Lincomycin-induced alteration in the contents of chlorophyll-protein complexes of dimorphic maize chloroplasts and its effect on the temperature-induced spectral changes

The difference spectroscopy technique has been utilized to investigate the temperature-induced spectral changes in mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts of maize ( Zea mays L. cv. Ganga-5) in order to assess the role of different pigment-protein complexes in the manifestation of temperature effect on the chloroplast membranes. Cooling and heating of both mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts resulted in absorbance difference (AA) bands at similar wavelengths but the degree of absorb-ance changes were significantly higher in bundle sheath chloroplasts. For example, upon cooling to 7-8°C, positive AA bands were observed at 440, 490 and 680 nm in mesophyll chloroplasts and at 440, 495–500 and 680 nm in bundle sheath chloroplasts but the absorbance change at 680 nm was ca 2% in mesophyll chloroplasts, whereas it was ca 5% in bundle sheath chloroplasts, which have a lower content of light-harvesting pigment-protein complex. The role of chlorophyll-protein complexes was further investigated by monitoring the temperature-induced spectral changes of mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts isolated from lincomycin-treated maize plants where lincomycin selectively inhibits the biosynthesis of specific chlorophyll-protein complexes. Results indicated that depletion of certain pigment-protein complexes in mesophyll chloroplasts made them more susceptible (a ca 4% vs ca 2% absorbance change upon cooling and a ca 6% vs ca 4% absorbance change upon heating) and less tolerant to temperature variation (a 76% vs 39% reversibility during ambient→Cooling→ambient temperature cycle). The data indicate that pigment-protein complexes play a significant role in protecting the chloroplast membranes against temperature variation.     

Lipid biosynthesis by intact mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts from maize

The two dimorphic forms of chloroplast isolated from maize leaves utilized acetate for fatty acid biosynthesis and had similar requirements for cofactors. The oleate:palmitate ratio of the fatty acid products was lower for bundle sheath chloroplasts as was acetate incorporation into total fatty acids. Galactose from UDP-galactose was incorporated into galactolipids by both morphological forms to give monogalactosyl diacylglycerol and digalactosyl diacylglycerol in the ratio of 4:1.     

Rapid immunofluorescent determination of cells in the S phase in pea root meristems: An alternative to autoradiography

Photosystem II (PS II) activity and the localization of ribulose-l,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.39) were studied in primary leaves of young maize plants ( Zea mays L. cv. Fronica) by tetra-nitro-blue-tetrazoliumchloride reduction and immunolocalization, respectively. In tissue of 3-day-old plants all chloroplasts were structurally identical. From day 4 they developed into their typical appearance of mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts. First PS II-activity was present in both types of chloroplasts. From day 4 it disappeared in bundle sheath chloroplasts concomitant with the loss of grana. RuBP carboxylase on the other hand was only present in bundle sheath chloroplasts at all stages of development. Thus, the control of the development of the photosystems and the Calvin cycle enzymes seem to differ.     

Cell specialization within the parenchymatous bundle sheath of barley

Abstract. Structural and physiological aspects of the parenchymatous bundle sheath (PBS) were studied in cultivars of Hordeum distichum L. The PBS of intermediate, lateral and midrib veins consisted of a single layer of cells closely appressed to the mestome sheath. These cells were large, vacuolate and approximately cylindrical in shape, extending parallel to the vein. Mean PBS cell volume was 4 × 10⁻⁵mm³ compared to 1.23 × 10⁻⁵mm³ for mesophyll cells. Transverse sections revealed three cell types within the PBS, cells with small chloroplasts (S-type), cells with large chloroplasts (L-type) and structural cells. The majority of cells were S-type, containing chloroplasts of approximately a third of the volume of mesophyll chloroplasts; they were able to reduce tetranitro blue-tetrazolium and synthesize starch. Structural cells interrupted the phloem and xylem are of the sheath in lateral veins and the midrib, whilst between one and four PBS cells within the phloem are of each vein type contained chloroplasts similar in volume and starch content to those of the mesophyll. Only these L-type cells contained noticeable starch grains at the end of an 8-h dark period, a further 4 h darkness being required for complete mobilization of starch. Starch deposition within S-type and structural cells was detectable after 4 h illumination but was only appreciable in leaves excised from the plant and illuminated for 9–12 h. The role of S-type PBS cells in assimilate transport is discussed in relation to these findings.     

Enzymes of starch and sucrose metabolism in Zea mays leaves

Mesophyll and bundle sheath cells of maize leaves were separated and enzymes of starch and sucrose metabolism assayed. The starch content and activities of ADPglucose (ADPG) starch synthetase and phosphorylase expressed both on a chlorophyll and a protein basis were much lower in mesophyll cells compared to bundle sheath preparations. Exposure of the leaves to continuous illumination for 2·5 days caused the starch content of mesophyll cells to rise greatly and led to considerable increases in ADPG starch synthetase and phosphorylase activity. In glasshouse grown leaves the bulk of invertase, sucrose phosphate synthetase, sucrose phosphatase, UDPglucose pyrophosphorylase and amylase was situated in the mesophyll layer. Sucrose synthetase, ADPG starch synthetase and phosphorylase were largely confined to the bundle sheath. No enzyme could be completely assigned to one particular cell layer. Upon continuous illumination both ADPG starch synthetase and phosphorylase increased in the mesophyll bythe same relative amount. The mesophyll is likely to be a major site for sucrose synthesis in maize leaves.     

Endoribonuclease of Vicia faba ssp. minor radicles, and enhancement of its activity by chilling stress or abscisic acid

Endoribonuclease in roots of 3-day-old seedlings of Vicia faba L. ssp, minor is a citrate activated glycoprotein of 35 kDa, with pH and temperature optima of 6.0 and 50°C. The same holds for endoribonuclease from seedlings treated with abscisic acid or exposed to a chilling stress of -3°C for 24 h, except that the temperature optimum was decreased to 40°C. The enzyme(s) preferentially hydrolysed poly (A) and poly (U). RNase activity in the radicles was enhanced by chilling stress or abscisic acid. ABA did not potentiate the effect brought about by chilling but slowed down the decrease in RNase activity in chill-stressed seedlings upon transfer to 25°C. Both factors modified the pattern of the isoelectric-points of the molecular forms of RNase.     

外来植物坚尼草生态学研究

坚尼草(Panicum maximum Jacq.)是一种外来草本植物,已逸为野生,扩展迅速,对本地草本植物构成一定的影响。其扩展能力与其生长和繁殖特点有很大关系。研究表明,坚尼草对环境的适应能力较强;植株较高大,生长迅速,有较强的竞争能力;花期长,单丛坚尼草从始穗到终穗,花期可长达6～7个月;同一穗的果实熟期不同,而且边熟边脱落,从抽穗的5～7d起开始有果实脱落,脱落时间可持续1个月左右,以抽穗2～3周为脱落高峰;不同时间成熟的果实,种子萌发率也不同,7月份成熟的果实比9月份成熟的果实萌发率高。同一穗中,以抽穗后2～3周（果实脱落的高峰期）成熟的果实萌发率较高。果实成熟后,不能立即萌发,储存1～6个月,种子萌发率较高。     

外来植物坚尼草生态学研究

坚尼草（Panicm maximum Jacq.^-）是一种外来草本植物,已逸为野生,扩展迅速,对本地草本植物构成一定的影响。其扩展能力与其生长和繁殖特点有很大关系。研究表明,坚尼草对环境的适应能力较强;植株较高大,生长迅速,有较强的竞争能力;花期长,单丛坚尼草从始穗到终穗,花期可长达6－7个月;同一穗的果实熟期不同,而且边熟边脱落,从抽穗的5－7d起开始有果实脱落,脱落时间可持续1个月左右,以抽穗2－3周为脱落高峰;不同时间成熟的果实,明发率也不同,7月份成熟的果实比9成熟的果实萌发率高。同一穗中,以抽穗后2－3周（果实脱落的高峰期）成熟的果实萌发率较高。果实成熟后,不能立即萌发,储存1－6个月,种子萌发率较高。     

The nitrogen balance of Raphanus sativus X raphanistrum plants. I. Daily nitrogen use under high nitrate supply

Abstract Growth-chamber cultivated Raphanus plants accumulate nitrate during their vegetative growth. After 25 days of growth at a constant supply to the roots of 1 mol m^?3 (NO^?₃) in a balanced nutrient solution, the oldest leaves (eight-leaf stage) accumulated 2.5% NO^?₃-nitrogen (NO₃-N) in their lamina, and almost 5% NO₃-N in their petioles on a dry weight basis. This is equivalent to approximately 190 and 400 mol^?3 m^?3 concentration of NO^?₃ in the lamina and the petiole, respectively, as calculated on a total tissue water content basis. Measurements were made of root NO^?₃ uptake, NO^?₃ fluxes in the xylem, nitrate uptake by the mesophyll cells, and nitrate reduction as measured by an in vivo test. NO^?₃ uptake by roots and mesophyll cells was greater in the light than in the dark. The NO^?₃ concentration in the xylem fluid was constant with leaf age, but showed a distinct daily variation as a result of the independent fluxes of root uptake, transpiration and mesophyll uptake. NO^?₃ was reduced in the leaf at a higher rate in the light than in the dark. The reduction was inhibited at the high concentrations calculated to exist in the mesophyll vacuoles, but reduction continued at a low rate, even when there was no supply from the incubation medium. Sixty-four per cent of the NO^?₃ influx was turned into organic nitrogen, with the remaining NO^?₃ accumulating in both the light and the dark.     

大黍(Panicum maximum Jacq.)的胚珠附器

观察了大黍(Panicum,maximum Jacq．)胚珠附器的发生时间、位置和发育过程及其细胞化学特征。结果显示：(1)大孢子母细胞时期,珠孔端有一个或多个珠心表皮细胞开始伸长、膨大,特化为胚珠附器。(2)当胚珠附器伸长、膨大至最大程度时,胚珠附器细胞表现出显著的极性特征：细胞核位于细胞的珠孔端,大而清晰;细胞内同时形成了一个特大的液泡,几乎占据了整个细胞的合点端;细胞质则被挤到珠孔端一侧,集中分布在核的周围。(3)胚珠附器从开始出现到发育成熟,都没有淀粉粒的积累;但是,PAS反应显示胚珠附器细胞壁和细胞质都比普通珠心细胞的染色程度深,这说明其细胞壁和细胞内部富含可溶性多糖。     

水稻与大黍不对称体细胞杂交再生植株

采用PEG(聚乙二醇)融合法,诱导水稻(Oryza sativa L.)原生质体与无融合生殖大黍(Panicummaximum Jacq.)原生质体融合,经过融合体筛选、培养,成功地获得了再生植株并移栽成活。在融合前,水稻原生质体经过2.5mmol/L碘乙酰胺(IOA)在室温(22～25℃)条件下处理15min,大黍原生质体经过60Kr软X射线照射处理。对获得的28株融合再生植株进行初步检查发现,在花器官形态、结构及生殖特性上与对照亲本水稻植株有显著的差异,出现多花药(一朵颖花具7～11枚甚至13枝花药)、多胚珠(1个子房内有2～3个胚珠)及“多胚囊”(1个胚珠内有2个以上类似胚囊的结构)等现象。雌、雄性育性显著降低或完全不育,仅有5株能够少量结实,I-KI溶液着色的花粉从0至68％不等。细胞胚胎学检查表明不能结实的植株雌性均不育,即不能分化出正常的胚囊结构。     

大黍无融合生殖研究概况

从胚胎学和遗传学角度论述了大黍（Panicum maximum Jacq)的无融合生殖研究进展和存在的问题,展望了大黍作为无融合生殖基因供体。在无融合生殖研究上的利用前景。     

Ultrastructural aspects of leaves inFestuca ovina andPoa sphondylodes (C-3 Poaceae)

Structural aspects of the leaves of two common festucoids,Festuca ovina andPoa sphondylodes, have been examined employing the electron microscopy. The nature of vascular bundles and of sheaths that surround vascular tissues was discussed in the study. The festucoids exhibited a non-Kranz C-3 anatomy with more than four mesophyll cells separating the bundle sheaths of a leaf blade. Vascular tissues in theseFestuca andPoa leaves were surrounded by a double sheath: an inner distinct mestome sheath (MST) and an outer indistinctive layer of parenchymatous bundle sheath (PBS) cells. The PBS cells were much larger than the MST and had thin walls. The MST cells were relatively small and rectangular inP. sphondylodes and more or less hexangular in transverse sections ofF. ovina. InP. sphondylodes, MST had conspicuously thickened inner tangential walls with asymmetrically uninterrupted suberized lamellae in radial and tangential walls. In most differentiated MST cells, all walls were highly suberized. During suberin deposition, MST cells were quite vacuolated and most of the cytoplasm was present as a thin peripheral layer. However, MST walls inF. ovina revealed very thin suberized lamellae with translucent striations. No chloroplasts were detected inP. sphondylodes, whereas the MST inF. ovina contained small chloroplasts. Plasmodesmata were well developed in the primary pit fields of walls between MST and vascular cells, and between adjacent MST cells. Plasmodesmata were less frequent in the walls between the inner and outer sheath cells. Suberized lamellae were totally absent from the PBS cell walls in all veins. External to the PBS, the mesophyll comprised thin walled cells with abundant intercellular spaces. Peripherally arranged chloroplasts in the mesophyll were numerous and often larger than those of PBS and MST cells. Characteristics associated with C-3 and other ultrastructural features were also discussed in the study.     

叶类蔬菜的硝态氮累积及成因研究

在菜园土壤上进行的田间试验,用禾谷类作物冬小麦作比较,研究了菠菜、小白菜、大青菜和油菜等叶类蔬菜累积硝态氮的特点,结果表明：硝态氮累积是一般早作作物的共性,苗期更为明显,无论蔬菜还是冬小麦均有较高的硝态氮含量（367.8-1413.4μg/g);但随生育期后延,蔬菜的硝态氮含量波动升高,冬小麦波动降低,盆栽试验表明,施入土壤的氮肥是蔬菜硝态氮累积的主要来源,过量施用氮肥所导致的蔬菜硝态氮吸收与还原转化不平衡是产生累积的根本原因,吸收与生长不协调更使累积过程加剧。     

The localization of serine hydroxymethyltransferase in leaves of C3 and C4 species

The intracellular distribution of serine hydroxymethyltransferase (EC 2.1.2.1) was studied in young wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. cv. Starke II) leaves by fractionation of protoplasts and further purification of peroxisomes and chloroplasts. Essentially all of the activity in wheat leaves was located in the mitochondria. Within the mitochondria the enzyme was mainly in the matrix as shown by centrifugation of sonicated wheat mitochondria. In the C₄ plants, Zea mays (L. cv. Earliking), Panicum miliaceum and Panicum maximum (cv. Australia) belonging to different C₄ types, serine hydroxymethyltransferase was almost exclusively found in bundle sheath cells. The location of this enzyme in leaves is consistent with its role relative to glycine decarboxylation during photorespiration.     

Changes in carbohydrate metabolism and assimilate export in starch-excess mutants of Arabidopsis

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects on carbohydrate metabolism of a reduction in the capacity to degrade leaf starch in Arabidopsis. The major roles of leaf starch are to provide carbon for sucrose synthesis, respiration and, in developing leaves, for biosynthesis and growth. Wild-type plants were compared with plants of a starch-excess mutant line (sex4) deficient in a chloroplastic isoform of endoamylase. This mutant has a reduced capacity for starch degradation, leading to an imbalance between starch synthesis and degradation and the gradual accretion of starch as the leaves age. During the night the conversion of starch into sucrose in the mutant is impaired; the leaves of the mutant contained less sucrose than those of the wild type and there was less movement of ¹⁴C-label from starch to sucrose in radio-labelling experiments. Furthermore, the rate of assimilate export to the roots during the night was reduced in the mutant compared with the wild type. During the day however, photosynthetic partitioning was altered in the mutant, with less photosynthate partitioned into starch and more into sugars. Although the sucrose content of the leaves of the mutant was similar to the wild type during the day, the rate of export of sucrose to the roots was increased more than two-fold. The changes in carbohydrate metabolism in the mutant leaves during the day compensate partly for its reduced capacity to synthesize sucrose from starch during the night.     

Ultrastructure of ferritin in the leaves of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mesembryanthemum crystallinum</Emphasis> under stress conditions

The location and structure of ferritin in the parenchyma of leaf minor veins of the common ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) treated with exogenous putrescine under salinity conditions were investigated by electron microscopy. Considerable aggregates of ferritin were detected in the chloroplasts of bundle sheath cells, in companion phloem cells, and other parenchyma cells of leaf minor veins. The structure of ferritin in the vascular parenchyma chloroplasts suggests that it was partially degraded and converted to phytosiderin. This point of view is based on indistinct structure of Fe-containing cores of ferritin molecules, break of distance between the cores, and their pronounced ability to aggregate and produce larger structures. Aggregation of Fe-containing cores apparently pointed to the destruction of ferritin protein envelope or its partial degradation. In a certain stage of ferritin destruction, electron-dense material and the structures resembling small vesicles appeared between the Fe-containing cores. Electron-dense inclusions, whose structure was similar to that of phytosiderin, were also detected in the vacuoles. Examination of the cross sections done without additional staining showed that the same as ferritin, phytosiderin in the chloroplasts and vacuoles was dark-colored against weakly colored cellular structures. In the vascular parenchyma of control plant leaves, the level of ferritin and phytosiderin was greater than in the mesophyll and much lower than in the plants simultaneously treated with NaCl and putrescine. In control material, iron cores of ferritin and phytosiderin were more light-colored and 2–3 times smaller in size than in the experimental treatment. Destruction of ferritin essentially did not occur in the mesophyll but was observed in the chloroplasts of bundle sheath cells on the border between the mesophyll and vascular bundle. The presence of much ferritin and phytosiderin on the border between the mesophyll and the vessels is accounted for by the fact that the vascular parenchyma is a buffer area that maintains a specific concentration of iron in the mesophyll of leaves and other parts of the plant. Within the cell, the role of such a buffer is performed by ferritin and vacuoles. Transformation of ferritin to insoluble hydrophobic phytosiderin is supposed to be an efficient way of withdrawing the excess of active iron from the cellular metabolism and therefore of relaxing oxidative stress. Ferritin and phytosiderin were detected not only in parenchyma cells of leaf minor veins but in sieve tubes as well. This suggests that iron may be transported within the plant as a component of protein complex.