Naphthylphthalamic acid-binding sites in cultured cells from Nicotiana tabacum

Naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), an inhibitor of polar auxin transport, binds with high affinity to membrane preparations from callus and cell suspension cultures derived from Nicotiana tabacum (K _d approx. 2·10^–9 M). The concentration of membrane-bound binding sites is higher in cell suspension than in callus cultures. The binding of NPA to these sites seems to be a simple process, in contrast to the binding of the synthetic auxin naphthylacetic acid (1-NAA) to membrane preparations from callus cultures, which is more complex (A.C. Maan et al., 1983, Planta 158, 10–15). Naphthylacetic acid, a number of structurally related compounds and the auxin-transport inhibitor triiodobenzoic acid were all able to compete with NPA for the same binding site with K _d values ranging from 10^–6 to 10^–4 M. On the other hand, NPA was not able to displace detectable amounts of NAA from the NAA-binding site. A possible explantation is the existence of two different membrane-bound binding sites, one exclusively for auxins and one for NPA as well as auxins, that differ in concentration. The NPA-binding site is probably an auxin carrier.Abbreviations 1-NAA 1-Naphthylacetic acid - 2-NAA 2-Naphthylacetic acid - NPA N-1-Naphthylphthalamic acid     

烟草株高变异体的茎尖中内源激素含量变化及其对外源激素的响应

烟草矮秆基因型“农大202’的茎生长过程中茎尖中内源赤霉素（GA3）、生长素（IAA）含量始终低于中、高秆基因型,其内源脱落酸（ABA）和玉米素（ZR）含量则相对较高。喷施外源激素GA,和IAA的结果表明,GA,可调节矮秆基因型茎尖中各内源激素的含量,与正常株高基因型‘K326’的各激素含量相接近,从而促进茎生长,而IAA的作用较小。     

Influence of lectins on the binding of 125I-labeled EGF to human fibroblasts.

Lectins that interact with mannose (concanavalin A), galactose (ricin, abrin), or N-acetylglucosamine (wheat germ agglutinin) block ¹²⁵I-labeled EGF binding to the surface of cultured human fibroblasts at 37° or 5°. Lectins specific for fucose or N-acetylgalactosamine, soybean agglutinin or gorse lectin, respectively, do not interfere with growth factor binding. The inhibition of ¹²⁵I-labeled EGF binding by concanavalin A at 37° or 5° could be reversed rapidly by the addition of α-methyl mannoside. The results suggest that the fibroblast membrane receptor for EGF is, or is closely associated with, a glycoprotein or glycolipid that contains mannose, galactose and N-acetylglucosamine residues.     

Isolation of the male germ unit: organization and function in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Sperm cells are released from pollen tubes of tobacco as linked cells, associated with the vegetative nucleus in an assemblage known as the male germ unit (MGU). Using light microscopy, the MGU assemblage appears to be ensheathed by cytoplasmic material of the pollen tube, which may stabilize their association. Following their release, the shape of the sperm cells and vegetative nucleus changes from an ellipsoidal to a more spheroidal morphology. When most of the cytoplasmic material is dispersed, a boundary remains around the two sperm cells. Using scanning electron microscopy, the cytoplasmic material surrounding the MGU appears filamentous, sometimes twisted and rope-like. Based on these observations, the function of the MGU of tobacco is discussed. Received: 23 February 1998 / Revision received: 21 May 1998 / Accepted: 1 June 1998     

Accumulation of aluminium in the cell wall pectin in cultured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cells treated with a combination of aluminium and iron

In nutrient medium, aluminium (Al) accumulation in tobacco cells occurs only in the presence of ferrous ion [Fe(II)]. The localization of Al was examined to elucidate a mechanism of Al accumulation. After the digestion of Al-treated cells with cellulase and pectolyase together, the resulting spheroplasts contained as much Al as the intact cells. However, the cell walls isolated from Al-treated cells also contained as much Al as the intact cells. Comparison of sugar and Al contents in polysaccharide components extracted chemically from cell walls isolated from intact cells and spheroplasts revealed that the enzymes digested most of the cellulose and hemicellulose, but only half of the pectin, and that Al mainly existed in the pectin remaining in the spheroplasts. Gel-permeation chromatography of the pectin fraction (NH₄-oxalate extract) from the cell walls of the intact cells indicated that Al was associated with small polysaccharides of approximately 3–7 kDa. These results suggest that a minor part of pectin is a major site of Al accumulation. The content of cell wall pectin increased during Al treatment in nutrient medium. Taken together, we hypothesize that Al may bind to the pectin newly produced during Al treatment.     

Cytoenzymological analysis of adenylyl cyclase activity and 3':5'-cAMP immunolocalization in chloroplasts of Nicotiana tabacum

In this study a combination of cytoenzymological and immunocytochemical techniques was used in order to demonstrate the presence of cyclic nucleotide metabolism in chloroplasts of higher plants. Catalytic cytochemistry was used to localize adenylyl cyclase activity by means of electron microscope investigation on Nicotiana tabacum cv. Petit Havana leaf fragments. Various immunocytochemical techniques were explored to visualize the presence of the second messenger adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate. Making use of adenylyl imidodiphosphate as a substrate, the enzyme activity was predominantly located at the intermembrane space of the chloroplast envelope. In order to provide further topographical information, intact, isolated chloroplasts were submitted to the same cytoenzymological procedure and revealed stromal adenylyl cyclase activity. Using high-pressure freezing as a physical fixative to obtain an instantaneous metabolic arrest the cellular vitrified water phase was sublimed under ultra-high vacuum by means of molecular distillation drying, avoiding recrystallization and hence redistribution of small highly diffusible molecules. This sequential combination preserved 3':5'-cAMP epitope retention in chloroplasts as was demonstrated by immunogold labelling. These results further substantiate in a unique way the growing evidence of the presence of an organelle-specific cAMP metabolism in higher plants. Furthermore the data presented support the status of chloroplasts as an excellent model to further investigate cAMP metabolism and to correlate it with a variety of physiological functions.     

Characterization of two genes for the biosynthesis of the labdane diterpene Z-abienol in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) glandular trichomes

Leaves of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) are covered with glandular trichomes that produce sucrose esters and diterpenoids in varying quantities, depending on cultivar type. The bicyclic diterpene Z‐abienol is the major labdanoid present in some oriental tobacco cultivars, where it constitutes a precursor of important flavours and aromas. We describe here the identification and characterization of two genes governing the biosynthesis of Z‐abienol in N. tabacum. As for other angiosperm labdanoid diterpenes, the biosynthesis of Z‐abienol proceeds in two steps. NtCPS2 encodes a class‐II terpene synthase that synthesizes 8‐hydroxy‐copalyl diphosphate, and NtABS encodes a kaurene synthase‐like (KSL) protein that uses 8‐hydroxy‐copalyl diphosphate to produce Z‐abienol. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that NtABS belongs to a distinct clade of KSL proteins that comprises the recently identified tomato (Solanum habrochaites) santalene and bergamotene synthase. RT‐PCR results show that both genes are preferentially expressed in trichomes. Moreover, microscopy of NtCPS2 promoter‐GUS fusion transgenics demonstrated a high specificity of expression to trichome glandular cells. Ectopic expression of both genes, but not of either one alone, driven by a trichome‐specific promoter in transgenic Nicotiana sylvestris conferred Z‐abienol formation to this species, which does not normally produce it. Furthermore, sequence analysis of over 100 tobacco cultivars revealed polymorphisms in NtCPS2 that lead to a prematurely truncated protein in cultivars lacking Z‐abienol, thus establishing NtCPS2 as a major gene controlling Z‐abienol biosynthesis in tobacco. These results offer new perspectives for tobacco breeding and the metabolic engineering of labdanoid diterpenes, as well as for structure–function relationship studies of terpene synthases.     

外源SOD和APX基因在转基因烟草中的表达与遗传

分析转超氧化物歧化酶基因（SOD）或抗坏血酸过氧化物酶基因（APX）烟草及其自交和杂交后代的叶片中超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和过氧化物酶（POD）活性的结果表明：转基因烟草的SOD和POD活性在终花期最强,不同叶位叶中SOD活性差异不明显,POD活性以下部叶为最高;转基因烟草的SOD或POD活性显著高于近等基因的非转基因品系。杂交后代（F1、F2）的SOD活性能保持稳定,略高于亲本;自交后代（S1～S3）与自交亲本的SOD和POD活性相当。     

土壤pH值对烤烟叶片生理生化特性的影响

烟草生长初期,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量与pH增长呈正相关,而过氧化氢酶(CAT)和过氧化物酶(POD)活性则随着pH的增加而下降,pH值6.5和7.5时叶绿素含量和净光合速率(Pn)较高,旺长期达到高峰;生长后期,各处理的MDA含量和POD活性最高,SOD、CAT活性最低.各pH值处理的叶片中,叶绿素含量、Pn下降,比叶重达到高峰,但pH 8.5下的烟叶中叶绿素含量高,Pn大,比叶重较小.pH 6.5和7.5下的烟叶中蛋白质和可溶性糖总体含量高于其它pH的.烟碱含量在pH 5.5时最高,pH 8.5时最低.     

Subcellular localization and topology of homogalacturonan methyltransferase in suspension-cultured Nicotiana tabacum cells

Pectin is a complex polysaccharide in the primary walls of all plant cells that is thought to be synthesized in the cellular endomembrane system and inserted into the wall via exocytosis. The most abundant pectic polysaccharide, homogalacturonan, is partially methylesterified within the cell by the pectin methyltransferase homogalacturonan methyltransferase (HGA-MT). The subcellular location of HGA-MT activity was determined in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Samsun) cell membranes separated on linear sucrose gradients. The activity of HGA-MT and two enzymatic markers of the Golgi apparatus, IDPase and UDPase, were found to be located in the same membrane fraction. No NADH cytochrome c reductase activity, a marker for the endoplasmic reticulum, was detected in the Golgi fraction. Homogalacturonan methyltransferase activity was not reduced by protease treatment of intact membranes or membranes treated with 0.01% Triton X-100. In contrast, HGA-MT activity was reduced by protease treatment of membranes permeabilized with 0.02% Triton X-100. The sensitivity of HGA-MT in detergent-permeabilized membranes, and the lack of inhibition of HGA-MT activity by protease-treatment of intact membranes, provides evidence that the catalytic site of HGA-MT is located on the lumenal side of the Golgi. Received: 2 December 1998 / Accepted: 9 February 1999     

Concanavalin a binding and Ca2+ fluxes in rat spleen cells

Addition of the mitogenic lectin concanavalin A to rat spleen cells results in a small increase in the steady-state Ca²⁺ content of the cells. ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ fluxes were measured under conditions where artifacts due to Ca²⁺ binding to concanavalin A could be excluded. Both ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx into and efflux from these cells are significantly activated by the lectin. If ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ is added 30 min after concanavalin A the rate of influx is further enhanced. The increase in ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx correlates well with binding of concanavalin A to the cells. At low concentrations (optimal mitogenic) of the lectin (1 and 3 μg/ml) no significant increase in ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx occurs but an increase in ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ efflux is still observed. The results suggest that concanavalin A binding to the cell surface causes an increase in Ca²⁺ influx into the cells and that activation of Ca²⁺ efflux occurs as a response to an increase in the cytosolic Ca²⁺ activity. Thus, Ca²⁺ may well play a role in triggering lymphocyte activation.     

硝酸银对离体培养烟草叶片愈伤组织形成和芽再生及其脯氨酸和丙二醛含量的影响(简报)

培养基中添加不同浓度硝酸银离体培养烟草叶片的结果表明,1～5mg·L-1硝酸银可提高烟草愈伤组织的芽分化率,5 mg·L-1硝酸银对芽再生的促进作用最佳,而高于10mg·L-1的硝酸银抑制愈伤组织的形成和芽再生.在愈伤组织和再生芽中,脯氨酸和丙二醛含量均随硝酸银浓度的增加而增加.     

The fusion of sperm cells and the function of male germ unit (MGU) of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

 Sperm cells released from in vivo-in vitro grown pollen tubes of tobacco are associated in pairs and initially enclosed by the plasma membrane of the pollen tube. When the sperm cells are placed together, using glass microinjector needles, in an enzymatic solution, up to half undergo cellular fusion with subsequent nuclear fusion. The frequency of sperm cell fusion decreases with time during the elongation of the pollen tube, suggesting that mechanisms inhibiting self-fusion of sperm cells may develop as the pollen tube elongates through the style toward the ovule. This tendency may play an important role in inhibiting fusion of the two sperm cells inside the calcium-rich synergid where the male germ unit dissociates and sperm cells are transported to their target cells - the egg and central cell. Received: 25 August 1997 / Revision accepted 16 March 1998     

悬浮培养中不同理化因子对烟草发状根生长及烟碱合成的影响

悬浮培养中烟草(Nicotiana tabacum)发状根的生长及烟碱合成受到基本培养基浓度、初始pH值、激素种类和浓度等因素的影响.一个5 cm长的根尖,悬浮在40 mL、pH值为6.0、附加1.0 mg·L-1IAA的1/2 MS液体培养基中,28℃、散光条件下培养30天,烟碱产量可达0.241 mg·mL-1.     

The fission yeast mitotic activator cdc25 and sucrose induce early flowering synergistically in the day-neutral Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samsun

Here, the tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) day-neutral (DN) cv. Samsun transformed with the Schizosaccharomyces pombe mitotic activator gene Spcdc25 was used to study the onset of flowering. Wild type (WT) and cdc25 plants were grown from seeds in vitro until they were 20 cm high. Apical and basal nodes were then subcultured repeatedly and the regenerated plants were used to document time to flowering and the number of leaves formed before flowering. Three sucrose treatments (3, 5 or 7% (weight/volume)) were used and measurements of leaf endogenous soluble carbohydrates were performed. In the 3% treatment, cdc25 plants flowered but WT plants did not. The higher sucrose treatments enabled WT flowering; two-thirds of the plants flowered at 5%, while all plants flowered at 7% sucrose. However, in all treatments, cdc25 plants exhibited significantly earlier flowering and fewer leaves compared with wild type. Remarkably, a typical acropetal flowering gradient in WT plants did not occur in cdc25 plants. In cdc25 leaves, there were significantly higher amounts of endogenous sugars with a higher proportion of sucrose compared with WT. Our data demonstrate that Spcdc25 expression and sucrose act synergistically to induce precocious flowering.     

Zearalenone and flower bud formation in thin-cell layers of Nicotiana tabacum L.

Three lines of evidence indicated a connectionbetween zearalenone (ZEN) and flower bud formationin thin cell layer (TCL) explants of Nicotianatabacum L. cv. Samsun. (1) There were two peaks inthe endogenous ZEN level during the formation offlower buds. (2) The specific inhibitor of ZENbiosynthesis, malathion (MAL), inhibited thebiosynthesis of endogenous ZEN and at the same timeflower bud neoformation. (3) Exogenous ZEN inducedflower bud neoformation.