Isolation and Structures of Gibberellins from Immature Seeds of Calonyction aculeatum

A deoxyribonuclease was purified about 500 times from a Rhizopus product “Gluczyme.” The enzyme attacks native DNA and produces oligonucleotides terminated with pG, pA, or pC at the 5′ end and with G at the 3′ end. A small amount of mononucleotides was found in the digestion products when the hydrolysis was continued for a long period. The pH and temperature optima for the action were found to be 7.8~8.0 and 50°C, respectively, and the enzyme was activated three fold in the presence of 5 × 10^?3 m Mg²⁺ or Mn²⁺. This enzyme was named DNase Rh.     

Isolation and Characterization of Gibberellins in Calonyction aculeatum and Structures of Gibberellins A30, A31, A33 and A34

Four novel gibberellins GA₃₀, GA₃₁, GA₃₃, GA₃₄, five known gibberellins GA₈, GA₁₇ (free acid and its monomethyl ester), GA₁₉, GA₂₇, GA₂₉ and the gibberellin-like substances were isolated from immature seeds of evening-glory (Calonyction aculeatum). The structures of GA₃₀, GA₃₁, GA₃₃ and GA₃₄ were elucidated as IX, XVIII, XXII and XXXIV, respectively. The three gibberellin-like substances were partially characterized.     

Gibberellins in Immature Seeds of Canavalia

Two novel gibberellins, GA₂₁ (I) and GA₂₂ (II), were isolated from immature seeds of sword bean, Canavalia gladiata DC. The isolation procedure of these substances as well as their growth-promoting effects on dwarf maize mutants d₁ and d₅, rice, cucumber and dwarf peas (Progress No. 9) are described.

The structures of two new gibberellins, GA₂₁ and GA₂₂, isolated from immature seeds of sword bean, were determined as 4a_α, 7_α-dihydroxy-8-methylenegibbane-1, 1, 10β-tricarboxylic acid 1→4a lactone (II) and 4a_α, 7_α-dihydroxy-l β-hydroxymethyl-8-methylenegibb-2-ene-1_α, 10β-dicaboxylic acid 1→4a lactone (IV), respectively, on the basis of chemical and physicochemical studies.     

Gibberellins in Immature Seeds of Pharbitis nil

A new gibberellin, gibberellin A₂₀ (GA₂₀), was isolated from immature seeds of morning-glory (Pharbitis nil). Its structure was established as 4aα, 7α-dihydroxy-1β-methyl-8-methylenegibbane-1α, 10β-dicarboxylic acid-1→4a lactone (I) on the basis of its physicochemical analysis as well as chemical evidences. GA₂₀ shows marked growth promoting activities on dwarf maize d₂ and d₅ but weak activities on d₁, rice seedling and dwarf pea.     

Gibberellins in Immature Seeds of Pharbitis nil

Two new gibberellins, gibberellins A₂₆ and A₂₇ were isolated from immature seeds of Japanese morning-glory (Pharbitis nil) and their structures were elucidated as I and IX.     

Effects of a Plant-Growth Regulator, Prohexadione, on the Biosynthesis of Gibberellins in Cell-Free Systems Derived from Immature Seeds

Inhibition of the biosynthesis of gibberellins by prohexadione,3,5-dioxo-4-propionylcyclo-hexanecarboxylic acid, was studiedwith cell-free systems derived from immature seeds of Cucur-bitamaxima, Phaseolus vulgaris and Pisum sativum. Prohexadione,at a concentration of 10–⁴ M, inhibited C-7 oxidationof GA₁₂-aldehyde, C-20 oxidation of GA₁₅, conversion of C₂₀-gib-berellinsto C₁₉-gibberellins, 3ß-hydroxylation, 2,3-dehydrogenationof GA²⁰, 2,3-epoxidation of GA₅ and 2ß-hydroxylationof GA₉ and GA₂₀. The 3ß-hydroxylase activity appearedto be more sensitive to prohexadione than were the C-20 oxygenaseand the 2ß-hydroxylase activities. The conversionof mevalonic acid to GA₁₂-aldehyde and the 13-hydroxylationof GA₁₂ were not affected by prohexadione at a concentrationof 3 ? 10^–4 M. All of the steps inhibited by prohexadioneare oxidation steps catalyzed by soluble enzymes that require2-oxoglutarate, Fe²⁺ and oxygen, and all of them occur distalto the synthesis of GA₁₂-aldehyde in the biosynthesis of gibberellins. (Received April 4, 1990; Accepted September 14, 1990)     

Identification of Gibberellins A(1), A(5), A(29), and A(32) from Immature Seeds of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

Gibberellins (GAs) A₁, A₅, and A₂₉ were identified, and also GA₃₂ was confirmed, as endogenous GAs of immature seeds (3-4 weeks after anthesis, 0.25-0.5 gram fresh weight) of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) based on capillary gas chromatography (GC), retention time (Rt), and selected ion monitoring (SIM), in comparison with authentic standards. Fractions subjected to GC-SIM were purified and separated using sequential solvent partitioning → paper chromatography → reverse phase C₁₈ high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) → bioassay on dwarf rice cv Tan-ginbozu. Two other peaks of free GA-like bioactivity (microdrop and immersion dwarf rice assays) were eluted from C₁₈ HPLC at Rts where GA_4/7 and GA₈ (or other GAs with similar structures) would elute. Also, three unidentified GA glucoside-like compounds (based on bioactivity on the immersion assay, and no bioactivity on the microdrop assay) were noted. There were very high amounts of GA₃₂ (112 ng of GA₃ equivalents per gram fresh weight), and minor amounts (0.5 ng of GA₃ equivalents) for each of GA₁ and GA₅, respectively, based on the microdrop assay.     

The Gibberellins of Developing Bean Seeds

Properties of gibberellin-like substances extracted from Frenchbean seeds during their development were studied. Two zonesof gibberellin-like activity were detected on paper chromatograms. Changes in activity of one of the zones correlated with changesin growth-rate of the seed. From considerations of Rf on paperchromatograms, and differential activity on dwarf peas, dwarf-1and dwarf-5 corn, it was deduced that activity of this zonewas due to substances resembling gibberellin A₁ and gibberellinA₅. Gibberellin A₅-like activity was highest in young seedsand disappeared after cell division in the cotyledons had ceased.Gibberellin A₁-like activity rose to its highest level duringthe period of rapid cell expansion in the cotyledons, afterthe disappearance of gibberellin A₅-like activity. The second zone of gibberellin-like activity was due mainlyto a non-acidic substance, which disappeared at the time GAj-likeactivity was rising to its highest level. A non-acidic substance that stimulated lateral bud growth ofdwarf peas also was detected in the extracts. It is presumedto be a cytokinin.     

Isolation and Structure of Gibberellin A18 from Immature Seeds of Lupinus luteus

A new gibberellin, tentatively called Lupinus gibberellin I, was isolated from young yellow lupin seeds. It has been shown to have structure (X), and now named gibberellin A₁₈.     

Two New Gibberellins A50 and A52 in Seeds of Lagenaria leucantha

Two new gibberellins A₅₀ and A₅₂ were isolated from seeds of Lagenaria leucantha Rusby var. clavata Makino. Their structures were shown to be ent-2α,3α,10,llα-tetrahydroxy-20-norgibberell-16-ene-7,19-dioic acid 19,10-lactone (1) and ent-2α,3α,11β20-tetrahydroxy-gibberell-16-ene-7,19-dioic acid 19,20-lactone (10), respectively.     

The Location of Cytokinins and Gibberellins in Wheat Seeds

Wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L. cvs. Yorkstar and Sirius) were cut transversely into embryoless and embryo-containing (embryonated) halves and the content of endogenous cytokinins and gibberellins in both halves determined before and after the seeds imbibed water for 12–15 h at 22°C in the light. Dry seeds contained little ethyl acetate-extractable gibberellin activity as measured by bioassay but n-butanol-soluble cytokinins were detected mainly in the embryoless halves. Dry, embryonated half-seeds contained water-soluble gibberellins which could be extracted into acidic ethyl acetate after treatment of the aqueous extract with either alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase or a crude pectolytic enzyme preparation. When half-seeds were allowed to imbibe water for 12 h and then extracted, cytokinin activity was largely lost from the embryoless halves and completely from the embryonated halves and water-soluble gibberellins were also lost from the embryonated halves. However, ethyl acetate-soluble gibberellins were present in the latter suggesting that “bound’ gibberellins were released during imbibition. The hormones present in normal and naturally embryoless dry grains of cv. Yorkstar were also determined. Both gibberellin and cytokinin activity was higher in normal grains suggesting that the presence of an embryo is essential for synthesis or accumulation of these hormones in the grain during development.     

Isolation of a New Cytokinin from Immature Yellow Lupin Seeds

A new cytokinin was isolated from methanol extracts of immature lupin seeds (Lupinus luteus) through successive purification of charcoal adsorptions, silver precipitations, ion exchange and paper chromatography. The structure was confirmed by spectral data and synthesis as (?)-6-N-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutylamino)purine, (?)-dihydrozeatin (I).     

Purification and Properties of ent-Kaurene Synthase B from Immature Seeds of Pumpkin

ent-Kaurene synthase B (KSB) was purified 291-fold from a crude enzyme preparation from endosperm of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.). Separation of ent-kaurene synthase A and KSB was achieved by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The fractions containing KSB activity were further purified by diethylaminoethyl, phenyl, and hydroxyapatite column chromatography. Using sodium dodecyl phosphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the purest enzyme preparation showed a major band at an apparent molecular mass of 81 kD. The amount of protein in this band was correlated with KSB activity after diethylaminoethyl and hydroxyapatite chromatography. The N terminus of the 81-kD protein was blocked. Therefore, the protein was partially digested with protease and the amino acid sequences of the resulting major peptide fragments were analyzed. A polyclonal antibody was raised against a synthetic peptide based on the longest peptide fragment combined with a keyhole limpet hemocyanin. The antibody recognized only the 81-kD denatured protein and not the native KSB. The properties of KSB were examined using the phenyl-purified enzyme preparation. The Km value for copalyl pyrophosphate was 0.35 [mu]M, and the optimal pH was 6.8 to 7.5. The KSB activity required divalent cations such as Mg2+, Mn2+, and Co2+, whereas Cu2+, Ca2+, and Ba2+ inhibited the activity.     

Polyacetylenes from Immature Seeds of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Six polyacetylenes have been isolated from immature seeds of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) by thin-layer chromatography. They were identified as 1,11-tridecadiene-3,5,7,9-tetrayne, 1,3,11-tridecatriene-5,7,9-triyne, 1,3,5,11-tridecatetraene-7,9-diyne, 1-tridecene-3,5,7,9,11-pentayne, 1,3-tridecadiene-5,7,9,11-tetrayne and 1,3,5-tridecatriene-7,9,11-triyne from the results of their spectroscopic and chemical analyses. Three of these polyacetylenes had not been isolated from Carthamus tinctorius L.

Changes in the polyacetylene content during maturation were followed by the measurement of ultraviolet absorbance. While 1,3,11-tridecatriene-5,7,9-triyne and 1,3,5,11-tridecatetraene-7,9-diyne had already occurred abundantly at the day of flowering, the amounts of the other polyacetylenes reached the maximum values at the fourth to sixth days after flowering. Although the total amounts of the six polyacetylenes were about 0.8 mmole/g lipid at the fourth day after flowering, no polyacetylene was detected in the mature seeds.     

Gibberellins in Suspensors of Phaseolus coccineus L. Seeds

Analysis of extracts from 6300 (1.2 grams fresh weight) Phaseolus coccineus suspensors by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry has demonstrated the presence of five C₁₉-gibberellins, GA₁, GA₄, GA₅, GA₆, GA₈, and one C₂₀-GA, GA₄₄. The major GAs present were GA₁ and GA₈. Data are discussed in relation to previous results obtained in P. coccineus seed as well as in the embryo-suspensor system.     

Isolation and Characterization of Glucosyl Esters of Gibberellin A5 and A44 from Immature Seeds of Pharbitis purpurea

A method for predicting the enthalpy profile during extrusion cooking was developed. Wattmeters were connected to each barrel, and the heat loss from the barrels was measured under several temperature patterns without any material flow through the twin-screw extruder. A short section of some screws was replaced by a collar to make it possible to insert thermometers into the barrels during extrusion, and water was then pumped into the extruder while heating the barrels and the die. The measured temperature coincided with the temperature calculated from the consumed energy and the heat loss from each barrel, indicating that the enthalpy profile could be evaluated by this method. As an application of the method, the dependence of the enthalpy profile on the screw configuration was investigated. The enthalpy absorbed by the extruded materials was increased by using reverse screws and a needle valve at the outlet of the twin-screw extruder. These results suggest that the method developed in the present study will contribute to the design of extruder screws.     

Isolation and Structure of a New Gibberellin from Immature Seeds of Prunus persica

New antibiotics, T1801 A, B, C, and D, were isolated from the culture broth of Pseudomonas sp. SC-1801. Their structures were found by spectroscopic analyses to be tri- and tetra(methylthio) derivatives of hydro quinone (T1801 A and C) or p-benzoquinone (T1801 B and D). They are new quinone and hydroquinone antibiotics and are active against Gram-positive bacteria, some fungi, and yeasts.     

Isolation and Characterization of Gibberellins in Mature Seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris

The change of endogenous gibberellin in the germinated seeds of Phaseolus vuigaris cv. Kentucky Wonder was investigated. Based on this result, endogenous gibberellins in the mature seeds were extensively investigated to result in the isolation of GA₁, GA₈, GA₈ glucoside, AB-II (unknown gibberellin-like substance) and glucosyl esters of GA₁, GA₄, GA₃₇ and GA₃₈.     

一个能与水稻未成熟种子核蛋白特异结合的31bp的DNA片段

水稻蜡质基因5'上游序列中有5个能与水稻胚乳核蛋白结合的片段,其中HinfId和RsaIe片段有部分重叠,而重叠部分含AACGT顺序。按重叠区上下游顺序合成了其中含有3次重复的AACGT顺序的31bp寡核苷酸,并以此为探针进行凝胶滞后实验,表明它不仅能与未成熟水稻种子的胚乳核蛋白特异结合,而且也与HinfId和RsaIe片段有强烈的竞争作用。因此31bp顺序中含有与水稻胚乳核蛋白专一结合位点,从而有可能应用此31bp的寡核苷酸作探针来分离编码蜡质基因的调控蛋白基因。     

Thermodormancy in Celery Seeds and its Removal by Cytokinins and Gibberellins

Imbibition of celery (Apium graveolens L.) seeds at 32°C for up to 96 h lowered the upper temperature limit for germination. If this high temperature treatment was given in the light, these seeds germinated slightly earlier than those treated in the dark although the final percentage germination was similar for both treatments. The inhibitory effect of the high temperature treatment was completely removed by allowing the seeds to imbibe in a mixture of the gibberellins A₄ and A₇ (GA_4/7) and partially removed by the cytokinin N⁶-benzylaminopurine (BA). GA_4/7 was less effective when added before rather than after the high temperature treatment, whereas the opposite was true of BA. At constant temperatures more GA_4/7 was required to promote germination as the temperature was raised but addition of BA reduced the concentration of GA_4/7 required. A model is proposed for the control of celery seed germination by light and temperature through the action of endogenous cytokinins and gibberellins.