Electron microscopic localization of acid phosphatase and thiamine pyrophosphatase activities in the motoneurons of exercised mice

Summary Motoneurons in the spinal cords of exercised mice were investigated for acid phosphatase and thiamine pyrophosphatase by the electron microscope. In the control animals the acid phosphatase has been localized in lysosomes and in elongated vacuolar structures of the Golgi apparatus. The TPP-ase appears in vacuoles, vesicles and flattened cisternae of the Golgi apparatus.In conformity with a time of swimming the increase of TPP-ase and acid phosphatase activities was observed in the motoneurons of exercised animals. The authors suppose that lysosomes in the motoneurons of the exercised animals are formed in the Golgi zone, which enlarges according to the time of swimming.     

水玉霉(Pilobolus)属的种的重新划分

我们在过去的工作中承认水玉霉(Pilobolus)属的9个种(郑、胡,见戴,1979)。近年来我们重新分离得到了这些分类群并对它们进行了再研究。研究结果表明,尽管它们是彼此可以互相区分的分类群,但是,包括我们过去的概念在内,目前被普遍接受的用于这个属的分类的种概念太小.为了与整个毛霉目的其它属的分类系统相一致,我们把这9个分类群重新划分为由9个变种组成的5个种:晶澈水玉霉原变种[Pilobolus crystallinu (Wigg.) Tode var. crystallinus],晶澈水玉霉透孢变种新组合[P. crystallinus var.hyalosporus (Boedijn) Hu &Zheng, comb. nov.],晶澈水玉霉克莱因变种新组合[P. crystallinus var.kleinii (van Tieghem) Zheng &G.-q. Chen, comb. nov.],豆状水玉霉原变种(P. lentiger Corda var. lentiger),豆状水玉霉小型变种新组合[P. lentiger var. minutus (Speg.) Zheng &G.-q. Chen, comb. nov.],长型水玉霉(P. longipes van Tieghem),厚壁水玉霉(P. Oedipus Mont.),露水玉霉原变种[P. roridus (Bolt.) Pers. var. roridus],露水玉霉突囊变种新组合[P. roridus var. umbonatus (Butler) Hu &Zheng, comb. nov.]。水玉霉属先后报道过的种或种下分类群名称共计50个左右,其中一些异名往往被不同的作者归到不同的正名下面。为了解决它们的正确归属问题,我们对全部原始描述作了细致的文献考证然后决定其位置。对那些找不到原始描述或从原始描述中得不出结论的则作为可疑名称处理。可疑名称共计12个:Mucor obliquus Scop., M. urceolatus Dicks.;Pilobolus urceolatus Purt., P. pestis-bovinae Hallier(=P. hallierii Rivolta), P. nanus van Tieghem, P. intermedius, (Coem.) P. A. Karsten(=P. Oedipus Mont. var,intermedius Coem.), P. pullus Massee, P.proliferens McVickar, P. ramosus McVickar, P. simplex McVickar, P. lentiger forma leinii Reyn. &Laysa, P. lentiger forma minutus Reyn. &Laysa.     

EFFECTS OF GENETIC KNOCK‐DOWN OF ORGANIC ANION TRANSPORTER GENES ON SECRETION OF FLUORESCENT ORGANIC IONS BY MALPIGHIAN TUBULES OF Drosophila melanogaster

An earlier study has shown that RNAi knock‐down of a single organic anion transporter (OAT) gene in the principal cells of Drosophila Malpighian tubules is associated with reductions in the expression of multiple, functionally related genes. In this study, we measured the rates of secretion of four fluorescent ions by tubules isolated from flies expressing targeted RNAi knock‐down of specific OAT genes. Droplets secreted by isolated tubules set up in the Ramsay assay were collected in optically flat capillary tubes and the concentrations of fluorescent ions were determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Reductions in the expression of organic anion (OA) transporting polypeptide 58Dc (OATP; CG3380) were associated with reduced secretion of the OAs fluorescein and Texas Red. Reduction in the expression of Drosophila multidrug resistance associated protein (dMRP; CG6214) was correlated with reduced secretion of the P‐glycoprotein substrate daunorubicin. Secretion of the organic cation quinacrine was unaffected by reduced expression of OATP, dMRP, or a multidrug efflux transporter (MET; CG30344). The results highlight the difficulties of assigning a rate‐limiting role in transport of a specific OA to a single membrane transporter.     

{beta}-1,4-Glucan occurring in homogenate of Phaseolus aureus seedlings. Possible nascent stage of cellulose biosynthesis in vivo

A small amount of cytoplasmic ß-1,4-glucan, whichmight be involved in the synthesis of cellulose in the cellwall, was found in the homogenate prepared from the hypocotylsof seedlings of Phaseolus aureus. Upon hydrolysis by cellulaseof the 20,000?g pellet from the cytoplasmic fraction of segmentsincubated in a [¹⁴C]-glucose solution, [¹⁴C]-cellobiose wasproduced, with specific radioactivities 3 to 10 times greaterthan those of the cellobiose from cellulose in the cell wallat various incubation periods. The incoporation of radioactivityfrom [¹⁴C]-glucose into this cytoplasmic ß-1,4-glucanwas therefore faster than that into cellulose constituting thecell wall. Hence, it seemed that the former ß-1,4-glucancould be turned over. To examine whether the- cytoplasmic ß-1,4-glucanis carried by some subcellular components, cytoplasmic ß-1,4-glucanin the cell was fractionated by differential centrifugation,two enzyme activities being measured as the markers of subcellularcomponents. The distribution of ß-1,4-glucan was similarto that of UDPG-glucosyltransferase activity but not to thatof IDP-ase activity. The result suggests that the cytoplasmicß-1,4-glucan has some relation to plasma membranes. Coumarin, known as a specific inhibitor for the biosynthesisof cellulose in plant cells, was shown to inhibit the incorporationof radiocarbon from [¹⁴C]-glucose into cytoplasmic ß-1,4-glucanto the same extent as that into cellulose in the cell wall ofthe hypocotyls. ¹ Present address: Department of Biological Science, TohokuUniversity, Kawauchi, Sendai 980, Japan. (Received May 31, 1976; )     

ASSOCIATION OF MUCILAGE WITH THE LIGULE OF SEVERAL SPECIES OF SELAGINELLA

Mucilage bodies of protein and some polysaccharide were closely associated with ligules of Selaginella kraussiana (Kunze) A. Braun grown in the greenhouse, and Selaginella wallacei Hieron. and Selaginella oregana D.C. Eat. from natural habitats. With S. wallacei and S. oregana, several mucilage bodies were associated with some ligules. No mucilaginous material was associated with the ligules of Selaginella douglasii Hook, et Grev., Selaginella densa Rydb. or Selaginella apoda (L.) Fernald from natural habitats. When stem tips of S. kraussiana and S. douglasii were placed in sterile culture on a medium with sucrose, massive amounts of mucilage appeared around the ligules in the tight interstices of the stem tip leaves and extended out on the surface of the leaves. The mucilage from a cultured stem tip of S. kraussiana contained 0.034 μgm of protein, 14.6 μgm of apparent glucose equivalents as polysaccharide and no significant amounts of phenolics. In stem tips with tightly appressed leaves, either ligules or young leaves could have produced the mucilage; however, in more mature regions of the stem where internodal elongation had separated the leaves, mucilage coated only the apical portions of the ligules and was not associated with leaves. No other possible source of mucilage (bacteria or fungi) was detected among the leaves. When stem tips of S. wallacei, S. densa and S. apoda were placed in culture, mucilage was not produced. Since mucilage is closely associated with the ligule of some species of Selaginella growing in nature, the greenhouse, or tissue culture, the ligule may be glandular.     

THE EFFECT OF THE INTERACTION OF TEMPERATURE WITH AFTER-RIPENING REQUIREMENT AND COMPENSATING TEMPERATURE ON GERMINATION OF SEED OF FIVE SPECIES OF ROSA

Seeds of 5 rose species, Rosa multiflora Thunb. ‘Cathayensis,’ R. × reversa Waldst. & Kit., R. setigera Michx. ‘Beltsville,’ R. setigera Michx. ‘Serena,’ and R. wichuraiana Crepin, varied in after-ripening requirement from 30 days at 4.4 C for R. multiflora to 90 days for R. setigera ‘Serena.’ The compensating temperature varied from near 12.8 C for R. × reversa to a value near 29.4 C for R. setigera ‘Beltsville.’ In this report compensating temperature is used to describe that temperature at which mature, moist seed does not germinate, after-ripening does not take place, and dormancy does not change. Seed germination was reduced by interruption of the after-ripening period with intervals at temperatures above the compensating temperature. The interruptions were more effective in reducing germination when more frequent and when the temperature during the interval was higher. Species differed in their sensitivity to high-temperature reduction of germination. Those having the longest after-ripening requirement were most sensitive. Germination of seeds which had the minimum after-ripening treatment was repressed more by high temperature than germination of those seeds which had an excess of after-ripening. The decrease in germination resulted from imposition of a secondary dormancy of the embryo, and probably also from reversal of the after-ripening effect upon the primary dormancy imposed by the seed coat.     

SYNTHESIS OF NEW CLASSES OF BORON-CONTAINING NUCLEOTIDES

Four different types of boron-modified nucleotides are reported: P-boranophos-phorothioates, P-cyanoboranophosphates, P-boranomethylphosphonates, and P3′-N5′-boranophosphoramidates. Synthesis of dinucleoside borano-phosphorothioates and nucleoside P-borano-P-thiomonophosphates via a lithium sulfide method is described. The Li₂S method also provides an alternative way to synthesize phosphorothioates through a dinitrophenyl P(V) phosphotriester precursor. The mechanism of Li₂S substitution was investigated.     

ANALYSIS OF N-ALKANES FROM THREE SPECIES OF CLARKIA

Sixteen n-alkanes were isolated and identified from the herb Clarkia unguiculata, fourteen from C. exilis and seven from C. tembloriensis. These alkanes ranged from C₂₀H₄₂ to C₃₅H₇₂. In all three taxa, the odd numbered alkanes were generally present in greater quantities than even numbered ones, which is similar to the alkane patterns of Monarda that were observed in our laboratories. Clarkia tembloriensis has a characteristically high percentage (95%) of the C₂₀ alkane.     

A CYTOGENETIC STUDY OF A THREE-PAIRED RACE OF HAPLOPAPPUS GRACILIS

Haplopappus gracilis (Nutt.) Gray is an aneuploid species of Compositae of wide distribution in the southwestern U.S.A. and northern Mexico. Except for 2 types of supernumeraries, cytological samples from throughout its range have regularly shown 2 pairs of chromosomes. However, recent collections from a small area in south-central Arizona had 2n = 4, 2n = 5, and 2n = 6 in the same population. The 2n = 5 plants were hybrids between the 2n = 4 and 2n = 6 types. Both natural and artificial F₁ hybrids show preferential disjunction from a trivalent and produce genetically balanced gametes with n = 2 and n = 3. In backcrosses of the F₁ to n = 2 plants, a 1:1 ratio of 2n = 4 and 2n = 5 plants was obtained. The possible mechanisms for the evolution of n = 2 from n = 3 and vice versa are discussed.     

PHASE-MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS OF FUSIONS OF NUCLEI IN SOMATIC CELLS OF A HETEROKARYON OF SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE

Pairs of nuclei in apical cells of a common-B heterokaryon (A41 B41 + A2 B41) of Schizophyllum commune fused prior to the nuclear division. It is assumed that each fusion was followed by a reduction division. Five consecutive fusions and divisions in a single hypha were photographed in situ with a phase microscope. These fusions and reduction divisions are possibly related to the genetically determined phenomenon of somatic recombination as a part of the parasexual cycle in fungi.     

CHROMOSOMAL STUDIES OF SUBGENUS TRIDENTATAE OF ARTEMISIA: EVIDENCE FOR AUTOPOLYPLOIDY

The sagebrushes (subgenus Tridentatae of Artemisia—new combination presented in the text) are western North America's most widespread and populous shrub group. Chromosome counts from 120 populations confirm the base chromosome number at x = 9 with numerous 2n = 2x = 18 diploids and 2n = 4x = 36 tetraploids. Few higher polyploids are known, and aneuploidy and supernumerary chromosomes are rare. All 11 Tridentatae species are now known cytologically. All but the narrowly endemic A. argillosa are known from at least three locations: A. arbuscula (2n = 18, 36), A. bigelovii (2n = 18, 36), A. cana (2n = 18, 36), A. longiloba (2n = 18, 36), A. nova (2n = 18, 36), A. pygmaea (2n = 18, 36), A. rigida (2n = 18, 36), A. rothrockii (2n = 18, 36, 54, ca. 72), A. tridentata (2n = 18, 36, 54), and A. tripartita (2n = 18, 36). The chromosome number of A. argillosa, reported here for the first time, is 2n = 36. Chromosome numbers of eight subspecies also have been determined. The subgenus is characterized by autopolyploidy as indicated by morphologically indistinguishable 2x and 4x plants, a few mixed ploidy populations, consistent formation of IVs in 4x PMCs, a relatively uniform 2x karyotype, and a 4x karyotype, which is approximately twice the 2x one. Karyotypic differences, if they exist at all, are on a populational level rather than a systematic taxonomic level. The Tridentatae have apparently rapidly differentiated in situ in North America under the stimulus of recurring aridic cycles since late Tertiary or early Quaternary. They likely derive from more primitive circumboreal stock originating from the Eurasian homeland of Artemisia. The differentiation of myriad forms of Tridentatae was seemingly achieved through genic rather than genomic means. Karyotypic analysis supports a position within Tridentatae of A. rigida, A. bigelovii, and A. pygmaea.     

THE FEMALE GAMETOPHYTE OF THREE SPECIES OF GRINDELIA AND OF PRIONOPSIS CILIATA (COMPOSITAE)

In the four species studied, Grindelia stricta ssp. blakei, G. arizonica, G. lanceolata, and Prionopsis ciliata (Haplopappus ciliatus), the female gametophyte develops according to the Polygonum (normal) type from the chalazal megaspore of a row of four. In most cases only two antipodal cells are formed, the micropylar one originally containing two nuclei. The number of nuclei increases in both cells; one or both antipodal cells typically grow laterally into the integument, often extending to near the surface of the ovule. This resembles the condition previously reported in Grindelia squarrosa. Since the four species of Grindelia have similar antipodal outgrowths, such outgrowths may be considered typical for this genus. The fact that Prionopsis resembles Grindelia in regard to outgrowths from the antipodal cells and differs in this respect from typical Haplopappus helps to justify its separation from Haplopappus, and perhaps its suggested merger with Grindelia.     

THE CYTOLOGY AND PHYLOGENETICS OF THE DIPLOID SPECIES OF GOSSYPIUM

Meiotic chromosome behavior of 11 inter-genomic hybrids of Gossypium (2n = 26) were investigated. Per cell univalent frequencies at meiotic metaphase I in these hybrids were: A genome × Cgenome—G. herbaceum × sturtianum, 10.53; G. herbaceum × australe, 18.05. A genome × E genome—G. smnalense × arboreum, 21.82. B genome × C genome—G. anomalum × sturtianum, 9.23; G. anomalum × australe, 13.11. B genome × D genome—G. anomalum × klotzschianum, 17.45; G. anomalum × raimondii, 18.83. C genome × D genome—G. robinsonii × davidsonii, 12.77; G. sturtianum (armourianum × thurberi), 8.63. C genome × E genome—G. somalense × australe, 23.78; G. somalense × bickii, 25.58. Trivalent and quadrivalent frequencies were relatively high for those hybrids involving a C genome species, indicating that a reciprocal translocation differentiates the C genome from the A, B, D, and E genomes. The results of this study and the data of similar studies cited from the literature on Gossypium cytogenetics are discussed relative to the phylogenetics and evolution of the major (genome) groups of Gossypium and their constituent taxa.     

黑粉菌属某些种的核rDNA ITS2序列分析

本文报道从某些黑粉菌的黑粉孢子粉末中提取核糖体脱氧核酸(rDNA)后,用聚合酶链式反应(PCR)的方法,对其转录间区(ITS2)片断进行了扩增,核苷酸序列测定和分析,其结果表明异形黑粉菌(Ustilago anomala)与其它3种近似黑粉菌,科尔达黑粉菌(U. cordae),柳叶刺黑粉菌(U. bungeana)和网孢黑粉菌(U. reticulata)的rDNA ITS2序列区别很大,在被测定的190个碱基对中,差别达69个位点以上(26.3-36.3%),异形黑粉菌与这三种黑粉菌亲缘关系较远,在中国作者原定名为异形黑粉菌的种与在欧洲取材的科尔达黑粉菌相似程度较高.因此将在中国已报道的异形黑粉菌更正为科尔达黑粉菌,而柳叶刺黑粉菌与科尔达黑粉菌近似程度也较高,将柳叶刺黑粉菌作为科尔达黑粉菌的异名.     

DNA CONTENT OF SEVEN SPECIES OF ASTEREAE AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE TO THEORIES OF CHROMOSOME EVOLUTION IN THE TRIBE

Relative amounts of nuclear DNA were determined in root tip cells of seven species of Astereae: Aster hydrophilus Greene, A. oblongifolius Nutt., A. riparius H.B.K., Machaeranthera boltoniae (Greene) Turner and Home, M. brevilingulata (Sch-Bip.) Turner and Home, M. parviflora Gray, and M. tenuis (S. Wats.) Turner and Home. The results show that A. hydrophilus and M. brevilingulata, with a chromosome number of n = 9, have less nuclear DNA than other closely related species which are either n = 4 or n = 5. Cytological analyses of meiosis in the intergeneric hybrid M. parviflora X A. hydrophilus showed cells with two or more small chromosomes of the latter species pairing with single large chromosomes of the former. Pachytene cells of the hybrids M. parviflora X A. hydrophilus, M. parviflora X A. riparius, and M. boltoniae X M. tenuis showed some unpaired chromosome segments. The significance of these results to chromosome evolution in the tribe Astereae is discussed.     

ESTIMATION OF THE DAILY FOOD INTAKE OF PISCIVOROUS BIRDS

Tomlinson, D. N. S. 1979. Interspecific relations in a mixed heronry. Ostrich 50:193-198.

Fortnightly censuses were conducted at a heronry in Lake Kyle, Rhodesia, from January toMay1974, and while certain species (Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus, Grey Heron Ardea cinerea and Black headed Heron Ardea melanocephala) continued to arrive in small parties throughout the breeding season, others (Great White Egret Egretta aha, Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis and Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax) exhibited a high degree of breeding synchrony. P. africanus showed a significant nesting association with A. cinerea and A. melanocephala, while N. nycticorax was associated with C. albus. B. ibis did not show any significant nesting association with the other species.     

EFFECTS OF TISSUE VOLUME AND LOCATION ON THE MECHANICAL CONSEQUENCES OF DEHYDRATION OF PETIOLES

Data are presented on the mechanical consequences of dehydration for the petioles of two monocots and two dicots differing in leaf morphology (pinnate leaves ofChamaedorea erumpens and simple leaves of Spathiphyllum ‘clevelandii‘; pinnate leaves of Acer negundo and simple leaves of A. saccharum). The flexural stiffness EI of petioles decreased over a broad range of tissue water potential (– 10 < ψ_w <– 50 bars). Within the same range of ψ, the second moment of area I and the elastic modulus E were observed to decrease and increase, respectively. However, the mechanical alterations of Chamaedorea and A. negundo petioles were significantly less than those observed for Spathiphyllum and A. saccharum petioles. The increase in E of Spathiphyllum and A. saccharum petioles attending dehydration was linearly correlated with an increase in the relative volume fraction of tissues with lignified, thick cell walls (“support tissues”). The decrease in I of Spathiphyllum and A. saccharum petioles was linearly correlated with a decrease in the relative volume fraction of tissues with nonlignified, thin cell walls (“ground tissues”). Similar trends were observed for the petioles of C. erumpens and A. negundo but were found not to be statistically significant. Anatomical differences in the relative volume fraction and spatial locations of support tissues in the petioles of these four taxa appear to account for the differences observed in the mechanical consequences of petiole dehydration.     

LIMITED EFFECT OF REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES ON THE COMPOSITION OF SUSCEPTIBLE ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS IN THE MIDGUTS OF Lymantria Dispar CATERPILLARS

The essential amino acids (EAAs) arginine, histidine, lysine, and methionine, as well as cysteine (semiessential), are believed to be susceptible to reactions with reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological systems. The decreased availability of these EAAs could harm insect nutrition, since several of them can also be limiting for protein synthesis. However, no in vivo studies have quantified the effect of ROS in the midguts of insect herbivores on EAA composition. This study examined the association between elevated levels of ROS in the midgut fluid of Lymantria dispar caterpillars and the compositions of EAAs (protein‐bound + protein‐free) in their midgut fluid and frass. Contrary to expectation, the compositions of EAAs were not significantly decreased by ROS in midgut fluid ex vivo when incubated with phenolic compounds. Two in vivo comparisons of low‐ and high‐ROS‐producing leaves also showed similar results: there were no significant decreases in the compositions of EAAs in the midgut fluids and/or frass of larvae with elevated levels of ROS in their midguts. In addition, waste nitrogen excretion was not significantly increased from larvae on high‐ROS treatments, as would be expected if ROS produced unbalanced EAA compositions. These results suggest that L. dispar larvae are able to tolerate elevated levels of ROS in their midguts without nutritionally significant changes in the compositions of susceptible EAAs in their food.     

GIEMSA C-BANDED KARYOTYPES OF SEVEN NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES OF ALLIUM

The karyotypes of seven North American Allium species were studied by Giemsa C-banding technique. Two species (A. shoenoprasum and A. tricoccum) were diploids with 2n = 16 chromosomes. Three species (A. cernuum, A. douglasii and A. geyeri) were also diploids but with 2n = 14 chromsomes. Diploid and tetraploid populations of A. textile (2n = 14, 28) were studied. The population of A. canadense studied here was a tetraploid (2n = 28). All these North American species, except A. geyeri, possessed centromeric bands in all their chromosomes and nucleolar constriction bands in their satellited chromosomes. Allium shoenoprasum contained telomeric bands in most of its chromosomes but the other species had them only in a small number of chromsomes. Only three species (A. shoenoprasum, A. textile and A. tricoccum) were found to have intercalary bands in some chromosomes. The heterochromatin distribution in B chromosomes of three species was also observed. In A. cernuum, the heterochromatin occupied most of the length of all its Bs, but in A. shoenoprasum, heterochromatin was concentrated in the centromeric region. One population of A. textile (CC1179) was found to have a B chromosome in which very little heterochromatin existed.     

ANATOMY OF THE SWIMBLADDERS OF SEVEN FAMILIES OF TRANSVAAL FRESHWATER FISHES

SUMMARY

IN the genera Barbus and Labeo of the family Cyprinidae there is a typical twolobed, cylindrical swimbladder: a shorter anterior and a longer posterior lobe, connected by an isthmus. The pneumatic duct passes from the anteroventral end of the posterior lobe to the oesophagus. In the genus Labeo two spiral bands encircle the posterior lobe twice. No rete mirabile, nor any indication of a gas gland, was observed.

The species Hydrocynus vittutus of the family Characidae has a very similarly shaped swimbladder to that of the Cyprinidea. Inside the anterior lobe, however, there is a peculiar structure, which is evidently the gas glad, although a rete mirabile was not observed.

In the families of the Siluriformes, studied, with the exception of the Clariidae, a single lobed, heartshaped swimbladder is present. It is divided by a longitudinal and a transverse. septum into three chambers: an anterior, a right and a left posterior chamber. The pneumatic duct originates from the medial posteroventral part of the anterior chamber. In Clarias gariepinus the two-lobed, right and left lobed, swimbladder lies in a bony capsule, which is attached transversely to the posteroventral part of the skull. In all the Siluriformes, studied, no trace of a gas gland, nor of a rete mirabile was found.

The Cichlid swimbladder has no pneumatic duct, nor any other exit, hence it is physoclistic. In the Cichlids the retroperitoneal position of the swimbladder is accentuated, as the peritoneum and the outer tectum of the swimbladder have united to form a thick, tough membrane, which divides the body cavity into a distinct ventral, or visceral cavity, and a dorsal, or swimbladder cavity. The swimbladder cavity acts as an outer swimbladder. It contains an inner, smaller bladder whose internal ventro-anterior surface is covered with arborescently arranged patches of gas glands.

The attachment of the swimbladder to the tripus and also to the ossa suspensoris is discussed.