Velamen and exodermis characters of West African epiphytic orchids in relation to taxonomic grouping and habitat tolerance

The velamen and exodermis of roots of 76 species of epiphytic orchids occurring in West Africa were examined and evaluated for the following characters: number of velamen layers; wall striations and hairs of the velamen; wall thickening and lignification of velamen and exodermal cells; size, and uniformity in shape and size, of velamen and exodermal cells. The term epi-velamen is proposed for the distinctive outermost layer of multi-seriate velamen. High correlation is reported between the number of velamen layers and taxonomic as well as habitat-tolerance groupings, together with lower, but still appreciable, correlation between the other characters evaluated and taxonomic and habitat-tolerance groupings.     

Ecological studies in the plankton of certain freshwater ponds of hyderabad — India II,phytoplankton —1

Summary The paper discusses the distribution and periodicity of Volvocales, Chlorococcales, Desmids, Euglenineae and phytoplankton in general occurring in three freshwater ponds. It is observed that the polluted pond harboured densest phytoplankton population comprising of Volvocales, Chlorococcales, Myxophyceae and Euglenineae. Bluegreens were particularly abundant in alkaline waters (pH 8.69) which were rich in nitrates (12.58) and dissolved oxygen (5.5). The ponds harbouring diatoms and desmids were less polluted. It is emphasized that ecological behaviour of several species does not fall in harmony with the behaviour of the taxonomic group or class of which they are members. Therefore, attention was paid to the ecology of individual species as far as possible.In their seasonal fluctuations different algal groups were apparently favoured by the ecological conditions given below.     

团藻目分子系统学研究进展

包含许多重要类群的团藻目在绿色植物系统演化中占有十分重要的地位。普遍认 为现在的绿色植物起源于团藻目的绿色鞭毛类,有人认为鞭毛细胞表面覆盖有鳞片的塔胞藻类是绿色植物的祖先。团藻目是分子系统学研究比较多和比较深入的一个类群,通过研究证实其有单一共同祖先,而莱茵衣藻在所有已经经过DNA测序分析系统发育的绿色单细胞类群中是最可能的种类。本文结合自己的工作,对国内外这一研究领域概况进行综述。     

团藻目分子系统学研究进展

包含许多重要类群的团藻目在绿色植物系统演化中占有十分重要的地位。普遍认为现在的绿色植物起源于团藻目的绿色鞭毛类 ,有人认为鞭毛细胞表面覆盖有鳞片的塔胞藻类是绿色植物的祖先。团藻目是分子系统学研究比较多和比较深入的一个类群 ,通过研究证实其有单一共同祖先 ,而莱茵衣藻在所有已经经过DNA测序分析系统发育的绿色单细胞类群中是最可能的种类。本文结合自己的工作 ,对国内外这一研究领域概况进行综述。     

Aplanogamous sexual reproduction in Carteria eugametos (Volvocales,Chlorophyta)

Morphological details of sexual reproduction in Carteria eugametos (Volvocales, Chlorophyta) were studied under controlled laboratory conditions. Protoplasts of the two pairing, flagellate cells were released from cell walls to become isogametes. Such gametes were nonmotile and soon fused to form a completely immobile zygote. The zygote then secreted a cell wall to enter the dormant period. After dark treatment, the zygote produced four, eight or 16 quadriflagellate germ cells, and a transparent vesicle enclosing all the germ cells was released from the zygote wall. This type of zygote germination and aplanogamy in C. eugametos is unique and may be related to its peculiar phylogenetic position within the Volvocales (Chlamydomonadales).     

Limnological studies on freshwater ponds of Hyderabad,India IV. The biocenose. Periodicity and species composition of unicellular and colonial phytoplankton in polluted and unpolluted environments

Periodicity and species composition of unicellular and colonial phytoplankton was investigated for two years in three freshwater polluted and unpolluted ponds of Hyderabad, India. Periodicity of various taxonomic groups such as Volvocales, Chlorococcales, Desmids, diatoms and blue-greens was found to be related with the fluctuations of the physicochemical parameters of the ecosystem. Factors like temperature, rainfall, nitrates, nitrites, total sulfides, silica, oxidizable organic matter and basic ratio (Na + K/Ca + Mg) were observed to play an important role in the periodicity of phytoplankton. Taxonomic analysis of the commonly occurring phytoplankton resulted in the identification of 138 species.     

Cuticular structures and epidermal glands of Echinoderes cantabricus and E. hispanicus (Kinorhyncha, Cyclorhagida) with special reference to their taxonomic value

The body wall of two species of kinorhynchs, Echinoderes cantabricus and E. hispanicus, was examined with transmission and scanning electron microscopy, to determine accurately the nature, arrangement, and consistency of characters used for taxonomic purposes. Structural details of cuticular hairs, pectinate fringes, spines, tubules, and different cuticular scars are described and discussed. Two kinds of epidermal glands, types 1 and 2, are characterized according to the nature of their secretory products, their exact location and distribution in the trunk segments, and their possible value as taxonomic characters. The generally assumed function of tubules for the release of secretory product is analyzed and finally rejected in light of the different distribution of tubules and glands along the trunk and because of the absence of a clear anatomic relation between both structures. The cuticular features studied can be useful for taxonomic purposes because of their consistency, but some of them are difficult to access and evaluate and therefore must be used with caution.     

Seed coat morphology and its systematic significance in Juncus L. (Juncaceae) in Egypt

The seed morphology of nine taxa of Juncus from Egypt has been investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy, to determine the importance of seed coat features as taxonomic characters. Macro- and micromorphological characters, including seed shape, color, size, seed appendages, epidermal cell shape, anticlinal boundaries, and outer periclinal cell wall and secondary cell wall sculpture are presented. Four types of seed appendages are recognized: (i) seeds with two appendages; (ii) seeds without appendages; (iii) seeds with minutely a piculate at one end; and (iv) seeds with minutely a piculate at both ends. Two types of anticlinal cell wall boundaries,(i) raised-channeled, straight and (ii) raised, straight or sinuous, and three different shapes of outer periclinal cell wall are described: (i) flat; (ii) concave; and (iii) flat to slightly concave. The secondary sculpture of the cell wall varies from striate to microreticulate or reticulate, and smooth to finely folded. Seed characters provide useful data for formulating the taxonomy of Juncus both on the subgeneric and sectional level. A key for the identification of the investigated taxa based on seed characters is provided.     

Seed coat morphology and its systematic significance in Juncus L. (Juncaceae)in Egypt

The seed morphology of nine taxa of Juncus from Egypt has been investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy,to determine the importance of seed coat features as taxonomic characters.Macro-and micromorphological characters,including seed shape,color,size,seed appendages,epidermal cell shape,anticlinal boundaries,and outer periclinal cell wall and secondary cell wall sculpture are presented.Four types of seed appendages are recognized:(i)seeds with two appendages;(ii)seeds without appendages;(iii)seeds with minutely a piculate at one end;and(iv)seeds with minutely a piculate at both ends.Two types of anticlinal cell wall boundaries,(i)raised-channeled,straight and(ii)raised,straight or sinuous,and three different shapes of outer periclinal cell wall are described:(i)flat;(ii)concave;and(iii)flat to slightly concave.The secondary sculpture of the cell wall varies from striate to microreticulate or reticulate,and smooth to finely folded.Seed characters provide useful data for formulating the taxonomy of Juncus both on the subgeneric and sectional level.A key for the identification of the investigated taxa based on seed characters is provided.     

Contributions of Electron Microscopy to Fungal Classification

Such characters as surface ultrastructure of asexual and sexualpropagules, wall and septal ultrastructure, the fine structureof ascal tips, and ultrastructural aspects of nuclear divisionhave taxonomic significance for major groups of fungi. Informationderived from fine-structural analyses can be correlated withthat obtained from light-microscopic, chemical, and developmentalinvestigations. The versatility of electron-microscopic facilitiesmakes them powerful research tools in the hands of the innovativetaxonomist.     

Oospore variation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nitella gracilis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nitella mucronata</Emphasis> (Charales,Charophyceae) from Poland

The determination of the members of Charales (Charophyceae) is not easy. The main reason of this is a wide range of variation in vegetative characters within most of the species. Many features such as the extent of branchlet cortication, the degree of incrustation, length and number of bract cells, spine cells, stipulodes, diameter of the main axis and oospore size and color do not have universal taxonomic significance. In similar, many Nitella species characters such as: general habitus, branchlets and presence of the top segment (mucro), are helpful in determination, however they are often not developed. In this case, the features of oospore wall ornamentation revealed by light and scanning microscopy can be important taxonomic characters of the Charales. The present study shows interspecific variations of the oospore in two Nitella species from Poland which can be helpful in correct determination of both species. Some of the oospore features like number of striae and fossa width can not be used, as they appeared statistically unimportant, and cannot be used in distinguishing between both species. The presented results are the first detailed report of oospore wall ornamentation pattern from Poland for the species studied. Oospore features are presented in detail on the background of some additional tips and among them particularly: length and width of the oospore, ISI idex, width of fossa, width of striae and number of striae.     

Analyses of Extracellular Carbohydrates in Oomycetes Unveil the Existence of Three Different Cell Wall Types

Some of the most devastating plant and animal pathogens belong to the oomycete class. The cell walls of these microorganisms represent an excellent target for disease control, but their carbohydrate composition is elusive. We have undertaken a detailed cell wall analysis in 10 species from 2 major oomycete orders, the Peronosporales and the Saprolegniales, thereby unveiling the existence of 3 clearly different cell wall types: type I is devoid of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) but contains glucuronic acid and mannose; type II contains up to 5% GlcNAc and residues indicative of cross-links between cellulose and 1,3-β-glucans; type III is characterized by the highest GlcNAc content (>5%) and the occurrence of unusual carbohydrates that consist of 1,6-linked GlcNAc residues. These 3 cell wall types are also distinguishable by their cellulose content and the fine structure of their 1,3-β-glucans. We propose a cell wall paradigm for oomycetes that can serve as a basis for the establishment of cell wall architectural models and the further identification of cell wall subtypes. This paradigm is complementary to morphological and molecular criteria for taxonomic grouping and provides useful information for unraveling poorly understood cell wall carbohydrate biosynthetic pathways through the identification and characterization of the corresponding enzymes.     

PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN THE COLONIAL VOLVOCALES (CHLOROPHYTA) INFERRED FROM CLADISTIC ANALYSIS BASED ON MORPHOLOGICAL DATA1

A cladistic analysis was used to deduce the phylogenetic relationships within the colonial Volvocales. Forty-one pairs of characters related to gross morphology and ultrastructure of vegetative colonies as well as asexual and sexual reproduction were analyzed based on parsimony, using the PAUP 3.0 computer program, for 25 species belonging to nine volvocacean and goniacean genera of the colonial Volvocales. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Dangeard was the outgroup. The strict consensus tree indicated the presence of two monophyletic groups, one composed of all the volvocacean species analyzed in this study and the other containing the goniacean species except for the four-celled species Gonium sociale (Dujardin) Warming. In addition, these two groups constitute a large monophyletic group, to which G. sociale is a sister group. A new combination Tetrabaena socialis (Dujardin) Nozaki et Itoh and a new family Tetrabaenaceae Nozaki et Itoh are thus proposed for G. sociale. In addition, the analysis suggests that the volvocacean genera Eudorina and Pleodorina are paraphyletic groups, respectively, and that the monotypic genus Yamagishiella has no autapomorphic characters and represents primitive features of the anisogamous and oogamous genera of the Volvocaceae. Phylogenetic relationships within the Volvocaceae and the Goniaceae, as well as the various modes of sexual reproduction exhibited by these organisms, are discussed on the basis of the analysis.     

Molecular phylogeny of labyrinthulids and thraustochytrids based on the sequencing of 18S ribosomal RNA gene

Labyrinthulids and thraustochytrids are unicellular heterotrophs, formerly considered as fungi, but presently are recognized as members in the stramenopiles of the kingdom Protista sensu lato. We determined the 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequences of 14 strains from different species of the six genera and analyzed the molecular phylogenetic relationships. The results conflict with the current classification based on morphology, at the genus and species levels. These organisms are separated, based on signature sequences and unique inserted sequences, into two major groups, which were named the labyrinthulid phylogenetic group and the thraustochytrid phylogenetic group. Although these groupings are in disagreement with many conventional taxonomic characters, they correlated better with the sugar composition of the cell wall. Thus, the currently used taxonomic criteria need serious reconsideration.     

Relationship between song characters and morphology in New World pigeons

We studied the pattern of variation in song characters among 16 New World pigeon species belonging to different taxonomic groups defined by morphological characters. Structural, temporal and frequency characters of the song were analysed. Principal components analyses showed that species belonging to the same taxonomic group were also grouped together by their song characters. In addition, individuals were correctly assigned into taxonomic groups by discriminant function analyses in more than 87.8% of cases. These analyses also showed that more than 87.5% of the individuals could be correctly classified by species when all song characters were included. Correct classification of individuals by species and taxonomic groups dropped when character types were analysed separately, thus showing that structural, as well as temporal and frequency characters are fundamental to define species- and group-specific identities of New World pigeon's songs. Correspondence between patterns of vocal and morphological variation found in this study can be a consequence of evolutionary changes in morphology affecting song production, as for example body size changes that constrain the syrinx to produce certain acoustic frequencies.     

Plectin-like proteins are present in cells of Chlamydomonas eugametos (Volvocales)

Using both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against mammalian plectin (multifunctional protein cross-linking cytoskeletal structures, mainly intermediate filaments, in mammalian cells), several putative isoforms of plectin-like proteins were found in protein extracts from the green algaChlamydomonas eugametos (Volvocales). Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting revealed that some of the plectin-like proteins were present in perinuclear region or localized near the cell wall, probably being attached to the cytoplasmic membrane.     

中国栅藻属植物数量分类初探

作者采用双向指示种分析法,对在中国分布的栅藻属植物进行了数量分类的初步研究。结果表明,52种栅藻属植物可分成5类。对该属的一些系统分类问题也进行了讨论。       

The detection and estimation of character weighting in classifications

Relative weighting of characters used in taxonomic decisions is detected by comparison with taxonomic models in which characters are given equal weights. Classifications are analysed for implied distance inequalities between triplets of taxa, and the minimal weights applied to the distances between taxa necessary to satisfy these constraints are estimated. Weights acting as multipliers on interacting characters are compared with weight estimations: geometric parameters which depend upon the relative locations of the taxa in taxonomic space.     

Nucleated assembly of Chlamydomonas and Volvox cell walls

The Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cell wall is made up of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins, arranged in five distinct layers. The W6 (crystalline) layer contains three major glycoproteins (GP1, GP2, GP3), selectively extractable with chaotropic agents, that self-assemble into crystals in vitro. A system to study W6 assembly in a quantitative fashion was developed that employs perchlorate-extracted Chlamydomonas cells as nucleating agents. Wall reconstitution by biotinylated W6 monomers was monitored by FITC-streptavidin fluorescence and quick-freeze/deep-etch electron microscopy. Optimal reconstitution was obtained at monomer concentrations (0.2-0.3 mg/ml) well below those required for nonnucleated assembly. Assembly occurred from multiple nucleation sites, and faithfully reflected the structure of the intact W6 layer. Specificity of nucleated assembly was demonstrated using two cell-wall mutants (cw-2 and cw-15); neither served as a substrate for assembly of wild-type monomers. In addition, W6 sublayers were assembled from purified components: GP2 and GP3 coassembled to form the inner (W6A) sublayer; this then served as a substrate for self-assembly of GP1 into the outer (W6B) sublayer. Finally, evolutionary relationships between C. reinhardtii and two additional members of the Volvocales (Chlamydomonas eugametos and Volvox carteri) were explored by performing interspecific reconstitutions. Hybrid walls were obtained between C. reinhardtii and Volvox but not with C. eugametos, confirming taxonomic assignments based on structural criteria.     

团藻目群体鞭毛类的中国新记录

于2015年3月到7月在湖北省内多处水体采集浮游藻类样品,通过光学显微镜观察样品形态,共鉴定出团藻目群体鞭毛类3科5属8种。其中四豆藻科Tetrabaenaceae Nozaki et Itoh为中国新记录科,四豆藻属Tetra-baena（Dujardin）Fromentel和似团藻属Volvulina Playfair为中国新记录属,发现了5个新记录种分别为简单四豆藻Tetrabaena socialis（Dujardin）Nozaki et Itoh、科尔曼实球藻Pandorina colemaniae Nozaki、致密似团藻Vol-vulina compacta Nozaki、柱状空球藻Eudorina cylindrical Korshikov和单果空球藻Eudorina unicocca Smith。基于3种分子标记进行的系统发育分析验证了各样品的形态学鉴定;同时四豆藻科、盘藻科和团藻科均为单系类群,进一步支持了Nozaki的分类系统。