Flavonoid diversification in Achillea ptarmica and allied taxa

More than 50 collections of 12 species forming the A. ptarmica group have been analysed for their leaf flavonoids. C-Glycosylflavones (iso-orientin and derivatives, vicenins and lucenins) were found to be the main components, whereas flavonol 3-O-glycosides (based on quercetin and kaempferol) and flavone 7-O-glycosides (based on luteolin and diosmetin) were of restricted distribution. Infraspecific variability regarding C-glycosylflavones was observed in most of the taxa investigated. By contrast, flavonol 3-O-glycosides appeared to be stable characters and were sometimes accumulated instead of C-glycosylflavones. In addition to the flavonoids, the geographical distribution patterns and the possible origin of the A. sibirica in Eastern Asia are briefly discussed.     

战骨黄酮碳苷类化合物的大孔树脂富集工艺研究

黄酮碳苷,作为战骨植物中的有效成分之一,具有抗骨关节炎的功效.为优化植物战骨茎中总黄酮碳苷的富集纯化工艺,该研究以战骨中5个黄酮碳苷为考察指标,通过对13种大孔树脂的静态吸附与解吸实验,优选出合适的大孔树脂,利用高效液相色谱对结果进行检测,然后利用正交工艺优化富集纯化条件.结果表明:(1)XAD-16N型大孔树脂对植物...     

An analysis of flavonoid compounds in leaves of Japonolirion (Petrosaviaceae)

Japonolirion, comprising Japonolirion osense Nakai, which occurs on serpentinite at two widely separated localities in Japan, has been considered as an isolated taxon, but more recently has been proved by molecular evidence to be a sister group to an achlorophyllous, mycoheterotrophic genus, Petrosavia. In an effort to research possible characters linking these groups, we analyzed the flavonoid compounds obtained from leaves of Japonolirion using UV spectra, mass spectrometry and ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance, and acid hydrolysis of the original glycosides as well as direct thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography comparisons with authentic specimens. As a result, we identified seven flavonoids, of which two were major components identified as 6-C-glucosylquercetin 3-O-glucoside and isoorientin. The remaining five were minor components identified as 6-C-glucosylkaempferol 3-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-arabinoside, vicenin-2 and orientin. Both 6-C-glucosylquercetin 3-O-glucoside and 6-C-glucosylkaempferol 3-O-glucoside were recorded for the first time in nature. Because of their restricted occurrence in angiosperms, both C-glycosylflavonols and 3-O-glycosides of C-glycosylflavonols may be significant chemical markers for assessing relationships of J. osense.     

Comparative flavonoid glycoside biochemistry as a chemotaxonomic tool in the subdivision of the classical ‘genus’ Lycopodium

A wide variety of novel flavone 5-O-glucosides has been isolated from Lycopodium scariosum. The predominance of tricin derivatives in this species is not in accord with earlier proposed chemotaxonomic definitions of the sub-groups within the classical genus Lycopodium L. cernuum is the first lycopod found to contain flavone C-glycosides and its suggested taxonomic separation from other members of the group is thus substantiated. Flavonoid glycosides appear to offer more definitive chemotaxonomic characters than do the previously used aglycones and modification of the chemical definitions of the sub-groups in these terms is necessary.     

Intra- and interspecific variations in vacuolar flavonoids among Ficus species from the Budongo Forest,Uganda

Leaves of 14 species of Ficus growing in the Budongo Forest, Uganda, were analysed for vacuolar flavonoids. Three to six accessions were studied for each species to see whether there was intraspecific chemical variation. Thirty-nine phenolic compounds were identified or characterised, including 14 flavonol O-glycosides, six flavone O-glycosides and 15 flavone C-glycosides. In some species the flavonoid glycosides were acylated. Ficus thonningii contained in addition four stilbenes including glycosides. Most of the species could be distinguished from each other on the basis of their flavonoid profiles, apart from Ficus sansibarica and Ficus saussureana, which showed a very strong intraspecific variation. However, on the whole flavonoid profiles were sufficiently distinct to help in future identifications.     

Taxonomic characters from the polyp tubes of coronate medusae (Scyphozoa,Coronatae)

The tubes of the polyp stages of all known species of the family Nausithoidae have been examined to find characters useful for specific identification. Such characters comprise both internal and external structures of the chitinous exoskeleton, measurements of the periderm, and the shape of the tubes defined by the Formquotient. A key for the polyp generation is given based on these characters. The long-term rearing of several species and elucidation of their life cycles has also enabled a key to the medusa generation of the Nausithoidae to be constructed. Stephanoscyphistoma gen. nov. is proposed for the polyps of all species of coronates of uncertain medusa genus.     

Redefinition and phylogenetic relationships of the family Pinguipedidae (Teleostei: Perciformes)

The phylogenetic relationships of the family Pinguipedidae plus the genus Cheimarrichthys von Haast, 1874, were studied to redefine the family. Based on a phylogenetic analysis using derived characters belonging to 21 transformation series, accepting the monophyly of Pinguipedidae plus Cheimarrichthys provisionally for the operational procedure of the analysis, it was hypothesized that Cheimarrichthys is not closely related to Parapercis Bleeker, 1863, although these genera had been considered as having a close affinity. Although the Pinguipedidae and Cheimarrichthys share nine derived characters, it was determined that these characters are also found in other trachinoid families. In addition, several families, such as the Leptoscopidae, Uranoscopidae, and Trichodontidae, have many more derived characters in common with Cheimarrichthys than the pinguipedids have with that genus. The conclusion drawn here is that it is not parsimonious to recognize the monophyly of the Pinguipedidae and Cheimarrichthys based on these nine derived characters, and that these characters are not compelling enough to link these groups. The redefined Pinguipedidae is proposed to include the following five genera: Parapercis, Prolatilus Gill, 1865, Pinguipes Cuvier, 1829, Pseudopercis de Miranda-Ribeiro, 1903, and Kochichthys Kamohara, 1960. Cheimarrichthys, excluded from the Pinguipedidae, is put into its own family, Cheimarrichthyidae.     

石山苣苔属(苦苣苔科)花形态演化及分类学意义

石山苣苔属(苦苣苔科)约30种,主要分布于我国南部的石灰岩地区.目前该属已知物种数虽少但花形态极其多样,是该科中分类最为困难的类群之一.基于分子证据,其它8个属中花形态迥异的一些物种被并入石山苣苔属.然而,该属花形态的演化趋势缺乏系统性的研究,传统分类对属的界定与分子系统学研究结果相矛盾的原因,以及是否有形态特征支持新界定的石山苣苔属还不清楚.该研究中,总共编码了19种石山苣苔属植物和9种报春苣苔属植物的35个形态特征,其中包括26个花部形态特征,在分子系统树上追踪了它们的演化路径.结果表明:无论属内还是属间,多数花部形态特征,尤其以往属的分类界定特征,在演化过程中变化频繁且发生了高度同塑性演化,这是导致传统形态分类不自然的关键因素.此外,在观察研究的所有特征中,花丝和柱头的差异可能在石山苣苔属植物共同祖先中经历了演变,或可用于区分石山苣苔属与其姐妹报春苣苔属的大多数种类.因此,在苦苣苔科植物的分类学研究中应当慎用这些花部性状作为分类依据,而且应对形态特征进行广泛地观察研究,在密集的取样和分辨率更高、更可靠的系统树上追踪它们的演化规律.更为重要的是,需要进一步研究导致复杂形态性状演化的内在分子调控机理和外在的自然选择动力,最终更加深入地理解石山苣苔属等典型喀斯特植物的演化过程和机理.     

New and old problems in the taxonomy of the Gelidiales (Rhodophyta)

The order Gelidiales includes over 140 agar-producing taxa. Many species are taxonomically confused; the boundaries of one family and all but four genera recently have been contested, and the controversy over ordinal status has lasted for over 25 years. This study reviews recent developments in the taxonomy of the group and suggests future areas for studies. The order cannot be defined by a few exclusive characters, as intended in the past, but it shows a unique combination of characters. Additional studies on Gelidiella and Acanthopeltis seem advisable to clarify family limits. The segregation of Onikusa and Pterocladiastrum is doubtful. Only three of six characters discriminate Gelidium from Pterocladia. None allows complete generic segregation and all need variability studies. Analysis of nomenclatural types in the light of morphological variation would permit an understanding of species limits in Gelidium and Pterocladia. Similar studies are needed in Gelidiella and Ptilophora.     

Lipids in femoral gland secretions of male lizards, Psammodromus hispanicus

Many lizards produce chemical secretions that may be used as pheromones in reproductive behavior, but only a few studies have identified chemical compounds in secretions. By using GC–MS, we found only 20 lipophilic compounds in femoral glands secretion of male lizards, Psammodromus hispanicus. Main compounds were six steroids (mainly cholesterol and campesterol) and seven n-C₉ to n-C₁₈ carboxylic acids (especially dodecanoic acid), and minor components were six alcohols between C₁₆ and C₂₉ and squalene. We compared these chemicals with those previously found in secretions of the closely related sister species Psammodromus algirus and other lizard species.     

Is there a reproductive basis to solitary living versus pair-formation in coral reef fishes?

Many species of coral reef fishes form pairs. While it is assumed that pairs represent the breeding unit of these species, the reproductive status of paired versus solitary individuals, and changes in status associated with pair-formation have seldom been investigated. In order to assess whether pairing is related to reproduction we examined whether the ontogenetic timing of pair formation coincided with the onset of maturation in four species of fishes: Chaetodon lunulatus and Chaetodon melannotus (family Chaetodontidae), and Valenciennea muralis and Valenciennea strigata (family Gobiidae). 65–78% of all fishes occurred in pairs. In C. lunulatus and V. muralis, pair-formation coincided with maturation, suggesting that these species form pairs for breeding. Further, C. lunulatus and V. muralis exhibited significant positive size-assortative pairing, which is often associated with monogamous mating. In contrast, pair formation in C. melannotus and V. strigata did not coincide with maturation. In both these species many solitary individuals were reproductive, and same sex pairs were common. While reproduction may be the basis for pairing in some species, both solitary and paired individuals are capable of breeding in others. We propose that non-reproductive mechanisms, such as predator vigilance, may explain pair-formation in coral reef fishes with non-monogamous breeding systems.     

The leaf flavonoids of the orchidaceae

In a leaf survey of 142 species from 75 genera of the Orchidaceae, flavone C-glycosides (in 53%) and flavonols (in 37 %) were found to be the most common constituents. However, since these compounds are not found uniformly and their distribution shows a strong correlation with plant geography, it is not possible to represent the Orchidaceae by a single flavonoid profile. Thus, flavone C-glycosides are most common in tropical and subtropical species of the Epidendroid and Vandoid tribes (in 63%) and flavonol glycosides are more characteristic of temperate species of the Neottioid tribes (in 78%). By contrast 6-hydroxyflavones (in 6 species), luteolin (in 2 species) and tricin as the 5-glucoside (in 1 species) are all rare. Three new glycosides were characterised: scutellarein 6-methyl ether 7-rutinoside from Oncidium excavatum and O. sphacelatum, pectolinarigenin 7-glucoside from 0. excavatutn and Eria javanica, and luteolin 3′,4′-diglucoside from Listera ovata. The xanthones, mangiferin and isomangiferin were found in Mormolyca ringens, Maxillaria aff. luteo-alba and 5 Polystachya species and a mangiferin sulphate tentatively identified in P. nyanzensis. Other unusual phenolic constituents include 6,7-methylenedioxy- and 6,7-dimethoxycoumarins from Dendrobium densiflorum and D. farmeri, formed by the rearrangement during the extraction process from the corresponding O-glucosyloxycinnamic acids. The origin and relationship of the Orchidaceae to other monocot groups are discussed in the light of the flavonoid evidence.     

How many species of Diacyclops? New taxonomic characters and species richness in a freshwater cyclopid genus (Copepoda,Cyclopoida)

The genus Diacyclops Kiefer, 1927 emend. Morton (1985) includes more than 100 species, widely distributed in all kinds of freshwater environments, and is the richest genus in the family Cyclopidae. Traditionally, Diacyclops species were defined according to differences in a few morphological characters; some characters (number of antennulary segments, segmentation pattern of swimming legs) are useful only in the separation of species groups, others (length of caudal rami and caudal setae) are highly variable even within the same population. During the study of the D. languidoides-group, minute morphological characters were used to differentiate between species (spinulation pattern and setation of antennary basis, setation and aesthetasc shape of male antennule, setation of mandibulary palp and maxilliped, shape of leg 4 basis) which allow to identify several valid species up to now concealed under the name `Diacyclops languidoides' (Lilljeborg, 1901). The coexistence of up to six congeneric species in the same sampling area: (a) supports the validity of the proposed taxonomic characters, (b) demonstrates that species richness may be highly underestimated in freshwater cyclopoid assemblages in absence of good taxonomic practice; and (c) requires an ecological explanation of species coexistence. The role of morphologically based taxonomy in order to solve general problems of distributional ecology and theoretical biology is explored.     

Flavonoid chemistry ofWeigela (Caprifoliaceae) in Korea

Fifteen flavonoids were isolated from flowers and leaves of four species ofWeigela [W. florida (Bunge) A. DC.,W. praecox (Lemoine) Bailey,W. hortensis (Sieb. et Zucc.) K. Koch, andW. subsessilis (Nakai) Bailey] of Korea and one species (W. coraeensis Thunb.) of Japan. The flavonoid data indicated the presence of two distinct chemical groups: the “yellow flower” type producing flavonols and the “red flower” type producing flavonols and flavones. Two cyanidin 3-O-glycosides (glucoside and glucose-xylose) also occurred in all examined taxa. In the floral color-changing species,W. subsessilis, only quercetin glycosides predominated in floral tissue at first, decreasing in number and quantity with time. Instead, cyanidin 3-O-glycosides became present predominantly in flower color changing tissue from yellow to mauve.Weigela florida produced apigenin and luteolin glycosides, along with cyanidin 3-O-glycosides, which were also found inW. subsessilis. Within a relatively limited number of individuals (five),W. hortensis was unique in its production of all flavonols, flavones, and anthocyanins, although two individuals lacked flavone compounds but possessed all flavonols and anthocyanins. In effect, the putative hybrid,W. hortensis of Korea showed additive profiles of the parental marker compounds ofW. subsessilis andW. florida. Pollinator (andrenid bees) non-discrimination betweenWeigela flower-color morphs leading to non-assortive mating was a common, which indicated no breeding barrier among species. This flavonoid study indicated that species of both sections,Weigela andCalysphyrum appeared in each chemical grouping and it was obvious that the arrangement based on flavonoids cut across the sectional treatment of Hara. Floral tissues may be directly involved in the evolutionary strategy of pollination mechanisms and hence, their inherent flavonoids may no longer support taxonomic relationships. The presence of flavone glycosides inWeigela would support that tribe Dievilleae have a closer affinity to tribe Lonicereae within the Family Caprifoliaceae.     

Anatomical description and phylogenetic classification of the orbicular velvetfishes (Scorpaenoidea: Caracanthus)

Anatomical characters for two species of the orbicular velvetfishes (Caracanthus) are described, and the phylogenetic position of the genus among the superfamily Scorpaenoidea is estimated cladistically on the basis of morphological characters belonging to 112 transformation series. Caracanthus is nested within the family Scorpaenidae, having close relationships with Taenianotus and Pteroidichthys. Validity of the family Caracanthidae was not supported, Caracanthus being included within the Scorpaenidae.     

瑞香属和荛花属的数量分类研究

瑞香属和荛花属为瑞香科瑞香亚科的落叶或常绿灌木,中国西南部是瑞香属和荛花属的重要分化中心。全世界共有瑞香属95种、荛花属70种,中国分布有瑞香属52种、荛花属49种。瑞香属和荛花属的分类学研究一直存在不同程度的分歧。花盘形状和果实类型在传统分类中一直是区分瑞香属和荛花属的典型特征,而花盘形态和果实类型在2个属中存在交叉和过渡,部分植物分类学家根据这些特征将两个属进行过不同程度的归并。该研究采用数量分类法对瑞香属77种(变种)和荛花属62种(变种)植物,选取32个形态学性状进行聚类分析和主成分分析。结果表明:聚类分析和主成分分析均显示两属均未形成单系类群。在主成分分析中,前3个主成分分析的贡献值为35.56%,传统分类中用来区分两属的花盘形状、叶序及果实类型等特征对前3个主成分贡献相对较小,因此,传统分类学中对这两个属进行区分的性状并没有典型的分类学意义。同时,聚类图和主成分分析得到的散点图均不能将这两个属区分开来。数量分类研究结果显示两属植物存在明显的交叉,支持瑞香属和荛花属不是两个独立自然类群的观点。     

Flavonoids and the taxonomy of Camarea (Malpighiaceae)

Camarea is a South-American endemic genus comprising eight species. In the present work leaf flavonoids of seven species of Camarea were identified, aiming to evaluate the usefulness of their distribution as a taxonomic aid. A total of 12 flavonoids were isolated and identified. Free aglycones, such as apigenin, chrysoeriol, kaempferol and quercetin, as well as 7-O-glycosides of apigenin and luteolin, 3-O-glycosides of kaempferol and quercetin were identified. Flavonoid distribution in Camarea species, taking into account aglycones and aglycone moieties of glycosides, was used to obtain a phenogram of chemical affinities. Apigenin, chrysoeriol and kaempferol were the main discriminating characters for links establishment. The resultant tree suggests the links: 1) Camarea hirsuta, Camarea affinis and C. affinis × C. hirsuta; 2) Camarea elongata and Camarea axillaris; 3) Camarea sericea and Camarea humifusa. The results are in agreement with morphological similarities and disagree with several points of n-alkane evidence. The results support the recognition of Camarea triphylla as synonymy of C. axillaris.     

Further flavonoid studies onAttalea species and some related cocosoid palms

In a flavonoid survey of direct and hydrolysed leaf extracts of sixteenAttalea, sevenScheelea and fourOrbignya species free tricin, tricin 7-glycosides, tricin 5-glucoside and flavone C-glycosides were the most frequent constituents; present in 100, 89, 70, and 81% of species, respectively. Luteolin, quercetin and isorhamnetin were each found in only 15% of the sample. The present results confirm the findings of a previous survey thatAttalea, Scheelea andOrbignya are chemically heterogeneous with as much variation between species as between genera. Furthermore, threeAttalea species,A. allenii, A. guaranitica andA. victoriana showed some infraspecific variation. On the other hand all three accessions ofA. ferruginea and six ofA. geraensis examined gave identical flavonoid profiles. The results support the view thatA. geraensis andA. guaranitica are closely related but do not support the suggested close relationship based on morphology betweenA. oleifera, A. burretiana andA. piassabossu.     

Cortinarius sarcoflammeus sp. nov, a new species of subgenus Dermocybe (Agaricales) growing in Sphagnum bogs

 Cortinarius sarcoflammeus is proposed as a new species belonging to subgenus Dermocybe, on the basis of its morphological, chemical and ecological characters. The strong red-orange colour of the context and stipe base, large spores, sphagnicolous habitat and high dermorubin content are characteristic for the new species. Holotypes of C. huronensis and C. huronensis var. olivaceus have been examined for comparison, and their differences discussed. Photographs and line drawings of C. sarcoflammeus are added. Received February 13, 2001 Accepted March 23, 2001     

Repressed multidrug resistance genes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptomyces lividans</Emphasis>

Multidrug resistance (MDR) systems are ubiquitously present in prokaryotes and eukaryotes and defend both types of organisms against toxic compounds in the environment. Four families of MDR systems have been described, each family removing a broad spectrum of compounds by a specific membrane-bound active efflux pump. In the present study, at least four MDR systems were identified genetically in the soil bacterium Streptomyces lividans. The resistance genes of three of these systems were cloned and sequenced. Two of them are accompanied by a repressor gene. These MDR gene sequences are found in most other Streptomyces species investigated. Unlike the constitutively expressed MDR genes in Escherichia coli and other gram-negative bacteria, all of the Streptomyces genes were repressed under laboratory conditions, and resistance arose by mutations in the repressor genes.Abbreviations MDR Multidrug resistance