The seed globulins of Lupinus albus

The seed globulins of Lupinus albus were extracted and 12 ditterent proteins were separated: four of them correspond to vicilins and two to legumin     

Subunit composition of the seed globulins of Lupinus albus

The seed globulins separated from Lupinus albus are all oligomeric proteins. Vicilins, i.e. globulins 4,5,6 and 7, and to a minor extent legumins,     

Lupin-seed meal (Lupinus albus cv. Hamburg) as a source of protein for growing pigs

Two experiments were performed to evaluate Lupinus albus cv. Hamburg as a source of protein for growing pigs. The first was in a factorial design, involving two levels of feeding (restricted and ad libitum) and five isocaloric, isonitrogenous diets (0, 10.3, 20.7 and 31% Hamburg, and 31% Hamburg supplemented with 0.20% synthetic L-lysine). The growth performance of pigs from 22 to 70 kg live weight was unaffected by 10.3% Hamburg replacing soya-bean meal and meat and bone meal, but at higher levels both growth rate and feed conversion efficiency were significantly depressed. Feed intake was not significantly affected by the level of Hamburg, but dressing percentage decreased significantly from 84.3 to 80.2% as the proportion of Hamburg was increased from 0 to 31%. The addition of synthetic lysine to the 31% Hamburg diet improved feed conversion efficiency, but not to the level of the diet containing no Hamburg.Hamburg contained 2100 mg/kg manganese and the effects of levels of manganese from 72 to 1330 mg/kg on pig performance between 20 and 55 kg live weight were studied in the second experiment. Up to 1330 mg/kg manganese in the diet did not affect the growth performance or carcass quality of pigs. In both experiments, the growth performance of pigs given 31 or 33% Hamburg diets, each supplemented with 0.20% synthetic L-lysine, was lower than that of pigs receiving diets without Hamburg.The digestible energy content and alkaloid content of Hamburg were 18.2 (SE ± 0.38) MJ/kg dry matter and 0.018%, respectively.     

Quantitative flavonoid variation in Lupinus sericeus

One hundred and eighty-one plants representing 32 individual populations of Lupinus sericeus were collected from throughout the range of the species. Quantitative analyses of flavonoid derivatives were performed using high performance liquid chromatography. Peak height data were subjected to multivariate analysis. Principal components analysis suggested the existence of a north-south cline based upon differences in orientin concentration. Canonical variates analysis suggested that southerly, central and northerly populations were distinguishable. Simple statistical tests on orientin concentration, the major flavonoid seen in the study, clearly distinguished southerly populations from all others. Seeds were collected from representative populations from the range of L. sericeus and the plants obtained therefrom were grown under uniform conditions. Analysis of orientin concentration in these plants showed no significant differences between populations. We conclude from these studies that all L. sericeus plants appear to have similar capacities to accumulate orientin, and that differences in concentration of this compound seen in naturally occurring plants are a reflection of environmental influences and cannot be used as support for any infrageneric taxonomic distinctions.     

Seed glycoproteins of Lupinus angustifolius

The seed globulins of Lupinus angustifolius are glycoproteins containing 1.4–1.9% (α-conglutin), 2.8–6.4 % (β-conglutin) and 1.2–3.8% (γ-conglutin) carbohydrate. The highest values were obtained after acid hydrolysis and determination by phenol—H₂SO₄, (α, γ-conglutins) or by methanolysis and sugar determination by GLC (β-conglutin). TCA denaturation of β- and γ-conglutins was necessary to remove adsorbed galactomannans before determination of glycoprotein carbohydrates. All 3 conglutins contained mannose, galactose and glucosamine, though the ratio of mannose to galactose, and to a lesser extent neutral sugars to hexosamine varied. Small amounts of fucose were found associated only with γ-conglutin.     

The protein,lipid and carbohydrate composition of protein bodies from Lupinus angustifolius seeds

Protein bodies isolated from dehulled seeds of Lupinus angustifolius (cv New Zealand Bitter Blue) contained 73 % protein, of which 78 % were globul     

t-RNA-nucleotidyltransferase activity in Lupinus luteus seeds

t-RNA-nucleotidyltransferase activity was detected in Lupinus luteus seed.The enzyme was partly purified, and some of its properties are described.     

Biosynthesis and metabolism of gramine in Lupinus hartwegii

The administration of l-tryptophan-[3-¹⁴C] to Lupinus hartwegii (3-day-old seedlings and 8-week-old plants) resulted in the formation of gramine-[methylene-¹⁴C], indicating that gramine is produced by the same biosynthetic route in this species as in barley. Radioactive indole-3-aldehyde, labelled specifically on its aldehyde carbon, was isolated from the 8-week-old plants. However no significant amount of this compound was detected in 7-day-old seedlings, and it is suggested that indole-3-aldehyde is formed by the metabolism of gramine in the maturing plant.     

Glutamine-dependent asparagine synthetase from Lupinus luteus

Asparagine synthetase (glutamine-hydrolyzing [l-aspartate: l-glutamine amido-ligase (AMP-forming), E.C. 6.3.5.4] was purified over 500-fold from cotyledon extracts of 1-week-old yellow lupin seedlings. The enzyme was labile and required protection by high levels of thiols; glycerol and the substrates also stabilized it. The reaction products were shown to be asparagine, AMP, PPi and glutamate. The limiting K_m values were for aspartate 1·3 mM, for MgATP 0·14 mM and for glutamine 0·16 mM. Positive homotropic cooperativity was observed for MgATP only, and gel filtration studies indicated that the substrate-free enzyme (MW 160 000) associated to a dimer (MW 320 000 in the presence of MgCl₂ and ATP. The purified enzyme, which had some glutaminase activity, catalyzed an aspartate- and glutamine-independent ATP-PPi exchange reaction at a rate 5–7-fold higher than the rate of asparagine synthesis. Initial velocity studies and exchange data indicated an overall ping-pong mechanism. Compared to similar enzymes isolated from mammalian tumor cells, the lupin enzyme appears to be unique with respect to MW, reaction mechanism and regulatory properties. The allosteric properties observed suggest an important role for this enzyme in the regulation of asparagine biosynthesis.     

Phenylalanine tRNA of Lupinus luteus seeds

Two isoaccepting tRNA^Phe were isolated from yellow lupin seeds by DEAE-cellulose, BD-cellulose and reversed phase chromatography. The products obtained were characterized by aminoacylation and fluorescence. The chromatographic behaviour and some properties of the isolated tRNAs are discussed and compared with the known tRNA^Phe from other sources.     

Subunit glycosylation of Lupinus angustifolius seed globulins

Reduced polypeptide subunits of α-, β- and γ-conglutins from Lupinus angustifolius seeds were resolved by preparative SDS gel electrophoresis of the fluorescent labelled proteins, into four, six and two major components, respectively. All subunits were glycosylated, to varying degrees, containing mannose, galactose and glucosamine. The major glycopeptides released by pronase digestion of each conglutin had similar galactose/mannose ratios; the MW of the glycopeptide released from α- and β-conglutin was ca 5000. Although on average, each molecule of α-conglutin contains one main oligosaccharide chain, and β-conglutin two, the presence of carbohydrate in all polypeptide subunits suggests that some subunits may arise by proteolytic cleavage of a larger polypeptide after glycosylation. The presence of minor glycopeptide components indicates that modification of carbohydrate chains during seed development may also occur.     

Gramodendrine,a bipiperidyl-indole alkaloid from Lupinus arbustus subsp. calcara tus

A new bipiperidyl-indole alkaloid, gramodendrine, was isolated from Lupinus arbustus subsp. calcaratus. Its structure was determined from spect     

Lupinus angustifolius cv. Unicrop as a protein- and energy-source for weaner pigs

One hundred and forty-four piglets were fed on wheat-based diets formulated with either lupin-seed meal, soya-bean meal or a combination of both, as protein supplements. Dietary lysine and methionine contents were equalized by additions of their free form. Piglets were fed ad libitum in weaner cages.The three diets produced similar growth rates and feed intakes during the growth phases 6–12, 12–20 and 6–20 kg. Dressing percentage of piglets at 20 kg live weight was unaffected by the level of lupin-seed meal in the diets. Carcass backfat, assessed ultrasonically at the P₁ position, was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in piglets fed on the lupin-seed meal diets.The results indicate that piglets can tolerate the high crude-fibre content associated with the use of up to 43% lupin-seed meal in wheat-based diets and there appeared to be no toxic factors in the meal.     

Variability in essential oil composition of Turkish basils (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), one of the most popular aromatic plants, shows great variation in both morphology and essential oil components. In this study, the composition of 18 Turkish basil essential oils was investigated by GC and GC–MS. Variation of essential oils in the landraces was subjected to cluster analysis, and seven different chemotypes were identified. They were (1) linalool, (2) methyl cinnamate, (3) methyl cinnamate/linalool, (4) methyl eugenol, (5) citral, (6) methyl chavicol (estragol), and (7) methyl chavicol/citral. Methyl chavicol with high citral contents (methyl chavicol/citral) can be considered as a “new chemotype” in the Turkish basils. Because methyl eugenol and methyl chavicol have structural resemblance to carcinogenic phenylpropanoids, chemotypes having high linalool, methyl cinnamate or citral contents and a mixture of these is suitable to cultivate for use in industry.     

Definition of two new symbiovars,sv. lupini and sv. mediterranense, within the genera Bradyrhizobium and Phyllobacterium efficiently nodulating Lupinus micranthus in Tunisia

In this study, a polyphasic approach was used to analyze three representative strains (LmiH4, LmiM2 and LmiT21) from a collection of six previously described strains isolated in Tunisia from root nodules of Lupinus micranthus. The phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated rrs, recA and glnII genes showed that strain LmiH4 had 100% concatenated gene sequence identity with the type strain Bradyrhizobium retamae Ro19T. Similarly, strain LmiM2 shared 100% concatenated gene sequence identity with the species Bradyrhizobium valentinum LmjM3T. However, strain LmiT21 showed an identical concatenated gene sequence with reference strain Phyllobacterium sophorae CCBAU03422T. The recA-glnII concatenated protein-coding genes used produced incongruent phylogenies compared with 16S rDNA phylogeny. The nodC gene analysis showed that the strains were phylogenetically divergent to the Bradyrhizobium symbiovars defined to date, and represented two new symbiovars. Plant infection analysis revealed that the three strains showed moderate host range and symbiotic specificities.Based on their symbiotic characteristics, we propose that the three strains isolated from Lupinus micranthus nodules belong to two new symbiovars, with the first denominated lupini within the two species Bradyrhizobium valentinum (type strain LmiM2) and B. retamae (type strain LmiH4), and the second denominated mediterranense within the species P. sophorae (type strain LmiT21).     

黄鳝体内寄生胃瘤线虫的染色体核型及G-带分析

采用常规空气干燥法制片,对寄生于黄鳝(Monopterus albus)体腔内的胃瘤线虫(Eustrongylidesignotus)染色体核型进行分析。结果表明:胃瘤线虫体细胞有12条染色体,为二倍体,核型公式为2n=12=10 m+2 sm。由5对常染色体和1对性染色体组成,性别决定模式为XX-XY,其中X、Y和1～4号染色体都为中着丝粒染色体,5号为亚中着丝粒染色体。每对染色体都有特定的G-带带型。     

Effect of genistein-8-C-glucoside from Lupinus luteus on DNA damage assessed using the comet assay in vitro

Genistein-8-C-glucoside (G8CG) belongs to natural isoflavones phytoestrogens, which are a subclass of flavonoids, a large group of polyphenolic compounds widely distributed in plants, with possible anticarcinogenic effects in various in vitro systems and in vivo animal models. We used glycosylated genistein (genistein-8-C-glucoside) from flowers of lupine (Lupinus luteus L.) to study its cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on mouse embryonic fibroblast (line NIH 3T3). The MTT assay to assess cytotoxicity and comet assay for the detection of DNA damage were used. The cells were exposed to various concentrations of genistein-8-C-glucoside (2.5-110 μM) and hydrogen peroxide (5-90 μM). The effect of G8CG alone or in combination with H₂O₂ was determined. G8CG at concentrations >20 μM significantly reduced cell viability and induced DNA damage. In contrast, lower concentrations of (2.5-10 μM) G8CG showed antioxidant properties against H₂O₂-induced DNA damage with no associated toxicity.     

Ectomycorrhizal Pisolithus albus inoculation of Acacia spirorbis and Eucalyptus globulus grown in ultramafic topsoil enhances plant growth and mineral nutrition while limits metal uptake

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) isolates of Pisolithus albus (Cooke and Massee) from nickel-rich ultramafic topsoils in New Caledonia were inoculated onto Acacia spirorbis Labill. (an endemic Fabaceae) and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (used as a Myrtaceae plant host model). The aim of the study was to analyze the growth of symbiotic ECM plants growing on the ultramafic substrate that is characterized by high and toxic metal concentrations i.e. Co, Cr, Fe, Mn and Ni, deficient concentrations of plant essential nutrients such as N, P, K, and that presents an unbalanced Ca/Mg ratio (1/19). ECM inoculation was successful with a plant level of root mycorrhization up to 6.7%. ECM symbiosis enhanced plant growth as indicated by significant increases in shoot and root biomass. Presence of ECM enhanced uptake of major elements that are deficient in ultramafic substrates; in particular P, K and Ca. On the contrary, the ECM symbioses strongly reduced transfer to plants of element in excess in soils; in particular all metals. ECM-inoculated plants released metal complexing molecules as free thiols and oxalic acid mostly at lower concentrations than in controls. Data showed that ECM symbiosis helped plant growth by supplying uptake of deficient elements while acting as a protective barrier to toxic metals, in particular for plants growing on ultramafic substrate with extreme soil conditions. Isolation of indigenous and stress-adapted beneficial ECM fungi could serve as a potential tool for inoculation of ECM endemic plants for the successful restoration of ultramafic ecosystems degraded by mining activities.     

α-D-mannosidase and α-D-galactosidase from protein bodies of Lupinus angustifolius cotyledons

Two forms of p-nitrophenyl α-D-mannosidase and p-nitrophenyl α-D-galactosidase were purified from the protein bodies of mature Lupinus angustifolius seeds. A MW of 300 000 was calculated for both α-mannosidase A and B with K_m = 1.92 and 2.70 mM and activation energies of 10.9 and 10.8 kcal/mol, respectively. α-Galactosidase I and II had MWs of 70800 and 17000 with K_m = 0.282 and 0.556 mM and activation energies 17.7 and 11.5 kcal/mol, respectively. The enzymes had acid pH optima and were inhibited by various metal ions, carbohydrates and glycoproteins. They were able to release free sugar from several putative natural substrate oligosaccharides and the Lupinus storage glycoprotein, α-conglutin.