Effect of drought on enzymes and free proline in rice varieties

Drought tolerant rice variety TKM-1 and susceptible variety Improved Sabarmati (I.S.) showed characteristic differences in peroxidase, RNase, nitrate r     

Growth and germination inhibitors in rice husks

A search for growth and germination inhibitors in rice husk (Oryza sativa L. cv Koshihikari) revealed four compounds, ineketone, S(+)-dehydrovomifoliol, momilactone-C and p-coumaric acid, in addition to the previously known momilactones-A and -B. The isolation and structural determination of these inhibitors are reported. The flavonoid tricin and three steroids were also detected in the husk but none showed any inhibitory activity.     

Changes in salt-soluble proteins of rice during grain development

Salt-soluble proteins, albumin and globulin, were prepared from dehulled rice (Oryza sativa L., line IR1541-76-3) during grain development. Albumin and globulin progressively increased during grain development up to about 12 days after flowering (DAF) and then decreased slightly during grain desiccation. Free amino N was maximum at 10 DAF. Total protein and glutelin-prolamin (by difference) continued to increase up to 20 DAF. Aminogram of total protein and globulin showed a progressive decrease in lysine and threonine among the essential amino acids. Albumin showed a similar trend except for the lesser change in lysine content. Disc gel electrophoresis showed a maximum of four major and six minor protein bands for albumin and only one major and three minor bands for globulin. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis revealed three major polypeptide subunits for albumin with MW of 11 000, 8 500 and 16 000, and two for globulin with MW of 20 000 and 12 000.     

Changes in soluble protein and isoenzymes in normal and opaque-2 Zea mays endosperm during grain development

Electrophoretic patterns of soluble proteins, pH 5 enzyme fraction, peroxidase, glutamic dehydrogenase, leucine aminopeptidase in developing endosperm of normal and opaque-2 were studied. Multiple forms were found for all the enzymes studied. The GDH pattern showed considerable differences in normal and opaque-2 maize; the soluble protein pattern also differed, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The leucine-amino-peptidase pattern was identical and the peroxidase pattern showed slight differences.     

Chickpea seed proteins: Modification during germination

Changes in the proteins of chickpea during a 12-day germination period are reported using techniques of gel filtration, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, polyacrylamide gel (PAG) electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation. In the ultracentrifuge, the total proteins of dormant seeds resolve into 3 components which have the sedimentation coefficients of 2.2 S, 6.9 S and 10.3 S respectively. On germination, the presence of fractions of lower sedimentation coefficient indicates possible degradation of these components; in the early stages, the degradation rate of the 7 S fraction is higher, while the 10 S fraction is broken down faster in the later stages. Gel filtration experiments indicate the possibility of degradation of high polymer into intermediary products. Increase in the relative mobility of protein components on PAG and elution constant on DEAE-cellulose chromatographs indicates an increase in the net negative charge of the protein fractions. The accumulation of subunits of the proteins is negligible during the germination period.     

DNA topoisomerase I from rice: Enzyme synthesis in germination, and partial purification from cultured cells

DNA topoisomerase I activity was observed in two-day-old seeds of rice when the seeds started germination at 30°. Partially purified enzyme from cultured rice cells showed maximum activity at pH 7.0 with 75 mM NaCl in the absence of ATP, and showed resistance to camptothecin and DNA-intercalating reagents. The M_r was ca 80 000 using gel permeation on a Sephacryl S-200 column. After fractionation of the homogenate from cultured rice cells by centrifugation, the activity was observed mainly in the crude nuclear fraction.     

Changes in isoenzymes in embryo and endosperm of normal and opaque-2 Zea mays during imbibition

Electrophoretic patterns of soluble proteins, peroxidase, esterase, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and glutamic dehydrogenase (GDR) from embryos and endosperm of normal and opaque-2 maize were studied after different periods of imbibition. The soluble protein pattern from endosperm of normal and opaque-2 differed both qualitatively as well as quantitatively. The embryo protein patterns were identical. Multiple forms (isoenzymes) were found for all the enzymes studied. The enzyme patterns changed during imbibition. Peroxidase and GDH patterns from embryos of normal and opaque-2 showed considerable differences during imbibition. Esterase and ADH pattern from embryo and endosperm of normal and opaque-2 showed few differences.     

Effect of lanthanum on aged seed germination of rice

Attempts were made to promote germination of natural aged rice seeds by treating them with lanthanum nitrate. In tests to measure the germination rate, germination index, and vigor index of natural aged rice seeds were found to be significantly increased by lanthanum. It is treating aged rice seed with lanthanum nitrate that enhanced the respiratory rate and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, and decreased superoxide and malondidehyde contents, and therefore reduced plasma membrane permeability. It suggests that lanthanum may be used to pretreat seed before sowing.     

低温胁迫期间水稻光合膜色素与蛋白水平的变化

对４℃和１１℃两种低温胁迫过程中水稻类囊体膜色素与蛋白组成的变化进行了比较研究。结果表明：４℃低温不仅使类囊体膜中的光合色素（叶绿素、类胡萝卜素）含量降低,而且还引起膜蛋白组成的深刻变化,表现在大部分原有膜蛋白组分的含量在低温下明显降低,同时在低温处理的第３天诱导出一条３２．５ＫＤ的新蛋白带。与４℃处理相比,１１℃低温处理只引起了光合色素含量的降低,而对类囊体膜蛋白组成的影响不大,另外发现,两种低     

Rna synthesis during the germination of wheat seed

Incorporation of [¹⁴C]uridine into various RNA fractions of germinating wheat embryo was studied. During the first 3 hr of germination the precursor was incorporated predominantly into a specific component of the RNA (messenger RNA). Neither ribosomal nor transfer RNA were labeled at this time. It is concluded that biosynthetic processes are resumed after the breaking of dormancy in a sequential manner. This sequence begins with the initiation of messenger RNA synthesis.     

RNA polymerase activity in isolated Triticum aestivum embryos during germination

A gradual decrease in the total activity of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase in isolated wheat embryos began 6 hr after germination and continued for up to 48 hr. DEAE-cellulose column chromatography indicated the presence of two RNA polymerase fractions (major and minor) in the resting embryos, only one of which (major) could be detected in the embryos germinated for 48 hr. The major RNA polymerase fraction was tentatively identified as nucleoplasmic (RNA polymerase II).     

Synthesis of poly A-rich RNA in embryos of rye during imbibition and early germination

Poly A-rich RNA is synthesised in rye embryos as soon as they imbibe water. Three properties of newly-synthesised poly A-rich RNA have been examined at different stages of imbibition and germination: its base composition, the electrophoretic mobility of the entire molecule in polyacrylamide gels and the mobility of the poly A segment. The poly A-rich RNA synthesised during the first hr of imbibition appears to be stable for several hr in vivo. Evidence is presented which suggests that the poly A-rich RNA extracted in most experiments is not aggregated.     

Ca—GA合剂浸种对水稻萌发及幼苗期抗旱性的影响

研究在模拟干旱胁迫下,钙赤合剂（Ca-GA）浸种后对水稻种子萌发及幼苗抗旱性的影响。结果表明：经Ca-GA处理后的水稻种子萌发时α-淀粉酶活性显著升高,发芽势、发芽率均高于对照。幼苗的根冠比增大,可溶性糖、Pro含量升高。叶片中SOD、CAT保持较高活性,膜透性较低,MDA、O2^-积累较少,叶片保持较高的PSⅡ光化学活性和光合速率。表明Ca-GA合剂浸种能促进水稻种子的萌发和提高幼苗的抗旱性。     

胀果甘草种子萌发对干旱胁迫的生理响应

为探讨胀果甘草种子萌发对干旱胁迫的生理生化适应机制,以聚乙二醇(PEG)-6000模拟干旱胁迫,分析了胀果甘草(Glycyrrhiza inflata)种子萌发过程中发芽率(GR)、丙二醛(MDA)及游离脯氨酸(Pro)、可溶性糖(SS)含量和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)活性的动态变化规律。结果显示,水势为-0.1MPa时,GR达到100%,之后随着干旱胁迫增强而显著降低(P0.05);MDA、Pro含量及SOD、POD活性都表现出水势≥-0.2MPa时增加和-1.4MPa≤水势-0.2MPa时减少的明显趋势(P0.05),这4个指标两两之间的相关关系均达到显著水平(P0.05);而干旱胁迫增强使SS含量显著增加(P0.05)。     

Effects of NaCl stress on germination, antioxidant responses, and proline content in two rice cultivars

We investigated the physiological and biochemical bases for salt tolerance in two rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars — relatively salt-tolerant ‘Dongjin’ and salt-sensitive ‘Kumnam’. Salinized hydroponic cultures were studied at the germination and seedling stages. NaCI inhibited germination more severely in ‘Kumnam’ than in ‘Dongjin’. Increasing the salt concentration also deterred growth to a larger extent in the former. Moreover, the leaves of ‘Kumnam’ exhibited greater increases in lipid peroxidation and Na⁺ accumulation than those of ‘Dongjin’ under stress. The activities of constitutive and salt-induced superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) and ascorbate peroxidase (AP, EC 1.11.1.11) were also higher in ‘Kumnam’, while only catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6) activity was slightly higher in stressed plants of ‘Dongjin’. The positive correlation between leaf proline levels and NaCI concentration was more evident in ‘Kumnam’. However, ‘Dongjin’ seeds, which had higher germinability in the presence of NaCI, also contained more proline. These results suggest that the higher salt tolerance in ‘Dongjin’ seedlings could be ascribed to their lower NaCI accumulations in the leaves. This presumably is due to reductions in the uptake or transport rates of saline ions to the shoots from the roots. Finally, we believe that the higher germination rate by ‘Dongjin’ is caused by its higher seed proline content.     

Changes in polyamine contents during development and germination of rice seeds

In rice seed, polyamine concentration on a fresh weight basis increased for 16 days after fertilization, followed by a gradual decline. Arginine decarboxylase activity also followed the same pattern. On germination, the polyamine concentration was greatest after 24 hr and the arginine decarboxylase showed a peak after 48 hr.     

Endosperm sterol phenotype and germination in wheat

Free and conjugated sterols of endosperm, coats, scutellum, coleoptile and roots have been analysed at different germination stages in two wheat cultivars with different endosperm sterol phenotypes. It seems that sterol metabolism of the developing tissues, namely coleoptile and roots, is not affected by the sterol conjugation profile of the endosperm. Enough sterol is present in the mature embryo to supply the germinating axis during the observation period (144 hr at 16°). The data suggest that sterol is transferred from scutellum to coleoptile and roots during germination.     

干旱胁迫下柳枝稷在露天矿区土壤中的种子萌发和生长特性

将能源植物用作矿区生态修复物种,对矿区的经济发展和生态环境具有重要意义。以能源植物柳枝稷为研究对象,通过盆栽试验,分析其在对照、轻度、中度以及重度干旱胁迫下柳枝稷幼苗在矿区土壤基质和非矿区土壤基质下的生长特性,并结合不同干旱胁迫下矿区土壤基质中种子萌发特征,揭示柳枝稷对干旱胁迫的响应机制和对矿区土壤的生态适应性。试验结果表明：(1)柳枝稷种子发芽总数、发芽率、发芽势以及发芽指数在轻度胁迫下达到最大值,活力指数在对照组最高,而在重度胁迫下,各项指标均达到最小值;种苗各生长指标在轻度胁迫下最小,幼苗根长和鲜重在重度胁迫下最高,芽长和芽重在其余三组胁迫下相差不大。(2)干旱胁迫使两种土壤基质下的柳枝稷株高降低,枯叶率增加,在对照、轻度胁迫和重度胁迫下能够保持叶片水分含量和分蘖数稳定;矿区土壤基质中,柳枝稷根体积在轻度胁迫下最大,中度胁迫下根长最长,重度胁迫下根数最多;根冠比随着干旱胁迫的加剧表现出先减后增的趋势,在轻度胁迫下最小,在重度胁迫下最大。(3)与非矿区土壤基质相比,柳枝稷在矿区土壤基质下根冠比更大,其余生长指标均更小;随着干旱胁迫的加剧,柳枝稷在矿区土壤基质下的株高、枯叶率、叶片相...     

Expression of proteins and protein kinase activity during germination of aerial spores of Streptomyces granaticolor

Dormant aerial spores of Streptomyces granaticolor contain pre-existing pool of mRNA and active ribosomes for rapid translation of proteins required for earlier steps of germination. Activated spores were labeled for 30 min with [35S]methionine/cysteine in the presence or absence of rifamycin (400 microg/ml) and resolved by two-dimensional electrophoresis. About 320 proteins were synthesized during the first 30 min of cultivation at the beginning of swelling, before the first DNA replication. Results from nine different experiments performed in the presence of rifamycin revealed 15 protein spots. Transition from dormant spores to swollen spores is not affected by the presence of rifamycin but further development of spores is stopped. To support existence of pre-existing pool of mRNA in spores, cell-free extract of spores (S30 fraction) was used for in vitro protein synthesis. These results indicate that RNA of spores possesses mRNA functionally competent and provides templates for protein synthesis. Cell-free extracts isolated from spores, activated spores, and during spore germination were further examined for in vitro protein phosphorylation. The analyses show that preparation from dormant spores catalyzes phosphorylation of only seven proteins. In the absence of phosphatase inhibitors, several proteins were partially dephosphorylated. The activation of spores leads to a reduction in phosphorylation activity. Results from in vitro phosphorylation reaction indicate that during germination phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of proteins is a complex function of developmental changes.     

Effect of PEG-induced drought stress on seed germination of four lentil genotypes

Seeds of four lentil genotypes (Castelluccio, Eston, Pantelleria, and Ustica) were subjected to five levels (0, 10, 15, 18, and 21%) of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). Germination percentage, root length, tissue water content (WC), α- and β-amylases, α-glucosidase activities, and osmolyte content were evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 h after starting the germination test. Water stress reduced seed germination percentage, root length, and seedling WC in all cultivars to different extent. The increase in proline content and total soluble sugars was greater for Eston and Castelluccio compared to the other genotypes. The activity of the enzymes involved in the germination process decreased in all cultivars; the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were most negatively affected by osmotic stress, mainly in the drought sensitive Ustica and Pantelleria. Overall, Eston and Castelluccio were able to express greater drought tolerance and consequently could be used as a valuable resource for breeding programs.