La structure de la cellule végétale: Les inclusions du cytoplasme et en particulier les chondriosomes et les plastes

Sans résumé     

Etude sur la végétation des dunes et des landes de la bretagne

Sans résumé     

Le comportement de la cellule végétale en présence de toxiques additionnés de substances tensio-actives

Résumé Le présent travail expose quelles sont les réactions de la cellule végétale lorsque cette dernière est soumise à l'association d'un toxique et d'un « mouillant » (Netzmittel).Les variables sont: la nature de la cellule végétale, celle du toxique et celle du mouillant.Alors que les mouillants cationiques, eux-mêmes toxiques, exercent une simple action additive, les mouillants anioniques révèlent dans de nombreux cas une synergie de toxicité. Celle-ci se manifeste surtout avec les champignons et les bactéries Gram+, les végétaux supérieurs se montrant indifférents. Cette synergie varie également avec la structure moléculaire du mouillant.Les mouillants non ioniques peuvent au contraire exercer une action antagoniste, c'est-à-dire diminuer la toxicité.Ce dernier phénomène se produit dans certains cas à la suite d'une réaction chimique entre le mouillant et le toxique; la nature de la cellule est alors indifférente. Dans d'autres cas, il y a absence de réaction chimique et le phénomène ne se produit qu'avec certains types de cellules (champignons surtout).La nature chimique du toxique joue, dans la synergie, un rôle moins important que dans l'antagonisme.Des hypothèses sont formulées pour tenter d'élucider le mécanisme des cas de synergie et d'antagonisme.     

Sur l'influence du radium sur le chondriome des végétaux inférieurs

Sans résumé     

L'analyse et la synthèse en systématique végétale

Analysis and synthesis have been widely used in systematics since, at least, the XIXth Century. Even now, the four major authors (Cronquist, Dahlgren, Takhtajan, Thorne) of angiosperm systems use “synthetic” to qualify their classifications. This word — synthetic or synthesis — has many different meanings that can create ambiguity. Among these meanings, is there one that can be justifiably used to define biological classifications? Although much more than the following applications can be found in the botanical literature, this paper will mainly deal with six meanings which are still in use in contemporary systematics. A synthetic classification has been understood as a classification built upward, from the lower to the higher categories. If we define synthesis as the operation that starts with elements and proceeds to a whole, then upward classification could be viewed as a synthesis in which the concept of hierarchy plays a primordial role, a role that is not initially a part of synthesis. Moreover, synthesis cannot replace all classificatory processes, and other criteria of taxa must be used in addition to synthesis Historically, synthesis has replaced analysis; the latter being employed by Linnaeus in his sexual system. Indeed, Linnaeus used a divisive method in producing his classification; and since division was seen as synonymous to analysis and recognized as a method that led to artificial taxa, leading French taxonomists Adanson, Lamarck and A.-L. de Jussieu among others, rejected analysis and viewed their classifications as synthetic, i.e., based on the natural method. Therefore, a system of value took place: natural was better than artificial, synthesis better than analysis. Reinforcing the importance of synthesis was the belief in a concept widely accepted at the end of the XVIIIth Century: that of continuity. Linking groups and forming a continuum was a procedure eminently synthetic. Such a procedure, known as “chaining”, produced series or sequences of taxa. Analysis was used solely to express the idea of dichotomous or analytical keys, a Lamarckian innovation that enabled taxonomists to identify plants. But whether classifications are built from lower to higher categories (a synthesis of taxa) or from higher to lower categories (an analysis of taxa), another simultaneous, concomitant movement is implied: with the latter, a synthesis of characters, with the former, an analysis of characters. Therefore, a synthetic classification is nevertheless an analytical classification.Basing groups on resemblance instead of difference, results in yet another application of synthesis. This application is probably due to the analogy with “composition”. Already, a separation between resemblance and difference among characters is an analysis. More important, still, is that at a certain rank some characters are used to join whereas, at another rank, they separate. Thus, depending on ranks and taxa, characters are applied in a synthetic or analytical procedure. Here also, other criteria are needed to support group delimitation.In connection with the upward (synthetic) movement in classifying taxa, the use of a great number of characters was also considered to be synthesis. This has been a recurring theme in taxonomy over the last two centuries and was sometimes seen as the Gilmourian approach to classification. When would we be justified to talk about synthesis? After how many characters? In fact, it is not the number of characters that matters but how characters are handled. The use of many characters has been closely linked to the idea of natural groups and its joining with synthesis seems to derive from the association of “natural” and “synthetic”.Synthetic classifications equally imply the common idea that they must represent a résumé of information stemming from all biological fields or disciplines. If classifications portray evolution, as many systematists suggest, then it cannot be just a résumé. And one must first decide what classifications are about: a controversial subject among different schools of thought in taxonomy. This explains another meaning attached to synthesis. Biological classifications have been said to be a synthesis or résumé of two types of information: that of similarity and that of phylogeny. Anagenesis is sometimes viewed as incremental to classification and makes up for a third type of information. Even though taxonomists would (for once!) agree that a classification should be based on phenetic, cladogenetic and anagenetic data, such a classification cannot qualify as a synthesis since it is not a composition and does not meet the definition given above (an operation that starts with elements and goes on to a whole). It is impossible to represent these three types of data together in one classification scheme; they express three, sometimes irreducible, points of view. For such a classification, the word “eclectic” is preferable and closer to reality.The use of synthesis as one term of the dialectical movement has made hesitant steps in taxonomy. Indeed, the two opposed theses that evolve into the synthesis are hardly met in classification and the “dialectical” synthesis promulgated by a few taxonomists can be referred back to synthesis as a résumé.Is classification synthetic because it appears to be based on inductive procedures, as it is sometimes implied by different authors who link deduction and analysis (stemming from downward classification)? In logic, synthesis is sometimes (and questionably so) associated with deduction. Moreover, synthesis cannot follow from induction which deals, for example, with the universality of characters. In that sense, there is no composition and so no synthesis. Thus, although induction has been part of classification, it is not a synthetic method.Apart from the ambiguity originating from the multiple meanings of the word “synthesis” in the context of taxonomy, synthetic classifications do not fully express all the complexity and procedures that lead to it. Actually, a classification is as much a synthesis as an analysis. Both methods are complementary, and should not be opposed as is sometimes the case. This opposition was implicit in the debate between Linneans and Jussieans, surrounding the development of the natural method. If one wants to use “synthetic”, then one should be explicit about its meaning. Taxonomists should also be aware of the incompleteness of synthesis in constructing a classification and should be careful not to create a system of value based upon philosophical ground. They should always prefer a complementary mode of thinking when feasible, instead of an “either-or” approach.     

De l'influence,sur les algues d'eau douce,des produits de décomposition spontanée des substances organiques d'origine animale et végétale

Sans résuméCentre de Recherches Hydrobiologiques du C.N.R.S.     

Influence de la congélation sur le taux de fragmentation de l’ADN des spermes normaux à sévèrement altérés

Ejaculated sperm cryopreservation can be proposed in the course of anART procedure, particularly in the case of severe oligozoospermia likely to deteriorate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the freezing-thawing process on sperm DNA fragmentation (analysed by the TUNEL technique). The first step of this work consisted of adapting the TUNEL technique to perform this analysis on very poor quality sperm. A study was then performed on 72 patients divided into 4 groups according to their spermatic characteristics: group 1 [n=20] (“normal” parameters according to WHO), group 2 [n=24] (normal sperm count associated with asthenospermia and/or teratospermia), group 3 [n=16] (total sperm count between 5 and 20 M) and group 4 [n=12] (total sperm count below 5 M). Spermatic parameters and DNA fragmentation (performed by TUNEL in situ technique, 400 spermatozoa read per slide) were evaluated on raw semen - for all patients -, raw migrated sperm - for patients of group 1 and 2 -, migrated frozen-thawed sperm - for all patients-. A TUNEL technique adapted to oligospermic samples was developed, manipulating spermatozoa directly on the slide rather than in suspension, to limit spermatic sample loss. After the whole migration-freezing-thawing process, the mean DNA fragmentation rate decreased for patients in group 1 (2.9 vs 5.1%, p<0.0001) whereas this rate increased for patients in groups 2 (10.5 vs 6.8%, p<0.0001), 3 (10.7 vs 7.6%, p<0.05) and 4 (15.2 vs 8.7%, p<0.005). DNA fragmentation rates from thawed samples were also correlated with initial spermatic parameters. At the intermediary step, migration decreased DNA fragmentation rate in comparison with raw semen rate in both groups (1.9 vs 4.7% [p<0.05] in group 1; 2.5 vs 5.4% [p<0.05] in group 2). DNA fragmentation rate decreases after migration and then increases after freezing-thawing so that this rate is lower than the raw semen rate for “normal“ sperms and higher than the raw semen rate for altered sperms. Nevertheless, this DNA damage induced by cryopreservation on altered sperms remains moderate. Sperm “resistance” to cryopreservation also appears to depend on spermatic parameters. Cryopreservation may positively select spermatozoa, accelerating elimination of senescent spermatozoa by necrosis, so that early apoptotic spermatozoa from fresh ejaculate are not found in thawed samples. These results, that need to be completed by a study on a larger sample of oligospermic patients, encourage us to continue cryopreserving severely altered sperms.     

Influence des paramètres de fumage sur l'activité génotoxique de la phase gazeuse de fumée de cigarette,mesurée sur le lymphocyte humain et la levure

Effect of smoking-machine parameters on the genetoxic activity of cigarette gas phase, estimated on human lymphocyte and yeastCigarette smoke used in chemical research and bioassays is obtained by mechanical smoking on machines adjusted to international standards. On studying the behavior of some smokers of black tobacco, we were led to change the standard parameters: volume, duration, frequency. The gas phase obtained under those new conditions is poorer in some components. This decrease goes with a clear-cut decrease of its genotoxic activity towards cultured human lymphocytes (sister-chromatid exchange frequency) and S. cerevisiae (rate of mitotic recombinants and of respiratory deficients). This investigation emphasizes the leading part of the smoking behavior.     

Observations sur la végétation nitrophile de lisière dans les Marches (Italie Centrale)

A survey of the nitrophilous fringe communities of the region Marche (Central Italy) allows the individualization of five associations well characterized floristically and ecologically. These are:Urtico-Aegopodietum, Anthriscetum sylvestris, Chaerophylletum aurei, Alliario-Chaerophylletum temuli, andAnthriscetum nemorosae. The first three associations are ranged, from the phytosociological point of view, in the allianceAegopodion podagrariae, while the last two belong to the allianceGalio-Alliarion.     

Enquêtes sur l'archipel de la Maddalena (Sardaigne NE): la flore et le paysage végétal de l'[icaron]le des Bisce

Abstract

Presented herevin are the results of research on the flora and vegetable landscape of the isola delle Bisce (NE Sardinia). The flora was found to be composed of 230 entities (1 Gymnospermae, 229 Angiospermae) belonging to 47 families and included in 156 genera. Failure to find numerous species is underscored and an overview of the vegetation landscape based on aerial photography is presented, with the identification of the vegetation formations and sites on the islands most sensitive to anthropic impact.     

Considérations sur la nature,l'origine,et le comportement des elaioplastes chez les Monocotylédones

Résumé L'étude en microscopie photonique et électronique, chez quatre espèces de Monocotylédones, a permis de mettre en évidence en plus de certains caractères concernant leur morphologie et leur répartition, le comportement des élaïoplastes au cours de la mitose et l'origine intracytoplasmique de ces organites sous forme d'amas de vésicules en relation probable avec reticulum endoplasmique. Enfin des rapprochements ont été faits avec les corps centraux des quelques bryophytes et certaines formations particulières aux Desmidiées.

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Summary The study in photonic and electronic microscopy of four species of monocotyledons allowed us to make obvious, in addition to several characteristcs concerning their morphology and repartition, the behaviour of the elaïoplasts during mitosis, and the intracytoplasmic origin of these organelles in the shape of vesicle gatherings probably related to the endoplasmic reticulum. Besides some comparisons have been made with the central bodies of Bryophyts and several formations peculiar to Desmids.

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Zusammenfassung Die licht- und elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchung von vier Monokotyledonenarten ermöglichte uns, zusammen mit bestimmten Kennzeichen ihrer Morphologie und ihrer Verteilung, das Verhalten der Elaioplasten im Laufe der Mitose und die Bildung der Bläschenhaufen, die mit dem endoplasmatischen Reticulum wahrscheinlich in Verbindung stehen, klarzustellen. Schließlich sind Vergleiche mit den Zentralkörpern der Bryophyten und mit gewissen Bildungen, die den Desmidiaceen eigentümlich sind, angestellt worden.