Phospholipid Biosynthesis and Fatty Acid Content in Relation to Chilling Injury during Germination of Seeds

The proportion of labeled ¹⁴C-glycerol incorporated into phospholipids and the fatty acid composition of three phospholipids in germinating seeds and seedlings of chilling-sensitive lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.) and chilling-resistant broad beans (Vicia faba L.) and peas (Pisum sativum L.) at 10 and 25 C were determined. During the imbibition of seeds (first 24 hours), lima beans were sensitive to chilling injury at 10 C and a higher proportion of label was incorporated into phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol than in broad beans and peas. Broad beans and peas incorporated a higher proportion of label into phosphatidylcholine. The oleic acid content of phosphatidylcholine was higher and linolenic acid content was lower in peas and broad beans than in lima beans at 10 and 25 C. The unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio was much higher for the chilling-resistant seeds than for the chilling-sensitive ones. In the seedling stage, the proportion of label incorporated into the four major phospholipids was similar in the three species regardless of temperature treatment. The fatty acid content of the phospholipids examined was not different in the three species in the seedling stage.     

Isolation and identification of l-cystathionine and l-selenocystathionine from the foliage of Astragalus pectinatus

l-Cystathionine and l-selenocystathionine have been isolated from the foliage of Astragalus pectinatus. In addition to these two amino acids, some S-methylcysteine and trace amounts of Se-methyl-selenocysteine were also detected in the foliage extracts. The seeds of A pectinatus were found to contain significant amounts of all four of these amino acids plus the γ-glutamyl peptides of S-methylcysteine and Se-methylselenocysteine.     

An Antibody to the Castor Bean Glyoxysomal Lipase (62 kD) also Binds to a 62 kD Protein in Extracts from Many Young Oilseed Plants

An antibody raised against purified glyoxysomal lipase (triacylglycerol hydrolase EC 3.1.1.3.) from castor bean (relative molecular weight of 62,000) also binds to a protein with a relative molecular weight of 62,000 in extracts of food reserve tissues from many young oilseed plants. These plants include Brassica napus L., Zea mays L., Arachis hypogaea L., Glycine max L., Gossipium hirsutum L., Cucurbita pepo L., Helianthus annuus L., Pisum sativum L., and Cicer arietinum L. The antibody caused inhibition of triacylglycerol hydrolysis by the lipases in extracts from seedlings of corn, oilseed rape, castor bean, soybean, and peanut. The pattern of antilipase binding to the 62 kilodalton protein in subcellular fractions from these other seedlings was consistent with the patterns of lipase activity reported in the literature and it is suggested that lipases from these oil seeds all have a subunit with a molecular weight of 62,000. The protein was only found in the food reserve tissues and was not present in extracts of roots and leaves of mature plants. In addition, the immunoreactive 62 kilodalton polypeptide was not detectable in lima beans and only at very low levels in kidney beans. Both these seeds are known to contain very little storage lipid and would not be expected to contain lipase. With the exception of the acid lipase of castor bean, ungerminated seeds do not generally contain active lipases. The immunoreactive 62 kilodalton protein could not be detected in the ungerminated seeds of most plants and only at very low low levels in others.     

Polysaccharide from Dry Navy Beans, Phaseolus vulgaris: Its Isolation and Stimulation of Clostridium perfringens

A microbiological assay is described for determining gas produced by Clostridium perfringens (Veilon and Zuber) Holland from materials believed to be flatulent. A rationale for its use is given and analyzed. The fractionation and the results of the assay for several components of lima beans, Phaseolus lunatus L., and navy beans, P. vulgaris L., are given. In particular, a polysaccharide was isolated from dried P. vulgaris seeds. Only about one-seventh as much could be isolated from green P. lunatus seeds as from P. vulgaris seeds. The polysaccharide stimulates voluminous gas production by C. perfringens and meets all criteria of the rationale for flatulent sus pects. It has not been tested on humans; however, data from the microbiological assay correlate well with human results for green and dry lima beans and navy beans.     

Increase in Internode Length of Phaseolus lunatus L. Caused by Inoculation with a Nitrate Reductase-deficient Strain of Rhizobium sp

Dramatic differences in the height of lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.) treated with two different Rhizobium strains were studied. Lima beans were grown in Perlite in the greenhouse or in a minus-N culture solution in the growth chamber. The plants were inoculated with either Rhizobium sp. (lima bean) strain 127E15, which contains the constitutive nitrate reductase activity, or strain 127E14, which lacks that activity. For up to 3 weeks, no growth differences were observed in the plants inoculated with either strain. Five weeks after inoculation, however, those plants inoculated with strain 127E14 were significantly taller and had a larger number of leaves than those inoculated with strain 127E15. The difference in plant height was the result of increased internode elongation caused by inoculation with Rhizobium sp. 127E14. This response was observed with all lima bean cultivars tested, including Henderson, Fordhook, Allgreen, and Early Thorogreen. The growth difference occurred in plants cultured in the greenhouse or in the growth chamber.     

Resistant Host Responses to Ten California Populations of Meloidogyne incognita

Resistant and susceptible cultivars of tomato, lima beans, cotton, and alfalfa were tested with 10 populations of Meloidogyne incognita from different California locations. Nine of the populations differed in aggressiveness on the nine cultivars tested. Two populations were especially aggressive toward resistant tomato cultivars.     

Pattern of the Cyanide-Potential in Developing Fruits : Implications for Plants Accumulating Cyanogenic Monoglucosides (Phaseolus lunatus) or Cyanogenic Diglucosides in Their Seeds (Linum usitatissimum, Prunus amygdalus)

The absolute cyanide content of developing fruits was determined in Costa Rican wild lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus), oil flax (Linum usitatissimum), and bitter almonds (Prunus amygdalus). The cyanide potential (HCN-p) of the lima bean and the almond fruit began to increase shortly after anthesis and then stopped before fruit maturity. In contrast, the flax inflorescence had a higher HCN-p in absolute terms than the mature flax fruit. At all times of its development the bean fruit contained the monoglucosides linamarin and lotaustralin. The almond and the flax fruits contained, at anthesis, the monoglucosides prunasin, and linamarin and lotaustralin, respectively, while, at maturity, only the corresponding diglucosides amygdalin, and linustatin and neolinustatin, respectively, were present.     

Synthesis of selenocysteine by cysteine synthases from selenium accumulator and non-accumulator plants

Cysteine synthases were partially purified from leaf tissue of 3 selenium-accumulator species (Neptunia amplexicaulis, Astragalus racemosus and A. bisulcatus) and 4 non-accumulators (peas, white clover, A. sinicus and A. hamosus). The properties of all 7 enzymes with respect to cysteine synthesis from S^2? and O-acetylserine (OAS) were similar. All of the enzymes also catalysed the synthesis of selenocysteine when S^2? was replaced with Se^2?. There were no distinct differences between the properties of the enzymes from selenium-accumulator and non-accumulator plants with respect to selenocysteine synthesis. Se^2? inhibited the synthesis of cysteine and S^2? inhibited the synthesis of selenocysteine implying competition between S^2? and Se^2? for the enzyme. The affinities of the enzymes for Se^2? were substantially greater than for S^2?, and V_max (selenocysteine) was ca 7–48% of V_max (cysteine). Isolated pea chloroplasts catalysed the synthesis of selenocysteine from OAS and Se^2? at a rate of ca 22–26 μmol/mg Chl/hr. Sonicating the chloroplasts slightly enhanced the rate.     

Variation in fruit and seed size from 38 wild populations of Phaseolus lunatus (Fabaceae) from Central Valley, Costa Rica

We studied the morfological diversity in fruits and seeds in 38 wild populations of Phaseolus lunatus var. lunatus (lima beans) in the central valley of Costa Rica. In order to do so, measured the length and width of the fruits and the length, width and thickness of seeds. We also calculated the ratio between these traits and determined the weight of 100 seeds. In general, we found significant variation between populations for all variables. When we grouped the 38 populations into eight geographical regions within the study area, we found significant differences between regions. However, the levels of variation between populations within geographical regions was larger than that found between geographical regions. These findings suggested that there is no clear relationship between these variables and the geographical grouping established in this study. The implications of these findings for the establishment of strategies for in situ conservation of wild populations of lima beans are discussed.     

6-thio and -seleno-β-D-glucose esters of dimethylarsinous acid

Syntheses of 2-Se-(1,2,3,4-tetra-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-3-N,N-dimethyl-selenopseudourea hydroiodide (3), 1,2,3,4-tetra-O-acetyl-6-S-dimethylarsino-6-thio-β-D-glucopyranose (4), 1,2,3,4-tetra-O-acetyl-6-Se-dimethylarsino-6-seleno-β-D-glucopyranose (7), 6-S-dimethylarsino-6-thio-β-D-glucopyranose (5), and 6-Se-dimethylarsino-6-seleno-β-D-glucopyranose (9) are described. Various spectral properties of the compounds are given. The relative rates of alkaline hydrolysis of 5 and 9 are compared.     

Substrate specificity of human glutamine transaminase K as an aminotransferase and as a cysteine S-conjugate beta-lyase

Rat kidney glutamine transaminase K (GTK) exhibits broad specificity both as an aminotransferase and as a cysteine S-conjugate β-lyase. The β-lyase reaction products are pyruvate, ammonium and a sulfhydryl-containing fragment. We show here that recombinant human GTK (rhGTK) also exhibits broad specificity both as an aminotransferase and as a cysteine S-conjugate β-lyase. S-(1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethyl)-l-cysteine is an excellent aminotransferase and β-lyase substrate of rhGTK. Moderate aminotransferase and β-lyase activities occur with the chemopreventive agent Se-methyl-l-selenocysteine. l-3-(2-Naphthyl)alanine, l-3-(1-naphthyl)alanine, 5-S-l-cysteinyldopamine and 5-S-l-cysteinyl-l-DOPA are measurable aminotransferase substrates, indicating that the active site can accommodate large aromatic amino acids. The α-keto acids generated by transamination/l-amino acid oxidase activity of the two catechol cysteine S-conjugates are unstable. A slow rhGTK-catalyzed β-elimination reaction, as measured by pyruvate formation, was demonstrated with 5-S-l-cysteinyldopamine, but not with 5-S-l-cysteinyl-l-DOPA. The importance of transamination, oxidation and β-elimination reactions involving 5-S-l-cysteinyldopamine, 5-S-l-cysteinyl-l-DOPA and Se-methyl-l-selenocysteine in human tissues and their biological relevance are discussed.     

Thio and seleno sugar esters of dialkylarsinous acids

The syntheses of 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-1-S-dimethylarsino-1-thio-β-D-glucopyranose (3), 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-1-Se-dimethylarsino-1-seleno-β-D-glucopyranose (4), 1-S-dimethylarsino-1-thio-β-D-glucopyranose (5), and -1-Se-dimethylarsino-1-seleno-β-D-glucopyranose (7) are described. The n.m.r., Raman, and mass-spectral properties of the compounds are given. 3-O-Diethylarsino-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-D-glucofuranose has also been prepared, but characterized only by n.m.r. spectroscopy.     

Cyanogenesis of Wild Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) Is an Efficient Direct Defence in Nature

In natural systems plants face a plethora of antagonists and thus have evolved multiple defence strategies. Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is a model plant for studies of inducible indirect anti-herbivore defences including the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and extrafloral nectar (EFN). In contrast, studies on direct chemical defence mechanisms as crucial components of lima beans'' defence syndrome under natural conditions are nonexistent. In this study, we focus on the cyanogenic potential (HCNp; concentration of cyanogenic glycosides) as a crucial parameter determining lima beans'' cyanogenesis, i.e. the release of toxic hydrogen cyanide from preformed precursors. Quantitative variability of cyanogenesis in a natural population of wild lima bean in Mexico was significantly correlated with missing leaf area. Since existing correlations do not by necessity mean causal associations, the function of cyanogenesis as efficient plant defence was subsequently analysed in feeding trials. We used natural chrysomelid herbivores and clonal lima beans with known cyanogenic features produced from field-grown mother plants. We show that in addition to extensively investigated indirect defences, cyanogenesis has to be considered as an important direct defensive trait affecting lima beans'' overall defence in nature. Our results indicate the general importance of analysing ‘multiple defence syndromes’ rather than single defence mechanisms in future functional analyses of plant defences.     

6-thio- and -seleno-D-galactose esters of dimethylarsinous acid

The syntheses of 1,2:3,4-di-O-isopropylidene-6-S-dimethylarsino-6-thio-α-D-galactopyranose (2), methyl 6-S-dimethylarsino-6-thio-D-galactopyranoside (3), and 1,2:3,4-di-O-isopropylidene-6-Se-dimethylarsino-6-seleno-α-D-galactopyranose (8) are reported. The attempted preparation of 6-Se-dimethylarsino-6-seleno-D-galactopyranose (9) is also discussed. The n.m.r. spectra of these compounds are unexceptional, except for the slight downfield shift of the arsenic methyl resonances for the selenium compound as compared to the sulfur compound, confirming previous observations. The mass spectra of these compounds showed molecular ions for 2, 3, and 8. The u.v. spectra of the X-As (X = S, Se) chromophore are discussed in terms of a simplified MO model. 1,2:3,4-Di-O-isopropylidene-6-S-dimethylarsino-6-thio-α-D-galactopyranose (2) showed carcinostatic activity in the P388 system (mouse lymphocytic leukemia).     

Efficacy of artificial seeds in the delivery of bioactive compounds to the seed dwelling larvae of Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Artificial seeds offer an important method to assay the bioactivity of natural and synthetic compounds against insect larvae that develop within the cotyledons of seeds. Here, the efficacy of artificial seeds as a mechanism to deliver bioactive compounds to larvae of the bruchid beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus, was compared to that of black-eyed beans that had been imbibed with the same bioactive compounds: malachite green or the methanolic extract of neem (Azadirachta indica). Females laid an equivalent number of eggs on control artificial seeds in comparison with black-eyed beans, although egg-to-adult survival on artificial seeds was reduced. Manipulation of the hardness of artificial seeds influenced female oviposition decisions, with more eggs laid on the harder seeds, although seed hardness had no effect on egg-to-adult survival. Incorporation of neem extract or malachite green into the artificial seeds resulted in 100 % larval mortality, while larval mortality on seeds imbibed with neem extract or malachite green was between 50 and 70 %. This suggests incorporation of toxins into artificial seeds, produces a more sensitive assay of compound toxicity in comparison with the method of imbibing seeds and offers a useful method to study of seed–arthropod interactions.     

Recognition of Leguminous Hosts by a Promiscuous Rhizobium Strain

The lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) and the pole bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are nodulated by rhizobia of two different cross-inoculation groups. Rhizobium sp. 127E15, a cowpea-type Rhizobium, can induce effective nodules on the lima bean and partially effective nodules on the pole bean. Rhizobium phaseoli 127K14 can induce effective nodules on the pole bean but does not reciprocally nodulate the lima bean. Root hairs of the lima bean when inoculated with Rhizobium sp. 127E15 showed tip curling and swelling and infection thread formation as observed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. When lima bean root hairs were inoculated with R. phaseoli 127K14, no host-specific responses were observed. Pole bean root hairs that had been inoculated with R. phaseoli 127K14 or Rhizobium sp. 127E15 also showed tip curling and swelling and infection thread formation. Colonization of lima bean root hairs by Rhizobium sp. 127E15 and pole bean root hairs by R. phaseoli 127K14 or Rhizobium sp. 127E15 appeared to involve the elaboration of microfibrils. This study showed that when Rhizobium sp. 127E15 nodulates a host of a different cross-inoculation group, it elicits the same specific host responses as it does from a host of the same cross-inoculation group.     

Methods to Promote Germination of Dormant Setaria viridis Seeds

Setaria viridis has recently emerged as a promising genetic model system to study diverse aspects of monocot biology. While the post-germination life cycle of S. viridis is approximately 8 weeks long, the prolonged dormancy of freshly harvested seeds can more than double the total time required between successive generations. Here we describe methods that promote seed germination in S. viridis. Our results demonstrate that treating S. viridis seeds with liquid smoke or a GA₃ and KNO₃ solution improves germination rates to 90% or higher even in seeds that are 6 days post-harvest with similar results obtained whether seeds are planted in soil or on gel-based media. Importantly, we show that these treatments have no significant effect on the growth of the adult plant. We have tested these treatments on diverse S. viridis accessions and show variation in their response. The methods described here will help advance research using this model grass species by increasing the pace at which successive generations of plants can be analyzed.     

Trans-sulfuration Pathway Seleno-amino Acids Are Mediators of Selenomethionine Toxicity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae*

Toxicity of selenomethionine, an organic derivative of selenium widely used as supplement in human diets, was studied in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Several DNA repair-deficient strains hypersensitive to selenide displayed wild-type growth rate properties in the presence of selenomethionine indicating that selenide and selenomethionine exert their toxicity via distinct mechanisms. Cytotoxicity of selenomethionine decreased when the extracellular concentration of methionine or S-adenosylmethionine was increased. This protection resulted from competition between the S- and Se-compounds along the downstream metabolic pathways inside the cell. By comparing the sensitivity to selenomethionine of mutants impaired in the sulfur amino acid pathway, we excluded a toxic effect of Se-adenosylmethionine, Se-adenosylhomocysteine, or of any compound in the methionine salvage pathway. Instead, we found that selenomethionine toxicity is mediated by the trans-sulfuration pathway amino acids selenohomocysteine and/or selenocysteine. Involvement of superoxide radicals in selenomethionine toxicity in vivo is suggested by the hypersensitivity of a Δsod1 mutant strain, increased resistance afforded by the superoxide scavenger manganese, and inactivation of aconitase. In parallel, we showed that, in vitro, the complete oxidation of the selenol function of selenocysteine or selenohomocysteine by dioxygen is achieved within a few minutes at neutral pH and produces superoxide radicals. These results establish a link between superoxide production and trans-sulfuration pathway seleno-amino acids and emphasize the importance of the selenol function in the mechanism of organic selenium toxicity.     

Spherical Lactic Acid-producing Bacteria of Southern-grown Raw and Processed Vegetables

The frequency and levels of population of the spherical lactic acid-producing bacteria were determined on raw and processed yellow summer and zucchini squash, a variety of greens, green beans, okra, southern peas, and butter and lima beans, and on fresh cucumbers and corn flowers. Six taxa occurred consistently: Leuconostoc mesenteroides, yellow-pigmented streptococci, Streptococcus faecium, Aerococcus viridans, and S. faecalis and S. faecalis var. liquefaciens. The same taxa occurred with the same order of frequency on processed, frozen vegetables, but with a marked decrease in the occurrence of S. faecalis var. liquefaciens. S. lactis, S. cremoris, S. equinus, S. bovis, and pediococci were isolated infrequently. No other member of the viridans group of the streptococci and no member of the pyogenic group was isolated. Approximately 88% of the cultures were identified. Total counts of the lactic-acid-producing bacteria rarely exceeded 10⁵ per gram of sample, and there was a reduction by 90% during the second year of study, probably because of drought. Only one bacterial species was found on 40% of the raw and 34% of the processed vegetable samples. Two or more species or taxa were present on the remainder of 153 raw and 56 processed vegetable samples. A. viridans was present on squash, greens, okra, and southern peas, and its frequency of occurrence on vegetables suggests that plants are its natural habitat.