁵ mixed sporidia and thereafter in cultivar NCo310 (susceptible) but not in cultivar N19 (resistant). Sori bearing teliospores were produced up to 3months following inoculation and incubation at 26°C. No sori were produced at mixed sporidial concentrations lower than 1×10⁵cells. The in vitro soral production in cultivars N19, N12 and NCo310 was 0, 27.5 and 47.5% respectively. Plantlets inoculated with 1×105sporidia of only one mating-type did not produce sori in any of the three cultivars tested. Blind scoring of an unknown sugarcane cultivar by this method corresponded exactly with its field smut rating.     

Protocol-dependence of equivalent circuit parameters of toad urinary bladder

Summary Determinations of current-voltage relationships are widely employed in the characterization of epithelial sodium transport. In order to determine the protocol dependence of transport parameters in the toad urinary bladder, studies were carried out in the presence and absence of amiloride, an inhibitor of active sodium transport. With symmetric positive and negative perturbations of the transepithelial electrical potential difference (0±100 mV) for 30 sec, the amiloride-sensitive current-voltage (i ^a -) relationship was near linear over the range –75+100 mV, indicating constancy of the conductance ^a and the apparent electromotive force E _Na, lumped parameters of the standard electrical equivalent circuit model of the active transport system. With a reverse protocol (±1000 mV) or 15 min perturbations thei ^a - relationships were highly nonlinear. Nonlinearity reflected voltage dependence of parameters: perturbations that increased active transport decreased E _Na and increased ^a, as evaluated from 10 sec perturbations of ; slowing of active transport produced the converse changes. These effects are usefully analyzed in both quasi-steady states and true steady states by means of a detailed equivalent circuit incorporating the significant ionic currents across each plasma membrane. Precise understanding of the significance of ^a and E _Na will require characterization of the partial ionic conductances on perturbation of .     

Extent and high frequency of a short conversion between the human Aγ and Gγ fetal globin genes

Summary Southern blotting and DNA sequencing after polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification provide evidence for the frequent occurrence (in 7 out of 24 chromosomes) of a short conversion GA in the 3 end of the human fetal A globin gene. This short conversion is characterized by the presence, 3 nucleotides downstream from the termination codon of the A gene, of the TCAC sequence that is normally present at the equivalent position at the 3 end of the G gene; it is therefore identical to a conversion already described. Interestingly, we have found that this conversion is associated with the presence of theHindIII polymorphic restriction site in the A IVS2, occuppying an equivalent position in both the G and A genes. Our observations strengthen the hypothesis that the presence of the HindIII polymorphic restriction site in A IVS2 and the presence of the sequence TCAC at the 3 end of the A gene might be the result of a single conversion event.     

Homologues of a vacuolar processing enzyme that are expressed in different organs in Arabidopsis thaliana

Vacuolar processing enzymes (VPEs) are responsible for the maturation of seed proteins. These processing enzymes belong to a novel group of cysteine proteinases with molecular masses of 37 to 39 kDa. We isolated two genes of VPEs from a genomic library of Arabidopsis. The gene products were designated -VPE and -VPE, and they were 56% identical in terms of amino acid sequence. The amino acid sequences of -VPE and -VPE were also 55% and 67% identical to that of castor bean VPE, respectively. The gene for -VPE had 7 introns, while that of -VPE had 8 introns. Northern blot analysis revealed that -VPE is expressed in rosette leaves, cauline leaves and stems of Arabidopsis, while -VPE is predominantly expressed in the flowers and buds. Neither -VPE nor -VPE is expressed in the siliques. This result strongly suggests that the isolated genes encode isozymes of VPE that are specific to vegetative organs.     

Restriction in the conformational flexibility of apoproteins in the presence of organic cosolvents: a consequence of the formation of "native-like conformation".

The influence of n-propanol on the overall -helical conformation of -globin, apocytochrome C, and the functional domain of streptococcal M49 protein (pepM49) and its consequence on the proteolysis of the respective proteins has been investigated. A significant amount of -helical conformation is induced into these proteins atpH 6.0 and 4°C in the presence of relatively low concentrations of n-propanol. The induction of -helical conformation into the proteins increased as a function of the propanol concentration, the maximum induction occurring around 30% n-propanol. In the case of -globin, the fluorescence of its tryptophyl residues also increased as a function of n-propanol concentration, the midpoint of this transition being around 20% n-propanol. Furthermore, concomitant with the induction of helical conformation into these proteins, the proteolysis of their polypeptide chain by V8 protease also gets restricted. The -helical conformation induced into - and -globin by n-propanol decreased as the temperature is raised from 4 to 24°C. In contrast, the -helical conformation of both - and -chain (i.e., globin with noncovalently bound heme) did not exhibit such a sensitivity to this change in temperature. However, distinct differences exist between the n-propanol induced -helical conformation of globins and the -helical conformation of - and -chains. A cross-correlation of the n-propanol induced increase in the fluorescence of -globin with the corresponding increase in the -helical conformation of the polypeptide chain suggested that the fluorescence increase represents a structural change of the protein that is secondary to the induction of the -helical conformation into the protein (i.e., an integration of the helical conformation induced to the segments of the polypeptide chain to influence the microenvironment of the tryptophyl residues). Presumably, the fluorescence increase is a consequence of the packing of the helical segments of globin to generate a native-like structure. The induction of -helical conformation into these proteins in the presence of n-propanol and the consequent generation of native-like conformation is not unique to n-propanol. Trifluoroethanol, another helix-inducing organic solvent, also behaves in the same fashion as n-propanol. However, in contrast to the proteins described above, n-propanol could neither induce an -helical conformation into performic acid oxidized RNAse-A nor restrict its proteolysis by proteases. Thus, the high sensitivity of apoproteins and the protein domains to assume -helical conformation in the presence of low concentration of n-propanol with a concomitant restriction of the proteolytic susceptibility of their polypeptide chain appears to be unique to those proteins that exhibit high -helical propensities. Apparently, this phenomenon of helix induction and the restriction of proteolysis reflects the formation of rudimentary tertiary interaction of the native protein and is unique to apoproteins or structural domains of -helical proteins. Consistent with this concept, the induction of -helical conformation into shorter polypeptide fragments of 30 residues, (e.g., _1-30, which exists in an -helical conformation in hemoglobin) is very low. Besides, this peptide exhibited neither the high sensitivity to the low concentrations of n-propanol seen with the apoproteins/protein domains nor the resistance toward proteolysis. The results suggest that the organic cosolvent induced decrease in the conformational flexibility of the apoprotein, and the consequent restriction of their proteolytic cleavage provides an opportunity to develop new strategies for protease catalyzed segment condensation reactions.     

Biometeorological comfort index

The paper aims to represent and scale biometeorological sensations through a thermal index which comprises the effects of temperature, humidity and wind. The cooling power of a measured combination of wind speed and air temperature is equated with that due to the combination of a reference wind speed (related to the air movement experienced by a person walking in still air), and a derived aerodynamic temperature. A biometeorological temperature which is the average of such an aerodynamic temperature and a conventionally measured wet bulb temperature is shown to afford a better measure of comfort in Spain than some other, alternative indices.     

Adoptions expérimentales de larves entre des fourmis de genres différents (II):Myrmica laevinodis Nylander etAnergates atratulus Schenck

Résumé Nous avons fait élever des larves d'Anergates atratulus par des ouvrières deMyrmica laevinodis à 22°C. Pour y parvenir, il n'est pas utile de faire hivernerensemble les larves d'Anergates et les ouvrières deMyrmica. La présence de larves autochtones n'empêche pas lesMyrmica d'élever des larves d'Anergates. Dans toutes les expériences lesMyrmica ont été soumises au fridavant de recevoir des larves d'Anergates. Aucune reine deMyrmica n'a été utilisée dans ces expériences.Sur les 64 larves d'Anergates que nous avons utilisées, 38 se sont transformées en imagos. C'est au début de l'adoption et au moment des métamorphoses que périrent la plupart des 26Anergates perdus. Les femelles vécurent en général 2 ou 3 jours et cherchèrent très tôt à quitter le nid natal. Les mâles vécurent 2 à 3 semaines.

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Summary Larvae ofAnergates atratulus were experimentally reared by workers ofMyrmica laevinodis, at 22°C. An overwintering of both larvae ofAnergates and workers ofMyrmica is not necessary for the success of that experiment. The presence of larvae ofMyrmica does not keep theMyrmica from rearing larvae ofAnergates. The workers ofMyrmica have been cooled, in all the experiments, before receiving larvae ofAnergates. No queen ofMyrmica have been used in that experiments.38 of the 64 larvae ofAnergates used became imagos. Most of the 26 lostAnergates died at the beginning of the adoption and during the metamorphosis. The females lived generally 2 or 3 days and tried, very early, to leave their native nest. The males lived 2 or 3 weeks.

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Anergates atratulus Myrmica laevinodis, 22 . bmecme Anergates Myrmica. Myrmica Anergates. Myrmica Anergates. Myrmica . 64 Anergates , 38 . 26 Anergates 2 3 . 2 3 .

     

Expression of a chimeric stilbene synthase gene in transgenic wheat lines

A chimeric stilbene synthase (sts)gene was transferred into wheat. Stilbene synthases play a role in the defence against fungal diseases in some plant species (e.g. groundnut or grapevine) by producing stilbenetype phytoalexins like resveratrol. Resveratrol is also claimed to have positive effects to human health. Embryogenic scutellar calli derived from immature embryos of the two commercial German spring wheat cultivars Combi and Hanno were used as target tissue for cotransformation by microprojectile delivery. The selectable marker/reporter gene constructs contained the bargene either driven by the ubiquitinpromoter from maize (pAHC 25, also containing the uidAgene driven by the ubiquitinpromoter), or by the actinpromoter (pDM 302) from rice. The cotransferred plasmid pStil 2 consisted of a grapevine stscoding region driven by the ubiquitin promoter. Eight transgenic Combi and one Hanno T_Oplant were obtained and, except one Combi T_Oplant, found to be cotransformants due to the integration of both the stsgene and the selectable marker or reporter genes. Expression of the stsgene was proven by RTPCR, and, for the first time, by detection of the stilbene synthase product resveratrol by HPLC and mass spectrometry. The stsgene was expressed in four of the seven transgenic Combi T_{_o}plants. Two of the respective T₁progenies segregated in a Mendelian manner were still expressing the gene. Investigations into methylation of the stsgene showed that in three nonexpressing progenies inactivation was paralleled by methylation.