The Internode of Sambucus racemosa L. Originates from a Single Cell Layer

The internodes of Sambucus racemosa L. shoot apices originatefrom a single layer of cells in which mononucleate mother tannincells are present. The mother tannin cells increase in lengthand differentiate together with the internodal growth. Sambucus racemosa L., shoot apices, internode, mother tannin cells, tannin coenocytes     

Ontogenesis of Tannin Coenocytes in Sambucus racemosa L. I. Development of the Coenocytes from Mononucleate Tannin Cells

Tannin coenocytes in shoots of Sambucus racemosa L. developfrom mono-nucleate tannin cells which can be distinguished amongthe cells of the first internode, and which keep on growing.After karyokinesis without cytokinesis bi-nucleate tannin cellsoccur which yield a synchronous karyokinesis leading to 4 nucleiin the tube. The number of nuclei in the coenocyte is 2ⁿ wheren equals the number of karyokineses that have occurred. Sometimesthe number of nuclei is different and one nucleus is bigeerthan the rest indicating that a previous fusion of nuclei hasoccurred. The distribution of nuclei in the coenocyte supportsthe possibility of fusion of chromosome sets at the moment ofnuclear envelope dispersion. Sambucus racemosa L., coenocytes, synchronous karyokinesis, development     

Localization of Phenolic Compounds in Tannin-secreting Cells from Sambucus racemosa L. Shoots

The localization of phenolic compounds was investigated in twokinds of idioblastic tannin cells: (1) mononucleate tannin cellsclose to the promeristem in which they are initiated, and comparedwith the surrounding tissue, and (2) the very long coenocytes(i.e. almost as long as the whole internode of Sambucus) andproducing large amounts of phenolics. One likely pathway forthe appearance of these compounds in the central vacuole ispostulated from their localization: phenolic precursors occuroutside the ER cisternae and enter the interior of parts ofthe ER cisternae which undergo fragmentation and dilatation.Many small vacuoles so formed fuse and lead to the formationof a large central vacuole. Phenolic compounds, tannin cells, idioblasts, Sambucus racemosa L., shoots     

Ontogenesis of Tannin Coenocytes in Sambucus racemosa L. II. Mother Tannin Cells

Tannin coenocytes develop from mononucleate tannin mother cells.The process occurs within the whole of the first (youngest)internode and its development can be divided into three stages.In stage I the MTC is isodiametric and similar to the surroundingcells of the flank meristem, being present in the ninth celllayer from the apex surface. The nucleus becomes lanceolateand elongates, and large cytoplasmic vacuoles appear. A twofoldelongation of both the cell and nucleus continues in the secondstage, the cell-nucleus ratio indicating that it is due to theenlarged vacuole, which pushes a thin layer of cytoplasm closeto the cell wall. In this layer of cytoplasm dilated ER cisternaoccur together with small and large vacuoles, a fusion of thevacuoles increasing their volume. Such cells are diploid inspite of larger nuclear volume and rough structure of its chromatin. Sambucus racemosa L., tannin cells, development, ontogenesis     

The Extrafloral Nectaries of Sambucus nigra

The structure and ultrastructure of the extrafloral nectariesof Sambucus nigra L. were studied. These nectaries are stalk-likeand occur at the bases of the leaves and leaflets. The nectariferoustissue occurs at the top of the nectary and is continuous withthe single central vascular bundle. The nectariferous cellshave a dense cytoplasm and contain a well developed endoplasmicreticulum. With the commencement of nectar secretion disintegrationof the nectariferous cells takes place. This process startsat the summit of the nectary and proceeds downwards. The questionas to whether the process of secretion is holocrine or merocrineis discussed. Sambucus nigra, Extrafloral nectary, nectariferous cells, disintegration of cells     

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) seed proteins inhibit protein synthesis and display strong immunoreactivity with rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised against the type 2 ribosome-inactivating protein nigrin b

Affinity chromatography-purifled elderberry (Sambucus nigraL.) seed proteins strongly inhibited protein synthesis and displayedthe 28S rRNA N-glycosidase activity characteristic of all typesof ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs). Western blot analysisrevealed several proteins that reacted with antibodies raisedagainst the novel non-toxic type 2 ribosome-inactivating proteinnigrin b isolated from elder bark, thus indicating the presenceof a new type 2 RIP. Key words: Anti-nigrin b antibodies, protein synthesis, seeds, elder seeds, Sambucus nigra     

Purification and Partial Characterization of a Lectin from the Bark of Japanese Elderberry (Sambucus sieboldiana)

A lectin [Sambucus sieboldiana agglutinin (SSA)] was purifiedfrom the twigs of Sambucus sieboldiana by repeated affinitychromatography on fetuin-Sepharose. SSA had a molecular weight(Mr) of approximately 160 K on gel filtration and consistedof two types of subunit of which the molecular weights rangedfrom 31 to 37 K. SSA agglutinated human erythrocytes irrespectiveof their blood type and the hemagglutination was inhibited bya very low concentration of Neu5Ac(2-6)lactose, suggesting thatSSA has a carbohydrate-binding specificity similar to that ofthe lectin previously isolated from the bark of S. nigra (SNA).However, the Ouchterlony double-diffusion analysis of theselectins with an antibody raised against SSA showed that SSAwas immunologjcally related but not identical to SNA. (Received January 17, 1989; Accepted June 19, 1989)     

Changes in Polygalacturonase Activity and Solubility of Polyuronides during Ethylene-stimulated Leaf Abscission in Sambucus nigra

Leaflet abscission in Sambucus nigra is precipitated by cellwall degradation which is restricted to the site of cell separation.Accompanying wall breakdown is an increase in the activity ofthe enzyme polygalacturonase (PG) (E.C. 3.2.1.15 [EC] ) and this riseis primarily confined to the abscission zone tissue. The polygalacturonasehas a pH optimum of 4·4 and has the characteristics ofan endo-acting enzyme. The elevation in enzyme activity is theresult of an increase in at least two isoforms of PG as revealedby polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the natured protein.Leaflet abscission in S. nigra is associated with an increasein the solubility and depolymerization of polyuronides fromthe cell wall. These observations are discussed in relationto the mechanism of cell separation during ethylene-stimulatedleaf abscission. Key words: Elder, Sambucus nigra, abscission, polygalacturonase, polyuronides, ethylene     

Isolation and characterization of glycoprotein lectins from the bark of three species of elder,Sambucus ebulus,S. nigra and S. racemosa

Lectins have been isolated from the bark of three members of the family Caprifoliaceae, Sambucus nigra (elder), S. racemosa (red-berried elder) and S. ebulus (dwarf elder), by affinity chromatography on fetuin-agarose, ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. They are all glycoproteins of M _r 140 000 made up of at least four subunits. The lectin have similar but not identical amino-acid compositions and the carbohydrate content varies between 12% and 19% (w/w), the main sugars being (N-acetyl)glucosamine, mannose, fucose and xylose. Inhibition studies of hemagglutination with various mono- and oligosaccharides have shown that N-acetylgalactosamine and galactose together with galactose-containing oligosaccharides are the most effective inhibitors. There are some differences in specificity, in particular S. ebulus agglutinin is inhibited to the same degree by galactosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine and by galactose.Abbreviations PBS phosphate-buffered saline - SDS-PAGE sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis - SEA S. ebulus agglutinin - SNA S. nigra agglutinin - SRA S. racemosa agglutinin     

REVIEW OF THE GENUS DENDRODORIS EHRENBERG, 1831 (GASTROPODA: NUDIBRANCHIA) IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

Six valid species of the nudibranch genus Dendrodons Ehrenberg,1831 inhabit the Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterraneanand Caribbean Seas. Dendrodons lumbata (Cuvier, 1804), Dendrodonsgrandiflora (Rapp, 1827), Dendrodons nigra (Stimpson, 1855)(immigrant from the Red Sea), Dendrodons krebsu (Mörch,1863), Dendrodoru senegalensis Bouchet, 1975 and Dendrodonswarta Marcus & Gallagher, 1976. Additional data about thebiology and geographical distribution of these species are presented.New evidence suggests that other species assigned to the genusDendrodons, Dendrodons racemosa Pruvot-Fol, 1951 and Dendrodonsminima Pruvot-Fol, 1951, must be included in the genus DoriopsillaBergh, 1880. Three new species of Dendrodoris are describedfrom the Northeastern Atlantic and West Africa;Dendrodons angolensis,Dendrodoris guineana and Dendrodons herytra. The variable external morphology makes species recognition difficult.Instead, the diagnostic characters utilised to separate speciesare the shape of the male cirrus hooks, the structure of thereproductive system and features of the egg-mass. (Received 25 April 1995; accepted 1 August 1995)     

Histochemical Localization of Phenolic Deposits in Leaf Blades of Eragrostis racemosa

The distribution of phenolic deposits in the leaves of Eragrostisracemosa from different habitats was investigated during cultivationunder uniform environmental conditions. The plants retainedtheir leaf phenolic distribution pattern over a period of 8months. Plants from dry habitats had phenolic inclusions inboth epidermal layers, whereas phenolic deposits were absentor only occurred in the abaxial epidermal layers of plants occupyingmoist habitats. Eragrostis racemosa, narrow-heart love grass, Poaceae, phenolic deposits, epidermis, histochemistry, anatomy     

榕小蜂的产卵模式及其对子代性比的影响

于2007年4月—2007年7月在中国科学院西双版纳热带植物园,通过干预控制榕小蜂产卵的方法研究了聚果榕的传粉榕小蜂Ceratosolen fusciceps和非传粉小蜂Platyneura mayri及垂叶榕的非传粉小蜂Acophila sp.1和Wakerella benjamini等的产卵顺序。对传粉榕小蜂,在完成放蜂后不同间隔时间向榕果内注入乙醚杀死小蜂;对非传粉榕小蜂,在放蜂后不同间隔时间将其从纱网袋内全部放出,从而控制了各种榕小蜂的产卵时间。到榕果成熟后,收集了榕果内的小蜂,并分析比较各种榕小蜂在不同产卵时间下的子代性比。结果表明：Ceratosolen fusciceps、P. mayri和Acophila sp.1在产卵的最初时间内倾向于产下更多的雄性后代,而随后的时间内则产下更多的雌性伴随少量的雄性后代,这样的产卵顺序导致子代性比随着母代产卵时间的延长而下降,榕小蜂后代雌性比例显著高于雄性。同时,子代榕小蜂数量随母代产卵时间的延长而增加,这在一定程度上解释了单头繁殖雌蜂的子代性比随子代数量的增加而减少的现象。而Wakerella benjamini在产卵顺序上是随机的,在其开始产卵后的不同时间段内子代性比都接近于50%。这一结果表明榕小蜂的产卵顺序与母代产卵时间的长短对子代性比有极为重要的影响。     

Generative Cell Division and Sperm Cell Association in the Pollen Grain of Sambucus nigra

Generative cell division in tricellular pollen grains of Sambucusnigra L. (Caprifoliaceae) has been examined with light and electronmicroscopy. During division the generative cell is located inthe centre of the pollen grain, near to the nucleus of a surroundingvegetative cell. Conventional mitosis of the generative cellis followed by cytokinesis through centrifugal cell plate formation.Two sister sperm cells remain in spatial contact with each otherand are surrounded, as formerly their progenitor cell was, bythe vegetative cell. From the changes of shape of the generativecell during division and of the sperm cells it may be assumedthat the space between these cells and the vegetative one containsa labile, non-rigid, wall material. No plastids have been observedin the generative cell and its mitochondria appear to be unequallydistributed between the two future sperm cells during division. Sambucus nigra L., generative cell division, pollen, sperm cell association     

Sample preservation for determination of organic compounds: microwave versus freeze-drying

In search of a reliable drying method, which might be used evenunder field conditions, microwave drying was compared to freeze-dryingof plant material. Leaves of Ananas comosus and Avicennia germinansas well as buds and phloem of Acer pseudoplatanus were usedand checked for one or more of the following substances: sugars,sugar alcohols, organic and amino acids, total nitrogen, andglycinebetaine. With most samples good agreement was achieved between the twodrying methods. Only in the case of the Ananas comosus leaves,which exhibited low pH and high water content, did appreciabledifferences occur in organic and amino acids. Besides that,sucrose was the compound most susceptible to alterations, whichwas especially evident when leaves of Sambucus nigra were driedin the two different compartments (condenser compartment, dryingbell jar) of the freeze-dryer in use. For Ananas comosus leaf samples it was shown that microwavingcan also be used prior to extraction of tissue sap. Key words: Microwave, freeze-drying, drying method, tissue sap, organic solutes     

Caprellid assemblages (Crustacea: Amphipoda) in shallow waters invaded by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caulerpa racemosa</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">cylindracea</Emphasis> from southeastern Spain

Growth of the invasive algae Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea in shallow habitats may influence the faunal assemblage composition. We studied its effects on caprellid assemblages associated with shallow-water habitats of hard and soft bottoms from the SE Iberian Peninsula (native rocky-bottom algae, C. racemosa from hard and soft bottoms, and Caulerpa prolifera, Cymodocea nodosa and Posidonia oceanica from soft bottoms). Samples were taken in two different sampling periods (September 2004 and March 2005). A total of seven caprellid species were identified, with important differences in their distribution in different habitats. Total abundance of caprellids was very high in March on native algae on hard bottoms, and on C. racemosa on both soft and hard bottoms. On both hard and soft bottoms, abundances of Caprella hirsuta recorded from C. racemosa were low. On the other hand, a higher abundance of other species, namely C. acanthifera, C. santosrosai, Phtisica marina and Pseudoprotella phasma, was recorded from C. racemosa. The results indicate that C. racemosa may have a positive influence on some caprellid species, while seasonal changes are also evident. It is concluded that introduced C. racemosa may serve as a new habitat, promoting and maintaining caprellid populations in shallow Mediterranean habitats.     

High alpha-2,6-sialylation of N-acetyllactosamine sequences in ras-transformed rat fibroblasts correlates with high invasive potential

Through cloning experiments with the FRras EJ4 cell line, previouslydescribed to exhibit a Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA)+ phenotype,three clones with a SNA– phenotype were isolated. Allthe selected SNA+ and SNA– clones expressed the ras oncoproteinand cloned in soft agar with the same efficiency. We were interestedin studying the adhesion and Invasion properties of the FRrascells presenting a SNA + or – phenotype. They were firstcompared in their biochemical properties and we found that FRrasSNA– were characterized by a low     

Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caulerpa racemosa</Emphasis> invasion on soft-bottom assemblages in the Western Mediterranean Sea

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea spread on Mediterranean soft-bottom assemblages. The benthic assemblages colonized by C. racemosa were compared with non invaded assemblages at multiple spatial scales. In addition, a manipulative experiment has been conducted over a one-year period in order to compare the structure of native assemblages invaded by the alga with others where the alga has been manually removed and others that were not invaded. Results of both studies showed that Mediterranean soft-bottom assemblages invaded by C. racemosa differed from non invaded ones in terms of species composition, abundance and patterns of spatial variability. Moreover, in areas cleaned out from the alga, the benthic assemblages begin to recover their structure and after one year they get more similar to the assemblages observed in non invaded areas. The present paper, taking into account different aspects of C. racemosa invasion in Mediterranean soft bottoms, highlighted that the observed increase in alpha diversity did not correspond to an increase in the overall diversity of the studied system. Infact, the loss of beta diversity in invaded sites, together with the spread of species typical of vegetated habitats, may contribute to a homogenization of the Mediterranean coastal system. Furthermore, a possible role of ecosystem engineer for C. racemosa can be hypothesized.     

Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caulerpa racemosa</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">cylindracea</Emphasis> on prey availability: an experimental approach to predation of amphipods by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thalassoma pavo</Emphasis> (Labridae)

Alien plant species, such as Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea, that invade Mediterranean marine vegetated habitats can affect habitat structure. In turn, changes in habitat structure may affect the associated invertebrate assemblages, either through changes in habitat selection or as a result of altered predation efficiency. In order to test for effects of changes in habitat structure resulting from colonization by C. racemosa on prey availability for predators, the importance of amphipods as a trophic resource in natural vegetated habitat was first assessed, and later experiments were undertaken to assess the effects of the alien alga on predation by Thalassoma pavo of two dominant amphipods: Elasmopus brasiliensis (Gammaridea) and Caprella dilatata (Caprellidea). Laboratory experiments were conducted in separate aquaria with five vegetation habitat types: Halopteris scoparia, Jania rubens, C. racemosa without detritus, C. racemosa with detritus, Cymodocea nodosa, together with controls. The vegetation was first defaunated, and then 30 amphipods were introduced to each aquarium and exposed to a single Thalassoma pavo individual for 1 h, after which the fish’s gut contents were examined. Consumption (per fish per hour) of caprellids (11.7 ± 1.4) was higher overall than that of gammarids (8.7 ± 1.5) and likely reflects different microhabitat use by amphipods, which affects susceptibility to predators. Consumption of amphipods also varied by habitat type. The highest predation rate was found in the C. nodosa habitat (12.7 ± 2.19) and the lowest in the C. racemosa habitats with detritus (4.1 ± 1.78) and without detritus (5.2 ± 0.55), which did not differ. The pattern of predation across habitats, however, was similar for both caprellid and gammarid amphipods, indicating a more general effect of habitat on amphipod predation. Our findings showed that invasive species such as C. racemosa can decrease feeding by predators such as T. pavo. Changes in predator–prey interactions could have consequences for food web support in the Mediterranean.     

Antiproliferative and newly attributed apoptotic activities from an invasive marine alga: Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea

Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskål) is a green marine alga which spreads from tropical to warm-water regions. Due to having invasive capacity C. racemosa var. cylindracea is a well-known biological pollution in Mediterranean Sea. One of the most important secondary metabolites of C. racemosa is Caulerpenyne (CPN). In the present study, antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of C. racemosa var. cylindracea extract and purified CPN on two well-known neuroblastoma cell lines, SHSY5Y and Kelly, are investigated. The antiproliferative and, additionally, newly attributed apoptotic effects of both C. racemosa var. cylindracea extract and purified CPN on SHSY5Y and Kelly cell lines have been shown in the present study. IC₅₀ values are 0.59 ± 0.06; 1.06 ± 0.23 g wet alga/methanol and 5.64 ± 0.09; 6.02 ± 0.09 μM CPN for C. racemosa var. cylindracea extract and purified CPN on SHSY5Y and Kelly cell lines, respectively. Percentages of apoptotic cells of SHSY5Y and Kelly in 0, 0.1 and 1 μM CPN conditions were 1.00 ± 0.71, 3.00 ± 0.71 and 49.40 ± 3.78, 39.60 ± 6.19 and 78.00 ± 2.74, 69.40 ± 3.78, respectively. In conclusion, the present study shows the antiproliferative effect of C. racemosa var. cylindracea extract and newly attributed apoptotic effects of C. racemosa var. cylindracea this extract. Compared to other alkylating anticancer drugs, CPN and also C. racemosa var. cylindracea extract might be considered as an alternative native source of antitumor drugs. Inasmuch as both C. racemosa extract and CPN have shown both antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on SHSY5Y and Kelly cell lines, the CPN and CPN derivatives might be considered as multifunctional agents in cell metabolism.