On the Function of Wall Sculpturing in Xylem Conduits

The water-conducting network of capillaries in vascular plants has evolved over hundreds of millions of years in order to beable to cope with bubble clogging,a problem which also affects modern microfluidic devices.Decades of anatomical studieshave revealed that plants growing in habitats in which the formation of bubbles,or emboli,is likely to be a frequent occurrenceoften have various forms of geometrical sculpturing on the internal surfaces of the xylem conduits.The possible function of suchwall sculpturing has long been the subject of speculation.We have investigated the hypothesis that wall sculpturing is a functionaladaptation designed to increase the wettability of the walls of xylem conduits,an effect which could be described as theinverse of the well-known lotus-effect.Our results show that wall sculpturing does enhance wettability.Importantly,theoreticalcalculations reveal that the geometric parameters of various types of wall sculpturing are such that the resulting surfaces aresufficiently rough to enhance wettability,but not significantly rougher.The results provide an appealing answer to thelong-standing debate on the function of wall sculpturing in xylem conduits,and may provide biomimetic clues for new approachesto the removal of bubbles in microfluidic channels.     

Cell distribution and surface morphology in petals, androecia and styles of Commelinaceae

Cell distribution and surface morphology in petals, androecia and styles of Commelinaceae. Epidermal cell shape, distribution, surface topography and cuticular morphology in petals, androecia and styles of 10 species in the Commelinaceae are described. Petals of all species possess a basal area of elongated, straight-sided cells and an area of cells with sinuous, anticlinal walls. The degree of convolution of anticlinal wall and the length of cells varies between genera. The surface of cells in Aneilema, Commelina and Cyanotis are micropapillate. In all other genera they are low-domed. Cuticular surfaces of the three genera are smooth, while in the remainder heavily striated. The cells of stamens, staminodes, staminal hairs, and styles are variably elongated and straight-sided, their surfaces convex and cuticle striated. The degree of striation is less pronounced at the base of each organ but becomes more densely arrayed towards the apex. Petal pigments are located in upper epidermal cells in Tradescantia and Thyrsanthemum , in upper and lower epidermises in Dichorisandra and Commelina , and in both epidermises, and mesophyll of Aneilema. In most species pigmentation of androecium and style is similar to petals though often fainter at base and apex. Flavonols in the pigments give rise to spectral polmorphisms visible in longwave UV light. Epidermal adaptations for light capture in petals is compared to that in leaf structure.     

Mericarp morphology and its systematic implications for the genus Salvia L. section Hymenosphace Benth. (Lamiaceae) in Turkey

Mericarp morphology of 15 taxa of Salvia L. section Hymenosphace Benth. in Turkey were investigated by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the utility of mericarp characters in systematic studies. Mericarps ranged from 2.50 to 5.38?mm in length and 2.04 to 4.70?mm in width. Mericarp shape was prolate-spheroid or near spherical with a length-to-width ratio of 1.02?C1.48. Transverse sections of the mericarps were rounded or rounded-trigonous. Mericarp surfaces presented colliculate, reticulate, verrucate or foveate sculpturing patterns, mostly as a result of the sculpturing of the exocarp cell walls with the pattern determined by whether the periclinal walls were concave or convex and whether the anticlinal walls were raised or sunken. Colliculate surface sculpturing (periclinal walls convex) was the most common among the taxa examined. The variation in the nature of surface sculpturing, mericarp shape and size, exocarp cell shape, nature of transverse sections and abscission scar diameter proved useful diagnostic characters. Variation was sufficient to distinguish taxa at species level, including morphologically similar species. Data provided here are also relevant to phylogenetic questions at higher levels within Salvia.     

Epidermal and seed surface characters of plants: systematic applicability and some evolutionary aspects

Based on SEM examinations of about 5000 species of seed plants, this is a survey of their epidermal surface characters with an aim to application in taxonomy. Surface characters may be grouped into four categories: (1) Cellular arrangement or cellular pattern. (2) Shape of cells (the "primary sculpture" of a surface). (3) Relief of outer cell walls (the "secondary sculpture" superimposed on the primary sculpture), caused mainly by cuticular striations and superficially visible wall inclusions and wall thickenings. (4) Epicuticular secretions (the "tertiary sculpture" superimposed on the secondary sculpture), i.e. mainly waxes and related substances.
The systematic applicability is discussed for each of these structural groups. Epidermal characters are only slightly influenced by environmental conditions. Their high structural diversity provides most valuable criteria for the classification between species and family level. There is also some evidence for their systematic applicability above the family level.
The possible evolutionary–ecological significance of surface sculpturing is discussed briefly. There is evidence that these features may be seen primarily under the aspects of reduced ability of plants to contaminate and as temperature control mechanisms of the surfaces.     

SEM study of the inner periclinal surface of leaf cuticles in the family Pinaceae

Characters of the internal cuticle surface of 82 species of Pinaceae (ranging over nine genera) have been investigated using both light and SEM. Considerable variation is demonstrated in details of the intercellular flanges and in the fine sculpturing of the periclinal surface. Nine different sculpturing patterns are recognized. There is systematic value in this character; species within genera can usually be distinguished on the basis of cuticle structure, except in Cedrus and Larix .     

Late Cambrian hard substrate communities from Montana/Wyoming: the oldest known hardground encrusters

Hardground surfaces from the Late Cambrian Snowy Range Formation in Montana/Wyoming are the oldest known non-reefal hard substrates exhibiting encrusting fossils. These surfaces range in age from Early Franconian to early Trempealeauan. Hardgrounds were developed on slightly hummocky to planar, truncated surfaces of glauconite-rich, carbonate, flat pebble conglomerates, which were deposited during episodes of storm scouring in shallow subtidal environments of the Montana/Wyoming shelf. Snowy Range hardgrounds are encrusted by a low diversity assemblage of fossils dominated by simple discoidal holdfasts of pelmatozoans, probably crinoids, and including small conical spongiomorph algae? and probable stromatolites. Macroborings (e.g. Trypanites) are notably absent from all hardground surfaces, although sharp-walled, vertical, cylindrical holes (borings?) occur in micrite clasts imbedded in certain flat pebble conglomerates. No evidence of faunal succession or microecologic partitioning of irregular surfaces was observed on these Cambrian hardgrounds.     

中国凤仙花科植物叶表皮特征及其分类学意义

利用光学显微镜观察凤仙花科106份样本材料、36种代表植物的叶表皮微形态特征。结果表明:该科植物叶表皮微形态特征种内稳定,对于种间及属间关系的界定具有重要的分类学价值。上表皮细胞的形状及垂周壁的式样种间差异明显,各分类群间有明显的界限,是种间界定的重要依据,因此上表皮微形态特征具有重要的的分类学价值,基于上表皮的微形态特征将研究的36种代表植物划分为5个类型。下表皮的微形态特征虽更为多样,种间差异显著,可用于种间界定,但对于属下划分难以提供有价值的性状。该科植物叶表皮微形态特征与宏观形态特征的相关性较弱,与地理分布格局的相关性较强,关系更为密切。同一地理分布区域内的种类宏观形态特征虽然差别明显,但叶表皮微形态特征却表现出较强的一致性,这似乎也反映了叶表皮微形态这一性状受环境饰变的影响比较明显。综上所述,叶表皮微形态特征可为凤仙花科的系统发育,尤其是凤仙花属种间界定提供有价值的分类学佐证     

The pollen morphology ofOdontites (Scrophulariaceae) and its taxonomic significance

The pollen morphology of 29 species ofOdontites and related genera was examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Three major pollen types differing fundamentally in exine sculpturing were found. In the parasitic tribePedicularieae retipilate sculpturing is the most widespread type representing a plesiomorphic character state from which the two other types are derived. Of these, reticulate sculpturing is confined toOdontites, whereas a complex retirugulate pattern was found only in the monotypic Near East genusBornmuellerantha. Within the retipilate and the reticulate major types eight minor types were distinguished based on the differential correlation of exine surface morphology, size, shape and amb form. The pollen data are generally well correlated with macromorphological features and furnish important taxonomic characters at the genus—as well as at the specieslevel.     

FINE STRUCTURE OF MISTLETOE POLLEN. IV. EURASIAN AND AUSTRALIAN VISCUM L. (VISCACEAE)

Fifteen Eurasian and Australian species of Viscum L. were examined by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Pollen characters divide the species into two groups, each correlated with differences in habit and inflorescence structure: Group I (12 spp.) characterized by psilate or slightly sculptured exines and a non-uniform ektexine pattern and Group II (3 spp.) possessing highly sculptured (echinate, rodlet) surfaces and uniform ektexine patterns. Within each of the groups, pollen characters divide the species into several subgroups. Among Group I, species V. nepalense, V. heyneanum and V. ovalifolium are particularly close. The Group I species, V. trilobatum, is placed in its own subgroup primarily because of its uniform ektexine pattern—a unique feature among Asian and Australian Viscum. Of the three Group II species, V. album and V. alniformosanae are palynologically almost indistinguishable. Pollen of the Group II V. cruciatum, though exomorphologically similar to V. album, is closest ultrastructurally to the Indian V. trilobatum. Overall, the most common and probably basic pollen characters among the Eurasian and Australian species include: subprolate, rounded convex almost spherical shapes; tricolporate apertures, and non-uniform sculpturing and ektexine patterns. Oblate-spheroidal or prolate-spheroidal shapes, prominent sculpturing, and a uniform ektexine pattern are derived characters largely restricted to the Eurasian and Asian Group II species (V. album, V. alniformosanae, V. cruciatum).     

Palynological variation in Balsaminoid Ericales. II. Balsaminaceae, Tetrameristaceae, Pellicieraceae and general conclusions

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The objective of this study is to examine the palynological diversity of Balsaminaceae (two genera/+/-1000 species), Tetrameristaceae (two genera/two species) and Pellicieraceae (one genus/one species). The diversity found will be used to infer the systematic value of pollen features within the balsaminoid clade. METHODS: Pollen morphology and ultrastructure of 29 species, representing all families of the balsaminoid clade except Marcgraviaceae, are investigated by means of light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. KEY RESULTS: Balsaminaceae pollen is small to medium sized with three to four apertures, which can be either colpate or porate, and a sexine sculpturing varying from coarsely reticulate to almost microreticulate. Tetrameristaceae pollen is small sized, 3-colporate, with a heterobrochate reticulate sculpturing and granules present in the lumina. Pellicieraceae pollen is large sized, 3-colporate with long ectocolpi and a perforate sexine sculpturing with large verrucae. Furthermore, Pelliciera is characterized by the occurrence of aggregated orbicules, while orbicules are completely absent in both Balsaminaceae and Tetrameristaceae. Balsaminaceae pollen differs from the other balsaminoid families due to the occurrence of colpate or porate grains with an oblate to peroblate shape, a very thin foot layer and a lamellated endexine. CONCLUSIONS: From a pollen morphological point of view, Balsaminaceae are completely different from the other balsaminoid families. Therefore, no pollen morphological synapomorphies could be defined for the balsaminoid clade. However, various pollen features were observed that could indicate a possible relationship between Tetrameristaceae, Pellicieraceae and Marcgraviaceae. Despite the palynological similarities in the latter three families, it remains unclear to what extent they are related to each other.     

Substrate Topography Induces a Crossover from 2D to 3D Behavior in Fibroblast Migration

In a three-dimensional environment, cells migrate through complex topographical features. Using microstructured substrates, we investigate the role of substrate topography in cell adhesion and migration. To do so, fibroblasts are plated on chemically identical substrates composed of microfabricated pillars. When the dimensions of the pillars (i.e., the diameter, length, and spacing) are varied, migrating cells encounter alternating flat and rough surfaces that depend on the spacing between the pillars. Consequently, we show that substrate topography affects cell shape and migration by modifying cell-to-substrate interactions. Cells on micropillar substrates exhibit more elongated and branched shapes with fewer actin stress fibers compared with cells on flat surfaces. By analyzing the migration paths in various environments, we observe different mechanisms of cell migration, including a persistent type of migration, that depend on the organization of the topographical features. These responses can be attributed to a spatial reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton due to physical constraints and a preferential formation of focal adhesions on the micropillars, with an increased lifetime compared to that observed on flat surfaces. By changing myosin II activity, we show that actomyosin contractility is essential in the cellular response to micron-scale topographic signals. Finally, the analysis of cell movements at the frontier between flat and micropillar substrates shows that cell transmigration through the micropillar substrates depends on the spacing between the pillars.     

Isolation and characterization of flat cells, a subpopulation of the embryonic chick retina

When the embryonic neutral retina is dissociated into single cells which are maintained in stationary culture, the neuronal cells associate on the surfaces of a second population which we refer to as flat cells. The flat cells appear in the culture in significant numbers after 2 days and are required for neuronal cell attachment. We have been able to isolate pure flat cells from early cultures of mixed retina cells and have identified several antigens which support the concept that these cells are related to the glia. The cells have been tested by immunofluorescence for glial fibrillary acidic protein and have been found positive. Cell surfaces were labeled by transfer of tritiated galactose from UDP-galactose to endogenous acceptors in the presence of exogenous galactosyl transferase. After SDS-PAGE and fluorography, the surface glycoproteins of flat cells were seen to be significantly different from those of the original retina, and from chick fibroblasts. Immunoelectron microscope studies of detergent-extracted flat cells have demonstrated a complex network of intermediate filaments and actin fibers. We conclude that the flat cells are derived from the glia subpopulation of the retina and have adapted to the tissue culture environment by assuming this configuration. The unique surface properties of flat cells may be related to their role as an intermediate substrate between the neuronal cells and the tissue culture dish.     

The ecological drivers of nuptial color evolution in darters (Percidae: Etheostomatinae)

Closely related animal lineages often vary in male coloration, and ecological selection is hypothesized to shape this variation. The role of ecological selection in inhibiting male color has been documented extensively at the population level, but relatively few studies have investigated the evolution of male coloration across a clade of closely related species. Darters are a diverse group of fishes that vary in the presence of elaborate male nuptial coloration, with some species exhibiting vivid color patterns and others mostly or entirely achromatic. We used phylogenetic logistic regression to test for correlations between the presence/absence of color traits across darter species and the ecological conditions in which these species occur. Environmental variables were correlated with the presence of nuptial color in darters with colorful species tending to inhabit environments that would support fewer predators and potentially transmit a broader spectrum of natural light compared to species lacking male coloration. We also tested the color preferences of a common darter predator, largemouth bass, and found that it exhibits a strong preference for red, providing further evidence of predation as a source of selection on color evolution in darters. Ecological selection therefore appears to be an important factor in dictating the presence or absence of male coloration in this group of fishes.     

Cytometric patterns reveal growth states of Shewanella putrefaciens

Bacterial growth is often difficult to estimate beyond classical cultivation approaches. Low cell numbers, particles or coloured and dense media may disturb reliable growth assessment. Further difficulties appear when cells are attached to surfaces and detachment is incomplete. Therefore, flow cytometry was tested and used for analysis of bacterial growth on the single‐cell level. Shewanella putrefaciens was cultivated as a model organism in planktonic or biofilm culture. Materials of smooth and rough surfaces were used for biofilm cultivation. Both aerobic and anaerobic as well as feast and famine conditions were applied. Visualization of growth was also done using Environmental Scanning and Phase Contrast Microscopy. Bioinformatic tools were applied for data interpretation. Cytometric proliferation patterns based on distributions of DNA contents per cell corresponded distinctly to the various lifestyles, electron acceptors and substrates tested. Therefore, cell cycling profiles of S. putrefaciens were found to mirror growth conditions. The cytometric patterns were consistently detectable with exception of some biofilm types whose resolution remained challenging. Corresponding heat maps proved to be useful for clear visualization of growth behaviour under all tested conditions. Therefore, flow cytometry in combination with bioinformatic tools proved to be powerful means to determine various growth states of S. putrefaciens, even in constrained environments. The approach is universal and will also be applicable for other bacterial species.     

SPORE MORPHOLOGY IN THE CYATHEACEAE. III. THE GENUS TRICHIPTERIS

Scanning electron microscopy supported by light microscopic L-O analysis is used in a palynological study of the genus Trichipteris of the tree fern family Cyatheaceae. The spores of all but two of the 55 species are investigated and the results are related to previous findings for Trichipteris species in the literature. A perine layer consisting of a network of slender, smooth- or rough-textured interlocking strands with free ends uniformly characterizes the genus and is the same as the perine type previously reported in neotropical species of Sphaeropteris excluding the S. horrida group. The exine is analyzed both in spores which have not yet developed the perine layer and in spores whose perine has been removed by chemical treatment. Exine sculpturing shows great variation in the genus, ranging from essentially psilate to variously pitted (foveolate, foraminate), with topography ranging from plane to verrucate-tuberculate, and with the verrucae-tubercles themselves often variously pitted. In many instances, exine sculpturing types correlate with the infrageneric species groupings or affinities hypothesized by the recent monographers. In other cases, palynological characters offer new insight into species relationships that were previously unclear to monographers or that were interpreted differently on the basis of other characters. The exine sculpturing types reinforce the relationship evident between Trichipteris and neotropical Sphaeropteris on the basis of perine morphology.     

中国罗汉松属叶角质层微形态结构及其分类意义

利用扫描电镜对罗汉松属8种2变种植物叶角质层内外表面进行了细致观察。发现罗汉松属植物叶角质层结构具有许多相似特征,表皮细胞较为规则,长方形或多边形,边缘波状弯曲;气孔器排列成带状,长轴均与叶脉一致,气孔器具较为明显的气孔塞和伏罗林环,气孔器保卫细胞极延伸明显,通常具有2~4个副卫细胞、不具极副卫细胞。但罗汉松属叶角质层结构也具有明显的种间差异,镰叶罗汉松和洛杉矶罗汉松同其它种类差异最大,这两种植物叶两面均具气孔器,角质层内表面垂周壁直,角质层凸缘不明显;贺氏罗汉松最为显著的特征是近轴面和远轴面表皮细胞的垂周壁角质层厚且凸缘均极其发达;小叶罗汉松近轴面表皮细胞排列较为规则,多数为方形,长轴与叶脉垂直,垂周壁之间的角质层突起较为显著,延伸到皮下层;兰屿罗汉松近轴面表皮细胞排列较不规则,多边形,细胞的角端比较钝,没有棱角;大理罗汉松气孔带间隔较小,有时两条气孔带挤在一起,使副卫细胞紧连,近轴面表皮细胞较短,方形或长方形,垂周壁之间的角质层较不发达;海南罗汉松角质层气孔带间隔较宽,气孔器形状为阔椭圆形,近轴面表皮细胞均为细长方形;变种短叶罗汉松和狭叶罗汉松与罗汉松也具有明显差异,短叶罗汉松近轴面表皮细胞排列不规则,垂周壁深波状弯曲,凸缘极为明显,但原种罗汉松近轴面表皮细胞排列较为规则,垂周壁浅波状弯曲,凸缘不明显,而狭叶罗汉松近轴面表皮细胞方形或长方形,比罗汉松的表皮细胞短,垂周壁直或略弯曲,角质层极厚。这些角质层微形态特征差异可以作为罗汉松属内种类分类鉴定的依据。     

Foliar anatomy and micromorphology of eleven species of Eugenia L. (Myrtaceae)

The anatomy and micromorphology of eleven species of Eugenia found in the 'restinga' of Marica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were studied and compared. The characteristics found to be of most use in distinguishing the species are: presence and types of trichomes persistent in the adult material, form and arrangement of overlying cells (epidermal cells over secretory cavities), pattern of anticlinal walls of epidermal cells (primary sculpturing), occurrence of epicuticular striae and folds (secondary sculpturing) and presence of peristomatal folds. An analytical key based on these characteristics is presented for the Eugenia species studied.     

9种榆科植物叶表皮结构特征研究

利用叶表皮离析法观察了榆科6属9种植物叶片的表皮结构。结果表明,榆科植物叶片气孔器仅分布在远轴面,不规则型,不具副卫细胞;叶片毛状体主要有腺毛和非腺毛两种类型,腺毛由基细胞、柄细胞和膨大的顶细胞构成,非腺毛均由单细胞发育而来,基部具或不具钟乳体,多数非腺毛顶部发育成长锥状,少数非腺毛顶部极短呈喙状。根据气孔器的类型和分布位置,尤其是表皮毛的基本结构和发育类型等特征,不支持将广义榆科分为两个独立科的观点。但榆科这9种植物叶表皮特征具有属间或种间差异,有一定的分类学价值。     

Shielded environments reduce stress in alien Asteraceae species during hot and dry summers along urban‐to‐rural gradients

Urban environments often host a greater abundance and diversity of alien plant species than rural areas. This is frequently linked to higher disturbance and propagule pressure, but could also be related to the additional establishment of species from warmer native ranges in cities, facilitated by the latter''s higher air temperatures and drier soils. A hitherto unresolved question is how stressful the urban environments become during climate extremes such as heatwaves and droughts. Do such episodes still favor alien plant species, or set them back? We used in situ measured phenotypic leaf and development trait responses of the six most widespread alien Asteraceae species from various native climates along Belgian urban‐to‐rural gradients, measured during two unusually warm and dry summers. Urbanization was characterized by three factors: the percentage of artificially sealed surfaces (urbanity, measured at three spatial scales from in situ to satellite‐based), the vegetation cover and the sky view factor (SVF, fraction of the hemisphere not blocked by buildings or vegetation). Across species, either from colder or warmer native climates, we found a predominant protective effect of shielded environments that block solar radiation (low SVF) along the entire urban‐to‐rural gradient. Such environments induced lower leaf anthocyanins and flavonols indices, indicating heat stress mitigation. Shielded environments also increased specific leaf area (SLA), a typical shade response. We found that vegetated areas had a secondary importance, increasing the chlorophyll content and decreasing the flavonols index, but these effects were not consistent across species. Finally, urbanity at the organism spatial scale decreased plant height, while broader‐scale urbanity had no significant influence. Our results suggest that sealed surfaces constrain alien Asteraceae during unusually warm and dry summers, while shielded environments protect them, possibly canceling out the lack of light. These findings shed new light on alien plant species success along urban‐to‐rural gradients in a changing climate.     

茨藻科、角果藻科植物花粉形态的研究

在水生植物茨藻目中,茨藻科Najadaceae和角果藻科Zannichelliaceae植物由于其结构、尤其是花部结构的极度简化和趋同适应,系统关系仍不清楚。本文应用光学显微镜、扫描电镜和透射电镜对上述2科4属的10种代表植物的花粉形态进行了观察,系统描述了各属、种的花粉形态。结果表明角果藻科植物花粉均无萌发孔,外壁纹饰通常为拟网状至浅网状。花粉形态的研究结果支持将Vleisia作为角果藻属Zannichellia的近缘属处理的观点。茨藻科植物花粉外壁光滑、稍皱波状或为疣状,具颗粒状纹饰,萌发孔的有无在种间存在变异。花粉形态的研究结果表明角果藻科与眼子菜科Potamogetonaceae近缘,茨藻科可能与水蕹科Aponogetonaceae或水鳖科Hydrocharitaceae中具单沟花粉的类群有一定联系,而与角果藻科和眼子菜科则相去甚远。