Ventilation and gas exchange in the diamondback water snake,Natrix rhombifera

Summary Simultaneous measurements of pulmonary and cutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, pulmonary ventilation and heart rate were made on the diamondback water snake,Natrix rhombifera at 28°C using body plethysmography. Resting lung volume, maximum lung volume and tracheal volume were also measured.The following mean values were measured in undisturbed snakes breathing room air: total (pulmonary and cutaneous) O₂ uptake 46 mol · (kg min)^–1; total CO₂ output, 49 mol · (kg min)^–1; tidal volume, 12 ml (BTPS) · kg^–1; ventilatory rate, 6.9 min^–1; heart rate, 42 min^–1. From the measurements of tracheal volume, the effective (alveolar) ventilation was estimated as approximately 70% of total ventilation resulting in effective pulmonary and of 130 Torr and 20 Torr respectively. Cutaneous exchange accounted for 8.1% of the total and 12.4% of the total .Resting lung volume of anaesthetized snakes was 75 ml (BTPS) · kg^–1, maximum lung volume was 341 ml (BTPS) · kg^–1 and tracheal volume was 3.9 ml (BTPS) · kg^–1.     

The oral apparatus of tadpoles of Rana dalmatina, Bombina variegata, Bufo bufo, and Bufo viridis (Anura)

The morphology and development of the larval oral apparatus of Rana dalmatina, Bombina variegata, Bufo bufo, and Bufo viridis are described and compared using scanning electron microscopy. The species show different arrangements of the mouthparts. The small oral apparatus of R. dalmatina larvae has three labial tooth rows on the upper labium, while there are four tooth rows on the lower labium with a medial gap in row proximal to the mouth. The margins of the oral apparatus are defined by papillae that encircle the lower labium. B. variegata tadpoles have two upper labial tooth rows and three lower labial tooth rows that are uninterrupted, unlike the ones of R. dalmatina. The mouth is encircled by papillae that are larger than those of R. dalmatina. The oral discs of tadpoles of both B. bufo and B. viridis are similar. They are defined by two upper labial tooth rows (the second of which is interrupted by a medial gap) and by three lower tooth rows that differ in lengths in the two Bufo species. Both species develop papillae on the mouth angles and in two rows on the upper labium. Some morphological differences among the oral discs of R. dalmatina, B. variegata, B. bufo, and B. viridis tadpoles can be attributed to phylogenetic differences, but most can be related to their varying feeding habits and/or to their dietary specializations.     

Ontogeny of tracheal dimensions and gas exchange capacities in the grasshopper, Schistocerca americana

How does body size affect the structure and gas exchange capacities of insect tracheae? Do insects become more oxygen-limited as they grow? We addressed these questions by measuring the dimensions of two transverse tracheae within the abdomen of American locusts of different ages, and evaluating the potential for diffusion or convection to provide adequate gas exchange. The grasshopper abdomen has longitudinal tracheae that run along the midgut, heart, nerve cord, and lateral body wall. Transverse tracheae run from each spiracle to the longitudinal tracheae. Dorsal air sacs attach near each spiracle. In both transverse tracheae studied, diffusive capacities increased more slowly than metabolic rates with age, and calculated oxygen gradients necessary to supply oxygen by diffusion increased exponentially with age. However, surgical studies demonstrated that transport of gas through these transverse tracheae occurred by convection, at least in adults. Convective capacities paralleled metabolic rates with age, and the calculated pressure gradients required to sustain oxygen consumption rates by convection were independent of age. Thus, in growing grasshoppers, tracheal capacities matched tissue oxygen needs. Our morphological and physiological data together suggest that use of convection allows older grasshoppers to overcome potential limitations on size imposed by diffusion through tracheal systems.     

水淹条件下秋华柳亚细胞中镉的分配特征

选取秋华柳(Salix variegata)扦插苗为研究对象,通过设置0、0.5、2、10 mg/kg 4个镉胁迫浓度,研究了水淹条件下秋华柳根、枝、叶亚细胞中镉的分配特征。结果表明:(1)试验各处理组秋华柳存活率均为100%,表现出良好的镉和水淹耐受能力。(2)与对照相比,在水淹条件下,各处理组秋华柳根、枝和叶的细胞壁仍是镉最主要的富集部位。各处理组植株细胞壁中的镉含量显著高于其他组分,质体中镉含量次之,细胞核和线粒体组分中的镉含量始终处于较低水平。(3)水淹显著提高了秋华柳根细胞壁中的镉含量,显著降低了高浓度镉处理(10 mg/kg)下萌枝细胞壁中的镉含量,但对叶细胞壁中的镉含量没有显著影响。(4)水淹显著提高了秋华柳根细胞中质体中的镉含量,对萌枝、叶细胞质体中的镉含量没有显著影响。研究证明,水淹条件下,秋华柳根枝叶细胞壁仍然是镉积累富集的最主要部位,从而减少了重金属对植物细胞的伤害。秋华柳适用于三峡消落带镉污染区域的植物修复。     

Ventilation and gas exchange during rest and exercise in adult green sea turtles

Summary Ventilation and metabolic rate were measured during exercise in adult female green turtles at Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Six turtles were studied at night on the beach while actively covering their nests. Five turtles, captured after nesting, were studied at rest, during 20 min of spontaneous activity, and during recovery from the activity. Arterial blood samples were obtained from the latter animals and analyzed for pH, , O₂ concentration and lactate concentration. Blood was obtained by heart puncture from 8 turtles immediately after nesting and analyzed for blood lactate. Active metabolism ( ) in both groups was almost 10 times the standard resting value (0.024 l/kg·h). The increase in ventilation during exercise, due exclusively to higher breathing frequency, exceeded the increase in , so that the ratio (the air convection requirement), more than doubled. The respiratory exchange ratio, , that averaged 0.56 in the resting turtles, increased to 1.08 during exercise in the captured turtles and was 0.90 in the nesting animals. Arterial and O₂ saturation remained unchanged during exercise, indicating efficient gas exchange in the lungs. Pre-exercise values of all variables were restored 1 h after the end of exercise. Blood acid-base changes associated with activity in the captive turtles were variable and not statistically significant, but suggested partially compensated metabolic acidosis. Lactate concentrations were significantly elevated in the nesting turtles.     

Daily and seasonal trends of gas exchange in Pistacia lentiscus L.

The spring–summer photosynthetic behaviour of Pistacia lentiscus, a spontaneous evergreen bush of the Mediterranean macchia, was followed during two consecutive years. Outdoor measurements were carried out monthly in the period from May to September in the years 2004 and 2005. Mean values of net photosynthesis (P _N) of external tests show a typical daily trend: a rise until the maximum followed by a decline of assimilation with lower values maintained until the end of day. External data were validated by light-response curves, obtained under different thermal regimes in controlled conditions. External trials and measures in controlled conditions confirm an elevated photosynthetic activity below 30°C and a decrease over that limit. The results obtained evidence that the CO₂ assimilation of the P. lentiscus is influenced by stressful temperatures. The ecophysiological response to this limiting factor is an adaptation that concentrates on the photosynthetic activity in the hours of the day and in the periods of the year in which temperatures are more favourable.     

Distribution and foraging behaviour of the Peruvian Booby (Sula variegata) off northern Chile

The Peruvian Booby (Sula variegata) is one of the most numerous guano bird species in the Humboldt Current. We used a combination of data logger deployment, at-sea observations and colony-based work to investigate the foraging and diving behaviour, as well as the at-sea distribution and food choice of Peruvian Boobies breeding at Isla Pajaros, northern central Chile. Birds foraged in the vicinity of Isla Pajaros. They performed short foraging trips, varying between a few minutes and several hours. Average foraging range was 17.1 ± 3.5 km and diving took place between 2 and 10 km off the coast. Birds dived to depth of up to 10 m with an average depth of 4.3 ± 1.5 m. By at-sea observations as well as by data logger deployment, we identified important foraging areas close to the coast, especially around protruding points. The birds’ diet was highly variable between years, with Inka scad (Trachurus murphyi) and anchovy (Engraulis ringens) being the overall dominant prey species. Despite limited sample sizes, this paper presents first results about the foraging behaviour of Peruvian Boobies at the largest breeding colony in northern Chile. This information is essential for a better understanding of the effects of environmental changes as well as for the implementation of conservation measures.     

Isolation and characterization of ten microsatellite loci in Blue-footed (Sula nebouxii) and Peruvian Boobies (Sula variegata)

Ten microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from Blue-footed (Sula nebouxii) and Peruvian Boobies (S. variegata). The loci were screened in 24 Blue-footed Boobies and 27 Peruvian Boobies: 8 were polymorphic in Blue-footed Boobies with between 2 and 10 alleles per locus and 9 were polymorphic in Peruvian Boobies with between 2 and 12 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.29 to 0.84. These loci were also tested in Brown Boobies (S. leucogaster) and were variably polymorphic. These new loci are currently being used to assess population genetic structure in Blue-footed and Peruvian Boobies and will also be used to examine hybridization between the species.     

Leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and growth responses of Genipa americana seedlings to soil flooding

Effects of soil flooding on photosynthesis and growth of Genipa americana L. seedlings, a neotropical fruit-tree species used in gallery forest restoration programs, were studied under glasshouse conditions. Despite the high survival rate and wide distribution in flood-prone habitats of the neotropics, previous studies demonstrated that growth of G. americana is reduced under soil flooding. Using leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements, we tested the hypothesis that stomatal limitation of photosynthesis is the main factor that reduces carbon uptake and growth rates of G. americana seedlings. Throughout a 63-day flooding period, the survival rates were 100%. The maximum values of the net photosynthetic rate (A) and stomatal conductance to water vapor (g_s) of control seedlings were 9.86 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ and 0.525 mol H₂O m⁻² s⁻¹, respectively. The earliest effects of flooding were significant decreases in g_s and A, development of hypertrophied lenticels and decrease in the dry weight of roots. A strong effect of the leaf-to-air vapor pressure deficit (LAVPD) on g_s and A were observed that was enhanced under flooded conditions. Between 14 and 63 days after flooding, significant reductions in g_s (31.7% of control) and A (52.9% of control) were observed followed by significant increments in non-photochemical quenching (q_N) (187.5% of control). During the same period, there were no differences among treatments for the ratio between variable to initial fluorescence (F_v/F₀), the maximum quantum efficiency of the photosystem II (F_v/F_m) and photochemical quenching (q_P), indicating that there was no damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. Based on the results, we conclude that decreases in stomatal opening and stomatal limitation of photosynthesis, followed by decrease in individual leaf area are the main causes of reductions in carbon uptake and whole plant biomass of flooded seedlings.     

入侵种银胶菊和三叶鬼针草与本地种气体交换特性的比较

以菊科入侵植物银胶菊(Parthenium hysterophorus)和三叶鬼针草(Bidens pilosa)以及与其共生的菊科本地植物小蓟(Cirsium setosum)为对象,比较了3种植物气体交换参数和叶片特性的差异。结果表明,银胶菊和三叶鬼针草的净光合速率(net photosynthetic rate,P_n)、叶绿素含量、比叶面积(specific leaf area,SLA)、叶片单位质量P含量(leaf P content per unit mass,P_(mass))、光合能量利用效率(photosynthetic energy use efficiency,PEUE)和光合氮利用效率(photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency,PNUE)均显著高于小蓟。植物叶片P_n与水分利用效率(water use efficiency,WUE)、叶片P_(mass)、SLA呈极显著正相关,植物叶片单位质量N含量(leaf P content per unit mass,N_(mass))与叶片SLA、单位质量建成成本(leaf construction cost per unit mass,CC_(mass))、叶绿素含量呈极显著正相关。与本地植物相比,较高的气体交换参数和叶片生化指标有可能是银胶菊和三叶鬼针草成功入侵的原因之一。     

Characteristics of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence in red and green leaves of Begonia semperflorens

To determine the effects of leaf colour on gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, two genotypes of Begonia semperflorens with green leaves or red leaves were compared. The red leaves showed a high accumulation of anthocyanins and high absorbance at 282 and 537 nm while the green leaves exhibited a higher net photosynthetic rate and lower thermal dissipation of light energy. It seems likely that anthocyanins in the vacuoles restricted the absorption of green light to the chloroplasts, leading to a decrease in the efficiency of excitation capture by open PS 2 centres, photochemical quenching and CO₂ assimilation.     

水淹生境下秋华柳对Cd污染土壤微生物数量及酶活性的影响

三峡库区消落带面临水淹及Cd污染双重胁迫,为探究秋华柳(Salix variegata Franch.)在水淹条件下对Cd污染土壤的修复能力,以秋华柳扦插苗为试验材料,设置正常供水(CK)和水淹组(FL)两个水分处理方式,4个Cd浓度梯度:对照组(0mg/kg)、低浓度(0.5mg/kg)、中浓度(2mg/kg)及高浓度(10mg/kg),分别对处理60 d和120 d的土壤微生物数量及酶活性变化特征进行研究。试验结果表明:(1)Cd浓度处理均未显著影响土壤微生物数量(P0.05),水淹显著降低处理60 d土壤细菌数、真菌数及处理120 d的土壤放线菌数及真菌数(P0.05)。(2)种植秋华柳显著提高处理60 d土壤细菌数量(P0.05),对土壤放线菌、真菌数量也有一定提升。(3)Cd浓度处理显著影响处理60 d土壤磷酸酶活性及处理120 d脲酶活性(P0.05),水淹显著降低处理60 d土壤磷酸酶活性及处理120 d脲酶、蔗糖酶和磷酸酶活性(P0.05)。(4)正常供水及水淹条件下,种植秋华柳对土壤酶活均有一定改善作用。种植秋华柳显著提高了处理60 d土壤磷酸酶活性以及处理120 d脲酶和蔗糖酶活性(P0.05)。研究结果表明:水淹生境中,秋华柳对Cd污染土壤微生物数量及酶活性具有改善作用,在Cd污染土壤修复方面有一定应用前景。     

Grapevine leaf gas exchange, plant growth, yield, fruit quality and carbohydrate reserves influenced by the grape leafhopper,Empoasca vitis

The impact of the grape leafhopper,Empoasca vitis, on leaf gas exchange, plant growth, yield, fruit quality and carbohydrate reserves of the grapevines,Vitis vinifera L., was studied. Gas exchange was measured on the discolored (red) and the green parts of infested main leaves and on leaves from uninfested vines. Photosynthesis and mesophyll conductance were severely reduced on main leaves showing leafhopper feeding symptoms. The stomatal conductance of the red leaf section of infested main leaves was lower than on undamaged control leaves. Additionally, the red leaf section of infested main leaves showed lower transpiration rates when compared to the green parts of the same leaves and to undamaged control leaves. Gas exchange processes of lateral leaves were not affected by leafhopper feeding. Leafhopperload on main leaves was correlated to visual damage symptoms. At 71.8 leafhopper-days per leaf up to 40% of the main leaf area of the infested plants was discolored from the borders towards the center. Lateral leaves showed no feeding symptoms. Shoot diameter, pruning weight and carbohydrate reserves in the wood were not affected by leafhoppers. Lateral leaf area growth was significantly stimulated on plants infested by leafhoppers. No decrease in yield and fruit quality with leafhopper-loads up to 71.8 leafhopper-days per leaf were observed.     

Ventilation and control of acid-base status during temperature acclimation in the crab,Cancer magister

Summary Frequencies of scaphognathite (ventilatory,f _sc) and heart (f _h) pumping, oxygen consumption ( ), and hemolymph oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH levels were measured in adult Dungeness crabs (Cancer magister) during 7–10 day periods of exposure to 7, 12, and 17°C seawater. Ventilation volume ( ) was calculated for individual animals fromf _sc and a previously determined relationship between stroke volume and animal mass. increases (Q₁₀=2.3) with temperature were associated with larger increases inf _sc (Q₁₀=3.3) and (Q₁₀=3.5) and smaller increases inf _h (Q₁₀=1.5). The incidence of unilateral scaphognathite pumping and pausing decreased as temperature rose.Postbranchial oxygen tension was maintained in vivo but hemolymph oxygen content decreased both in vivo and in vitro as temperature rose. Postbranchial carbon dioxide tension did not change significantly but relative alkalinity was maintained as temperature rose by loss of hemolymph bicarbonate. The effects of increased ventilation volume and potential mechanisms of bicarbonate regulation are discussed.The responses of the essentially subtidalCancer magister are compared with those of subtidal, intertidal and terrestrial crabs demonstrating that the concepts of acid-base regulation developed for water and air breathing vertebrates are also applicable to water and air breathing crabs, and that intertidal crabs may exhibit transitional states.This work was supported by Grant No. A.5762 National Research Council of Canada     

外源有机酸对镉胁迫下秋华柳镉积累特征的影响

为探究外源有机酸在加强秋华柳(Salix variegata Franch.)镉积累效率中的应用潜力,采用营养液培养方法,研究了5种100μmol/L外源有机酸(草酸、柠檬酸、酒石酸、苹果酸和琥珀酸)对50μmol/L Cd胁迫下秋华柳生长适应性及Cd积累特征的影响,并通过化学平衡程序VISUAL MINTEQ v3.0计算溶液中不同化学形态Cd(游离态和螯合态Cd)的含量。结果表明:柠檬酸、酒石酸、苹果酸和琥珀酸的添加有效缓解了Cd对秋华柳的毒害,明显促进了秋华柳的生长。除草酸处理组外,其余4个有机酸处理组培养液中游离Cd~(2+)含量均得到较大提升,显著促进了秋华柳对Cd的吸收。柠檬酸、酒石酸、琥珀酸和苹果酸的添加显著提高了秋华柳植株的Cd积累量,分别是未加入有机酸Cd处理组的210%、190%、190%和178%。外源有机酸的施加提高了介质中游离Cd~(2+)的含量,并通过与重金属的络合等作用提升了植株对Cd的吸收和积累能力。但不同有机酸对秋华柳Cd积累特征的影响差异明显,柠檬酸加入后通过提高秋华柳根生物量和根中Cd含量,显著增加了根系Cd积累量;酒石酸、苹果酸和琥珀酸的应用则明显提高了秋华柳地上部分Cd积累量。因此,外源酒石酸、琥珀酸和苹果酸的应用可提高秋华柳地上部分的Cd积累效率,更有利于对Cd污染土壤的修复。