Enhancement of Oxidation and Phosphorylation of Maize Scutellum Mitochondria by Physiological Concentration of Indoleacetic Acid

Mitochondria isolated from inbred and hybrid maize scutella were found to exhibil enhancd oxidative and phosphorylative activity in many cases when treated with physiological concentrations of IAA. It was found that the genotype being tested the substrate utilized, and the concentration of IAA applied had significant effects on the degree of enhancement or inhibition observed in each case. These results suggest that IAA is related in some manner to theactivity of the respiratory enzymes of the mitochondria.     

Divergent Molecular and Physiological Response of Two Maize Breeding Lines Under Phosphate Deficiency

Plant Molecular Biology Reporter - Inorganic phosphate (Pi) deficiency is a main limiting factor on crops growth and to select low-Pi tolerant breeding lines is very significant for crop breeding....     

外源钙对蜜橘抗日灼生理病害的分子与生理机制研究

该研究以‘南丰蜜橘’为试验材料,于高温来临前期(6月份)在果实表面喷施0.14 g/L螯合钙为钙处理,以喷施清水为对照,测定果皮相关基因表达水平和抗氧化酶活性以及活性氧含量变化,探究钙对‘南丰蜜橘’果皮在日灼发生期间的钙信号转导途径相关基因调节抗氧化系统基因的表达特征,以揭示外源钙减轻蜜橘日灼生理病害的分子与生理机制,为实际生产中喷施螯合钙防控蜜橘日灼生理病害提供理论依据。结果显示:(1)经钙处理后‘南丰蜜橘’果实的日灼发生率较对照显著降低了13.76%。(2)实时荧光定量PCR发现,钙处理显著提高‘南丰蜜橘’钙信号转导途径相关基因(CsNADK、CsMPK 8、CsCPK、CsRBOH、CsCAMK 1、CsGAD),以及抗氧化酶相关基因(CsSOD、CsCAT、CsPOD、CsAPX、CsGSR、CsGPX)在果皮中的相对表达量。(3)钙处理可显著提高‘南丰蜜橘’果皮抗氧化酶(SOD、CAT、POD、APX、GR、GPX)活性,并显著降低O^(-·)_(2)、H_(2)O_(2)和MDA的含量。(4)荧光染色发现,在7-10月高温和强直射光胁迫期,果皮细胞产生了过量的ROS绿色荧光,且随胁迫时间的延长荧光不断漫延积累,但钙处理的ROS荧光强度均显著弱于对照。研究表明,喷施螯合钙处理可通过增强蜜橘果皮钙信号转导途径相关基因的表达,调控抗氧化系统基因表达以及抗氧化酶活性,清除过量的ROS,维持果皮细胞ROS代谢平衡,从而提升蜜橘果皮的抗日灼能力;生产中于高温来临前期在果实表面喷施螯合钙,是一种简便有效的预防蜜橘日灼病害的技术措施。     

MRI Background Parenchymal Enhancement Is Not Associated with Breast Cancer

BackgroundPreviously, a strong positive association between background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and breast cancer was reported in high-risk populations. We sought to determine, whether this was also true for non-high-risk patients.Methods540 consecutive patients underwent breast MRI for assessment of breast findings (BI-RADS 0–5, non-high-risk screening (no familial history of breast cancer, no known genetic mutation, no prior chest irradiation, or previous breast cancer diagnosis)) and subsequent histological work-up. For this IRB-approved study, BPE and fibroglandular tissue FGT were retrospectively assessed by two experienced radiologists according to the BI-RADS lexicon. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to explore associations between BPE, FGT, age and final diagnosis of breast cancer. Subsequently, multivariate logistic regression analysis, considering covariate colinearities, was performed, using final diagnosis as the target variable and BPE, FGT and age as covariates.ResultsAge showed a moderate negative correlation with FGT (r = -0.43, p<0.001) and a weak negative correlation with BPE (r = -0.28, p<0.001). FGT and BPE correlated moderately (r = 0.35, p<0.001). Final diagnosis of breast cancer displayed very weak negative correlations with FGT (r = -0.09, p = 0.046) and BPE (r = -0.156, p<0.001) and weak positive correlation with age (r = 0.353, p<0.001). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the only independent covariate for prediction of breast cancer was age (OR 1.032, p<0.001).ConclusionsBased on our data, neither BPE nor FGT independently correlate with breast cancer risk in non-high-risk patients at MRI. Our model retained only age as an independent risk factor for breast cancer in this setting.     

Some Physiological and Morphological Responses in Flooded Maize

After flooding of maize seedlings for fourteen days, their stomata were closed, and total nucleic acid was accumulated in subwater knots before adventitious roots appeared. Aerenchyma were developed and some physiological and morphological changes were induced in fourweek old Zea mays L. seedlings. It aeems possible that the maize seedlings had adapted to the flood circumstances by forming adventitious roots on submerged knots of the stems, which was not only thick and white but also with no root hairs and grew upwards.     

玉米黄化幼苗生理生化特性的研究

以玉米品种'户单26'为材料,研究了黑暗条件下生长的玉米黄化幼苗内光合色素、可溶性蛋白含量和抗氧化酶活性的动态变化.结果表明,与正常条件下生长的对照组相比,黄化幼苗的叶绿素a、叶绿素b和类胡萝卜素含量均明显降低,特别是叶绿素a含量大幅度降低;黄化幼苗的抗氧化酶SOD、POD和CAT活性显著提高,可溶性蛋白含量也显著增加.研究发现,黑暗条件下的玉米幼苗叶绿素a的合成受到了显著影响而表现出黄化现象,黄化幼苗能主动提高其自身抗氧化酶活性和可溶性蛋白含量,减轻黑暗逆境对植物细胞的伤害.     

Physiological Response of Maize to Arsenic Contamination

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of As on some physiological parameters of maize in the early growth phases. Seedlings grown in a climatic box in a Hoagland-Arnon nutrient solution were treated with 0, 2 and 5 mg(As) dm⁻³ (pH 5.5). After 5 d of As treatment the changes in growth, leaf gas-exchange, chlorophyll (Chl) content, Chl fluorescence, peroxidase activity and lipid peroxidation in roots were recorded. The applied As decreased the growth, leaf area, and biomass accumulation, induced lipid peroxidation and increased peroxidase activity, especially at concentration 5 mg(As) dm⁻³. It also decreased the Chl, carotenoid (Car) and protein contents. A decrease in the variable to maximum fluorescence ratio (F_v/F_m) indicated lower photosynthetic efficiency. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

分子标记技术在玉米基因定位上的研究进展

该文概述几种分子标记的特点,论述了DNA分子标记在玉米品质性状基因、产量性状基因、生育期和主要植株性状基因、抗性基因、育性基因等基因定位方面的研究进展,并提出了今后的应用前景与发展方向。     

Molecular Evidence and the Evolution of Maize

In this review, the contributions of isozyme and chloroplast DNA studies to questions surrounding the evolution of maize are summarized. These methods of analysis provide generally strong support for the hierarchical system of classification of Zea proposed by Iltis and Doebley (1980). Molecular evidence is fully congruent with the theory that teosinte is ancestral to maize and suggests thatZ. mays subsp.parviglumis was the ancestral teosinte taxon. Further, these data show that only those populations from the central region of the range of subsp. parviglumis resemble maize in both isozymic and chloroplast DNA constitution. Presuming no major changes in the distribution of subsp. parviglumis since the domestication of maize, these data would place the origin of maize in the Balsas River drainage southwest of Mexico City. Molecular systematic evidence provides no support for theories that maize was domesticated independently several times; however, this type of data can not disprove such theories. Analyses of isozyme and chloroplast DNA diversity in Zea provide evidence of limited gene flow between maize and teosinte, but are not consistent with models that postulate extensive genetic interchange between these taxa. Isozyme studies have added substantially to the understanding of evolutionary relationships among extant races of maize and suggest that there are a small number of major racial complexes in Meso- and North America which have often evolved in response to environmental constraints associated with altitude. Ultimately, molecular genetic studies may allow a resolution of the controversy surrounding the morphological evolution of the maize ear.     

2种玉米幼苗耐旱性生理机制研究

以白种皮(白玉米)和黄种皮(黄玉米)2个玉米栽培品种为材料,在水培条件下进行聚乙二醇(PEG-6000)模拟干旱胁迫处理,分析玉米叶片抗旱性相关生理特性和质膜H+-ATP酶活性的变化,探讨2种玉米幼苗耐旱性生理机制。结果表明:(1)在2%、5%、10%PEG-6000处理条件下,随处理浓度和时间的增加,2种玉米幼苗植株失水率上升,叶片蒸腾速率降低,气孔传导率下降;在所有相同处理条件下,白玉米植株失水率明显小于黄玉米,而叶片蒸腾速率和气孔传导率下降幅度明显大于黄玉米,即白玉米的耐旱性比黄玉米强。(2)在相同浓度PEG-6000处理下,白玉米叶片可溶性蛋白、可溶性糖含量、游离脯氨酸含量均高于黄玉米,它在干旱胁迫下的渗透调节能力强于黄玉米。(3)在抗氧化酶体系中,随着PEG-6000胁迫浓度的升高,2种玉米叶片CAT活性呈下降趋势,但白玉米CAT活性在2%和5%PEG-6000胁迫下均显著高于黄玉米,其叶片中H2O2含量显著低于黄玉米。(4)随着PEG-6000胁迫浓度的升高,白玉米叶片质膜H+-ATPase磷酸化水平及其与14-3-3蛋白的结合受到的抑制作用比黄玉米强,白玉米叶片质膜H+-ATPase活性比黄玉米叶片低,叶片气孔开度小于黄玉米,叶片蒸腾速率和气孔传导率均低于黄玉米,这可能是白玉米耐旱性强于黄玉米的一个重要机制。     

Molecular Evidence and the Evolution of Maize

In this review, the contributions of isozyme and chloroplast DNA studies to questions surrounding the evolution of maize are summarized. These methods of analysis provide generally strong support for the hierarchical system of classification of Zea proposed by Iltis and Doebley (1980). Molecular evidence is fully congruent with the theory that teosinte is ancestral to maize and suggests thatZ. mays subsp.parviglumis was the ancestral teosinte taxon. Further, these data show that only those populations from the central region of the range of subsp. parviglumis resemble maize in both isozymic and chloroplast DNA constitution. Presuming no major changes in the distribution of subsp. parviglumis since the domestication of maize, these data would place the origin of maize in the Balsas River drainage southwest of Mexico City. Molecular systematic evidence provides no support for theories that maize was domesticated independently several times; however, this type of data can not disprove such theories. Analyses of isozyme and chloroplast DNA diversity in Zea provide evidence of limited gene flow between maize and teosinte, but are not consistent with models that postulate extensive genetic interchange between these taxa. Isozyme studies have added substantially to the understanding of evolutionary relationships among extant races of maize and suggest that there are a small number of major racial complexes in Meso- and North America which have often evolved in response to environmental constraints associated with altitude. Ultimately, molecular genetic studies may allow a resolution of the controversy surrounding the morphological evolution of the maize ear.     

玉米对渗透胁迫的反应和生理适应

利用不同渗透势的培养液模拟土壤干旱条件,研究了玉米杂交种“中单2号”在此条件下的生长和生理的变化。实验表明,各指标对于渗透胁迫的变化敏感性顺序为叶片延伸速率、叶水势、脯氨酸含量>净光合速率>相对透性。玉米幼苗在渗透胁迫下具有一定的生理适应能力,表现在一定的渗透胁迫范围内随胁迫时间的延长,生长、生理变化有趋于缓和或恢复的趋势。     

Identification and Registration of Maize Genotypes with the Use of Molecular Markers

In plant genetics and breeding, second-generation molecular markers allow detailed characterization of plant genotypes. As shown by PCR analysis of ten SSR loci, 40 genotypes were unique. For every locus, SSR analysis revealed heterozygotes among simple hybrids, which made it possible to identify the parental forms with a high probability of exclusion of nonparental forms. A system was proposed for registration of maize genotypes in the form of genetic formulas reflecting the allelic state of microsatellite loci, in order to catalog, preserve, and effectively employ the existing maize gene pool in breeding.     

Enhancement of Population Densities of Pseudomonas putida PpG7 in Agricultural Ecosystems by Selective Feeding with the Carbon Source Salicylate

Sodium salicylate (1,000 μg/ml) was delivered through a drip irrigation system to agricultural field soils planted to tomato and infested with Pseudomonas putida PpG7, the host of the salicylate catabolic plasmid NAH7. In nonfumigated soils infested with approximately 10³ CFU of PpG7 per g in the top 30 cm, population densities were increased up to 112-fold within 14 days of the initial application of salicylate compared with the densities in the respective nonamended soils. Mean season-long population densities of PpG7 in the top 30 cm of soil were significantly increased (P < 0.01) from 216 CFU/g in nonamended soils to 1,370 CFU/g in salicylate-amended soils. In the respective rhizosphere soils, mean population densities of PpG7 were significantly increased (P < 0.01) from 92 to 2,066 CFU/cm of root. Soil fumigation interacted (P < 0.01) with salicylate amendment and further increased the mean population densities of PpG7 in nonrhizosphere soil by an additional 5,689 CFU/g of soil. This fumigation effect was not detected in rhizosphere soils. The effect of salicylate in increasing population densities of PpG7 in soil also was affected by inoculum level, field site, and soil depth. Proportionate differences were greater in soils infested with approximately 10³ CFU of PpG7 per g than in comparable soils infested with 10⁵ CFU/g. In low-inoculum soils, increases from salicylate amendments were 26- and 29-fold in rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils, respectively, and in high-inoculum soils, the respective increases were 5.6- and 5-fold. No increases of fungi able to utilize salicylate were detected in soils amended with salicylate. However, soil fumigation with metham-sodium significantly reduced (P < 0.01) population densities of fungal salicylate utilizers in rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils.     

Molecular Organization and Germinal Instability of R-Stippled Maize

The spotted seed allele R-stippled (R-st) is comprised of the following genetic components: strong seed color (Sc), inhibitor-of-R (I-R) and near-colorless seed (Nc). I-R is a mobile element that represses (Sc) expression irregularly. Germinal I-R losses produce progeny with fully colored seed. Southern blot analysis revealed four r-hybridizing segments in R-st and three, two or one in two sets of unequal crossover deletion products. By comparison to published reports of r gene structure, we maintain that each segment contains at least one r gene. The proximal r gene, Sc, confers strong seed color; the three distal r genes together produce near-colorless seed. R-st's seed spotting phenotype is correlated with the presence of a 3.3-kb insert in Sc identified as I-R. The level of the near-colorless phenotype is inversely correlated with the number of r genes present, suggesting involvement of a multiple copy silencing mechanism in their regulation. Phenotypic changes in R-st occurred primarily by unequal exchange between r genes. The locations of exchange positions showed a strong polarity, nearly all occurring in the 3' portions of the identified r genes.     

Phytoextraction of Zinc: Physiological and Molecular Mechanism

Zinc is an essential trace element, necessary for plants, animals, and microorganisms. Zn is required for many enzymes as a catalytic cofactor, for photosynthetic CO₂ fixation, and in maintaining the integrity of bio-membranes. However, Zn is potentially toxic when accumulated beyond cellular needs. Phytoextraction technique, which is a part of phytoremediation, has opened new avenues for remediation of Zn-contaminated places. Hyperaccumulators like Thlaspi caerulescens and Arabidopsis halleri have been identified, which can accumulate up to 40,000 mg kg^?1 Zn in the aerial parts of the plant body. Carboxylic acids, primarily malate, citrate, and oxalate, and amino acids are found to play an important role in Zn hyperaccumulation. Transmembrane metal transporters are assumed to play a key role in Zn metal uptake, xylem loading, and vacuolar sequestration. Members of CDF (cation diffusion facilitator) and ZIP (zinc-regulated transporter, iron-regulated transporter like protein) family have been implicated in Zn-metal-tolerance mechanisms. A potential metal-binding motif, containing multiple histidine residues, is found in the variable regions of almost all of the ZIP family, including ZIP1, ZIP2, ZIP4, ZRT1, and ZRT2. Overexpression of some Zn metal transporter genes like TcZNT1 (Thlaspi caerulescens Zn transporter1), TcHMA4 (Thlaspi caerulescens heavy metal ATPase) in Thlaspi caerulescens, AhMTP1;3 (Arabidopsis halleri metal transporter1;3) in Arabidopsis halleri, and PtdMTP1(Poplar metal transporter1) from a hybrid poplar confer Zn hypertolerance in Thlaspi, Arabidopsis, and Poplar plant species.     

Water Stress and --SH-Dependent Physiological Activities in Young Maize Plants

In young maize plants, water stress affects the —SH-dependentactivities: photosynthesis and dark respiration are reducedto about 60% at the wilting point; protein synthesis is inhibitedeven by moderate stress; and nitrate reductase activity is immediatelyinhibited also, prior to significant changes in the water statusof the plant As protoplasmatic protein denaturation occurs,protein —SS—increases at the expense of —SH,with consequent decrease of the —SH/—SS— ratio.The linear correlation between —SH/—SS— ratioand —SH-dependent activities suggests a strict dependencebetween them. A moderate increment both in rhodanese activityand labile sulphide content has been also demonstrated at thebeginning of the stress.