Legumin- and vicilin-like proteins from spores of the fern Matteuccia struthiopteris

Legumin- and vicilin-like proteins have been isolated from spores of the fern Matteuccia struthiopteris. Their relationship with seed legumin and vicilin was demonstrated by cross-reactivities of antibodies directed against respective storage globulins from Vicia faba as evidenced by Western blotting. The Matteuccia legumin-like protein was characterised as a 300-340 kDa holoprotein preferentially consisting of a 32 kDa alpha-chain and a 24 kDa beta-chain. Patterns of limited proteolysis of the spore legumin-like protein and seed legumins were similar as well. In contrast to seed legumins, the Matteuccia legumin-like protein is devoid of disulfide bridges between alpha- and beta-chains. A 52 kDa polypeptide of the Matteuccia vicilin-like protein, first detected by SDS gel electrophoresis, is probably encoded by a vicilin-like gene specifically expressed in Matteuccia struthiopteris spores (Shutov et al. 1998). The vicilin-like holoprotein was found to form a complex of 600 kDa apparent molecular mass, presumably composed of four vicilin-like trimers.     

L-O-Caffeoylhomoserine from Matteuccia struthiopteris

A caffeic acid derivative was isolated from Matteuccia struthiopteris (ostrich fern) as a major radical scavenger. The compound consisted of caffeic acid and L-homoserine. NMR and MS analysis revealed the structure as L-O-caffeoylhomoserine.     

山东植物2个新记录属

报道了山东植物2个新记录属:荚果蕨属(Matteuccia Todaro)及其新记录种荚果蕨(Matteuccia struthiopteris(Linnaeus)Todaro),觿茅属(Dimeria Robert Brown)及其新记录种觿茅(Dimeria ornithopoda Trinius)。凭证标本均存放于山东中医药大学药学院标本室(SDCM)。     

Auxin-stimulated ethylene production in fern gametophytes and sporophytes

The auxins indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) stimulated ethylene production from gametophytes of the fern Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn. var. latiusculum (Desv) underw. ex Heller and sporophytes of the ferns Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.)Todaro and Polystichum munitum (Kaulf.) Presl. Treatment with Co²⁺ or l -α -(2-aminoethoxyvinyl)-glycine (AVG) eleminated or significantly reduced the stimulatory effects of IAA. Treatment with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) resulted in significantly greater rates of ethylene production from all tissues tested. Based on their response to auxin, ACC, AVG and Co²⁺, the ethylene biosynthetic pathway in these three lower vascular plants appears similar to that existing in angiosperms.     

Pre– and subalpine tall herb and fern vegetation in Røldal, W Norway

Six tall herb and fern vegetation types in Røldal have been investigated. They are referred to the alliances Lactucion alpinae and Alno–Ulmion. Lactucion alpinae is divided into two suballiances, one oligotrophic to mesotrophic (Dryoptero–Calamagrostenion purpureae) to which are referred Athyrium distentifolium– Salix scrub, and Athyrium distentifolium meadow, and one eutrophic (Lactucenion alpinae) to which belongs Geranium sylvatkum meadow and Lactuca alpina meadow. Alnus incana forest, herb/fern and Matteuccia struthiopteris types belong to Alno–Ulmion. Lactucion alpinae is considered subalpine, whilst Alno Uimion is prealpine.
The pre– and subalpine zones are considered oceanic sections of middle– and upper oroboreal vegetation zones.     

Dolichols of the fern Matteucia struthiopteris

Dolichols isolated from leaves of the fern Matteucia struthiopteris were present as a mixture of prenologues composed of 14 up to 20 isoprene units with Dol-16 dominating. They comprised approximately 0.004% of the fresh weight of fresh plant tissue and were accompanied by traces of polyprenols (Pren-14 up to Pren-17, Pren-16 dominating). Their structure was confirmed by electropray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). This is the first time that dolichols have been reported as dominating polyisoprenoid alcohols in plant photosynthetic tissue.     

荚果蕨绿色球状体对~(60)Coγ射线的辐射敏感性

以荚果蕨(Matteuccia struthiopteris)绿色球状体(GGB)为辐照材料,使用不同剂量的~(60)Coγ射线进行辐照处理,采用辐射诱变和组织培养技术相结合的方式进行荚果蕨GGB的辐射敏感性研究。结果表明,荚果蕨GGB的存活率与~(60)Coγ射线辐照剂量之间存在显著的线性关系,线性回归方程为:y=-0.797x+104.719,计算得到半致死剂量约为69 Gy。随着辐照剂量的增加,荚果蕨GGB的增殖和分化能力下降且分化时间延长。GGB~(60)Coγ辐射的表型损伤表现为颜色变深、单个绿色颗粒死亡、增殖及分化受到抑制;细胞学损伤表现为微核、细胞核解体和胚性细胞减少。     

Growth responses of Matteuccia struthiopteris plants from northern and southern Norway exposed to different temperature and photoperiod treatments

Plants of the fern Matteuccia struthiopteris from northern and southern populations in Norway were studied in a phytotron. Relative growth rate (RGR), growth period, and sporophyll production were measured under different photoperiod (12–24 h) day-length and temperature (9–21 °C) treatments. For the southern plants, there were no significant differences between the different light treatments, but for the northern plants there was a significant (p<0.01) linear increase in the mean maximum RGR with increasing day-length. Small, but statistically significant (p<0.01) differences were found between northern and southern plants when the mean maximum RGR-values were compared. When plants from different origin were exposed to different treatment, there were major differences between the populations in the production of sporophylls (p<0.0001). Southern plants produced in average three times more sporophylls than the northern plants, and they had also higher proportions of fertile plants. Diurnal alternating temperature treatments gave no significant (p>0.05) effect on the mean maximum RGR compared with constant temperatures, but they gave significantly higher production of sporophylls. In general, the northern plants had a higher temperature threshold (approximately 12 °C) for sporophyll production than the southern plants (approximately 9 °C). Plants exposed to 24 h with natural light were generally more often fertile than plants exposed to a shorter photoperiod. The mean maximum RGR-values and time needed to develop the fronds at the 9 °C treatment were fairly equal to those found under natural conditions close to the altitudinal distribution limit of M.struthiopteris in W Norway. In general, the investigation showed that the applied temperature and light treatments affected sporophyll production more than vegetative growth.     

Economic history of ostrich fern,Matteuccia struthiopteris,the edible fiddlehead

Although the ostrich fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris,is distributed throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere, its consumption as a spring vegetable has been largely restricted to the tables of the Maritime Provinces in Canada and neighboring Maine in the United States. However, in little more than a decade the demand has expanded beyond these traditional boundaries, due to the present availability of the frozen product. The heart of the industry is undoubtedly New Brunswick. The harvest of 200 t/yr is approximately 4 times that of Maine, and from an historical vantage the traditional use as a spring vegetable is with the New Brunswickers as well. In light of the present high demand for the product and the reports of localized overpicking, a review of the economic history, resource management and attempts at cultivation is presented.     

Seasonal changes of lipid content in the leaves of some ferns

Seasonal distribution of total lipids, of total and individual phospholipids as well as of one betaine lipid, diacylglyceryl-N,N,N-trimethylhomoserine (DGTS), found in the leaves of Dryopteris carthusiana, Dryopteris filix-mas, Matteuccia struthiopteris and Pteridium aquilinum was studied. Using thin-layer chromatography it was shown that lipid composition was different in these species and changed substantially throughout the development of scrolls (unrolled young leaves) to vegetatively mature leaves. The maximum concentration of DGTS for all the examined species was found in scrolls. DGTS then decreased to its minimum level or entirely disappeared to reappear at later stages of leaf development. This may indicate a specific role of DGTS in the plant membrane.     

黄瓜香等山野菜对糖尿病大鼠脂质代谢及肠道正常菌群的影响

目的观察黄瓜香等对糖尿病大鼠脂质代谢的影响,并进一步探讨其调脂机制。方法选取糖尿病大鼠灌胃给予黄瓜香提取液120mg/（kg.d）,共8周,检测其空腹血脂变化,及其肠道菌群变化。结果（1）经黄瓜香提取物治疗后,治疗组较糖尿病组,甘油三脂、低密度脂蛋白和胆固醇明显降低（P〈0.01）;（2）糖尿病组肠道菌群较正常组有明显变化（P〈0.01）,尤其双歧杆菌、乳杆菌等明显减少,而治疗后肠道菌群得到调整。结论黄瓜香提取物可能通过扶植肠道菌群生长繁殖,对脂质代谢发挥作用,从而达到其调脂目的。     

A fern spore storage protein is genetically similar to the 1.7 S seed storage protein ofBrassica napus

The ostrich fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris L., contains two globulin spore storage proteins of 2.2 S and 11.3 S, with physical characteristics similar to those of seed storage proteins of Brassica napus (rapeseed) and Raphanus sativus (radish). By the use of a cloned cDNA that encodes the 1.7 S B. napus storage protein (napin), gene sequences that hybridized with napin were detected in fern nuclear DNA, and a 900-nucleotide homologous mRNA was detected in developing spores. In vitro translation of this fern mRNA produced a 22-kD polypeptide comparable in size to the 21-kD precursor polypeptide identified in Brassica. No hybridizations were observed between the Brassica 12 S clone and either fern DNA or developing spore mRNA.     

Auxins of non-flowering plants. I. Occurrence of 3-indoleacetic acid and phenylacetic acid in vegetative and fertile fronds of the ostrich fern (Matteucia struthiopteris)

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry evidence is presented for the presence of both phenylacetic acid (PAA) and 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) in vegetative and fertile tissues of the sporophyte of the ostrich fern [ Matteucia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro]. 3-Indolepropionic acid, tryptamine and 3-indoleacetonitrile were not found in tissue extracts, although small amounts of 3-indolebutyric acid and tryptophol may have been present. PAA was present in amounts higher than those found in flowering plants, while LAA levels fall within the angiosperm range. The levels of both auxins were higher in the younger vegetative tissues than in mature vegetative or fertile pinnae. Recent evidence for the occurrence of angiosperm growth hormones in ferns is discussed.     

Characterization of matteuccin, the 2.2S storage protein of the ostrich fern. Evolutionary relationship to angiosperm seed storage proteins

The 2.2S spore storage protein (matteuccin) of the ostrich fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris, has been isolated and characterized. It is a small basic protein consisting of two disulfide-linked polypeptides with approximate molecular masses of 3.0 kDa and 8.0 kDa. At least four different isoforms exist where two of the forms differ from the other by having a slightly smaller heavy chain. Amino acid analysis reveals that the 2.2S protein is rich in arginine. Almost complete amino acid sequence information was obtained for the light chain and a partial sequence for the heavy chain. Amino acid sequence comparison reveals that this protein shows a high similarity to seed storage proteins in different angiosperm species in spite of the fact that the common ancestor of ferns and angiosperms lived more than 300 million years ago.     

Characterization of Stelar Initiation in Shoot Apices of Ferns

Procambium is commonly recognized as a vascular meristem inshoot apices of vascular plants. Prestelar tissue comprisingprovascular tissue (PVT) and pith mother cells (PMCs) immediatelysubjacent to the single cell layer of promeristem has been consideredto represent the initial stage of stelar differentiation precedingprocambium and rib meristem in ferns. In addition to characterizationof PVT and PMCs on the basis of cell morphology, cytologicalfeatures and developmental continuity with procambium and ribmeristem, four lines of evidence from studies of shoot apicesof Matteuccia struthiopteris and Osmunda cinnamomea supportthis interpretation of initial differentiation. (1) Differentialstaining by safranin-fast green and crystal violet-erythrosinshows that PVT and PMCs differ in colour reactions from promeristemand resemble procambium and pith meristem, respectively. (2)Comparative ultrastructural study reveals qualitative differencesin the cell membrane system, nuclei, cytoplasm, vacuoles andplastids between promeristem and PVT but similarity of PVT toprocambium. (3) Large droplets of tannins occur in promeristembut not in PVT, PMCs and procambium. (4) Cytochemical studyof the shoot apex of Osmunda shows that carboxylesterase activityis strongly demonstrated in PVT and procambial cells but notin promeristem cells and PMCs. These observations further substantiatethe interpretation that PVT represents initial vascular differentiationand PMCs reflect a commitment to pith development.Copyright1995, 1999 Academic Press Initial vascular differentiation, provascular tissue, differential staining, ultrastructure, tannins, carboxylesterase, shoot apex, Matteuccia struthiopteris, Osmunda cinnamomea     

Quantitative vegetation-environment relationships in west norwegian tall-fern vegetation

The aims of this paper are to detect floristic variation within different types of tall-fern dominated vegetation and to interpret these patterns in terms of environmental variables. Numerical approaches have been applied to a large and varied vegetational data-set with associated environmental data from stands dominated by Athyrium distentifolium, Thelypteris limbosperma , and Matteuccia struthiopteris in different parts of western Norway. The numerical procedures of two-way indicator species analysis, simple discriminant functions, and canonical correspondence analysis have been used, and the strengths and weaknesses of these as tools in discerning vegetational-environmental relationships are discussed. For each of the 96 quadrats investigated, 17 environmental variables were measured. The investigation shows that some of the observed differences in vegetational composition can be explained in terms of relatively simple soil and climatic variables measured for each quadrat. The ferns appear to be ecologically well separated. T. limbosperma-dominaled stands are mainly characterised by low soil fertility, high January temperature, and high humidity. A. distentifolium-dominated stands are associated with low winter temperatures, and M. struthiopteris-dominated stands have high soil fertility and high summer temperatures.     

SPORE GERMINATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUNG GAMETOPHYTE OF THE OSTRICH FERN (MATTEUCCIA STRUTHIOPTERIS)

Light is required for the germination of spores of Matteuccia struthiopteris. Histochemical studies show that dormant spores contain no starch, but have an abundance of storage protein granules. Starch accumulates in the numerous chloroplasts of the spore on exposure to light and becomes gradually more extensive. Protein granules disappear as germination progresses. Following this, the centrally located nucleus migrates toward the proximal spore face. Concomitant with the nuclear migration, an increase of cytoplasmic RNA surrounding the nucleus occurs. An equal nuclear division and unequal cell division give rise to a 2-celled gametophyte consisting of a large prothallial cell and smaller rhizoidal cell. A new peripheral wall forms around the entire protoplast at the time of nuclear migration, while a transverse wall forms after nuclear division. The rhizoid emerges through the split raphe along the proximal spore face; it is rich in cytoplasmic RNA but contains very few chloroplasts and little starch. Electron microscopy of the 2-celled stage revealed a greater concentration of mitochondria, Golgi bodies, and a more extensive endoplasmic reticulum in the rhizoid than was found in the prothallial cell, which, however, was far richer in chloroplasts and lipid bodies. As the rhizoid elongates and becomes more vacuolated, cytoplasmic RNA decreases as cytoplasmic protein increases. The rhizoid undergoes no cell divisions, while the prothallial cell retains the potential for further cell division. The possible significance of the distribution of storage products, cell organelles, and other cell components were considered in relation to the non-equational cell division and differentiation of the 2 cells.     

Effect of Water Stress on Gas Exchange in Fronds of the Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro)

Experiments were conducted in a gas exchange system to examinethe effect of a water stress, induced by –200 kPa polyethyleneglycol (PEG), on carbon dioxide and water vapour flux, fronddiffusive resistance, intercellular carbon dioxide concentration,carbon dioxide residual resistance and frond water potentialin the ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro).Measurements were taken 1 d after the application of PEG. Themeasurements were made on young fronds (8 d old) and maturefronds (20–24 d old) at PPFD's (Photosynthetic PhotonFlux Density) from 0–1400 µmol m^–22 s^–1.Water stress decreased the net photosynthesis rate in maturefronds at PPFD's of 210 µmol m^–2 s^–1 or greaterand increased the net photosynthesis rate below 210 µmolm^–2 s^–1 in young fronds. The increase in net photosynthesisin stressed young fronds was associated with a significant reductionin the dark respiration rate. Water stress and decreasing PPFD'sincreased frond diffusive resistance. Carbon dioxide concentrationin the intercellular spaces decreased with increasing frondage and PPFD's up to 200 µmol m^–2 s^–1. Theresidual resistance to carbon dioxide flux was not significantlyaffected by either frond age or water stress. Frond water potentialwas significantly lower in mature fronds than in young fronds. Key words: Matteuccia struthiopteris, Water relations, Photosynthesis, Dark respiration