K-Na transport: the Brewer model replaces the active transport model

In the 1940's several experimental observations were made regarding the K+ and Na+ content of chilled and restored red blood cells. As a consequence, the concept of active transport was developed. Brewer, a physicist, developed a model for membrane transport based on the electrical properties of double bonds in the ground and excited states. Of particular importance is the membrane double bond P = O. This model was largely formulated from isotope concentration studies using mass spectroscopy, photospectrometry and the nature of malignant cells. In this study, it is shown that the Brewer model completely explains the experimental results which led to the concept of active transport. In addition, it also explains the results of some adjunct experiments.     

Essential Roles of Cell Surface Protein and Carbohydrate Components in Flocculation of a Brewer’s Yeast

Co-flocculation between cells of beer yeast IFO 2018, a flocculent strain, and non-flocculent strains was investigated by means of a chemical modification method. Treatment with periodate deprived non-flocculent cells, but not flocculent cells, of the ability to co-flocculate. Treatment with mercaptoethanol or photo-irradiation in the presence of methylene blue deprived flocculent cells, but not non-flocculent cells, of the co-flocculating ability. Mercaptoethanol-treated or photoirradiated flocculent cells (beer yeast IFO 2018) co-flocculated with periodate-treated flocculent cells, but periodate-treated cells subsequently subjected to mercaptoethanol treatment or photoirradiation neither flocculated by themselves nor co-flocculated with other cells. Thus, it is likely that both protein and carbohydrate components of the yeast cell surface play important roles in the mutual recognition and intercellular interaction involved in flocculation. It is strongly suggested that the essential carbohydrate which is widely distributed among Saccharomyces species is the mannan fraction on the cell wall, and that a flocculent yeast strain produces surface protein component(s) which recognize and bind the mannan component of adjacent cells.     

Genic diversity, genetic structure, and mating system of Brewer spruce (Pinaceae), a relict of the Arcto-Tertiary forest

Brewer spruce (Picea breweriana), a relict of the widespread Arcto-Tertiary forests, is now restricted to a highly fragmented range in the Klamath Region of California and Oregon. Expected heterozygosity for 26 isozyme loci, averaged over 10 populations, was 0.121. More notable than the relatively high level of diversity when compared to other woody endemics was the strong decrease in expected heterozygosity with latitude. Differentiation (F(ST)) was 0.152, higher than values for many north temperate conifers with larger distributions. The number of migrants per generation (Nm) was 1.34 or 2.70, depending on the method of estimation. Inbreeding appeared low; F(IS) was only 0.003, in agreement with multilocus population outcrossing rates (t(m)), which were generally well above 0.90. No difference in t(m) was found between isolated vs. clustered trees. However, the number of seeds per cone was greatest in the densest populations; t(m) is a measure of effective outcrossing after mortality in the embryonic stage, whereas a reduced number of seeds per cone indicates self pollination. Selfing increased after logging; outcrossing rate before logging was 0.961 and after logging, 0.756. Despite Brewer spruce's narrow, fragmented distribution, the outlook for its conservation was good, with the exception of possible negative effects of logging.     

Genetic population structure of the sagebrush Brewer’s sparrow, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spizella breweri breweri</Emphasis>, in a fragmented landscape at the northern range periphery

Assessing the genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation is a crucial step in conservation planning for species in endangered habitats. We tested for the impact of natural habitat fragmentation on gene flow and genetic diversity in seven northern breeding locations of the sagebrush Brewer’s sparrow, Spizella breweri breweri. Genetic analyses using five highly variable DNA microsatellite loci suggested that individuals sampled within a sagebrush landscape fragmented by natural elements such as coniferous forest, comprise a single genetic population and that gene flow among them is unimpeded. We posit that juvenile dispersal links seemingly isolated breeding locales of this species, and discuss implications of our findings for conservation of migratory songbirds in the northern portion of their ranges in light of potential shifts in distribution due to climate change.