CYTOCHEMICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL DETERMINATIONS OF CHANGES IN NUCLEAR HISTONE CONTENT DURING DIFFERENTIATION OF BARLEY ROOT CELLS

Changes in nuclear histone content in barley root cells have been studied by cytochemical methods for identification of histone subtypes and by conjunction with standard biochemical extraction procedure for various histone fractions and alkaline fast green stainability. The results obtained by the cytochemical methods indicate that the nuclear histones in cell nuclei found in their terminal stages of cellular differentiation or elongation contain histones rich in arginine, whereas the nuclei in meristematic cells contain histones rich in lysine. Cytochemicaly intermediate or transitional types of nuclear histones have been observed in cell nuclei which are undergoing differentiation or elongation and in chromosomes of mitotic nuclei. Information obtained from the conjunction of methods of biochemical extraction procedures for various histone fractions and alkaline fast green stainability indicate that the nuclei in well-differentiated cells contain predominantly histones rich in arginine (f3), whereas the nuclei of meristematic cells contain both very lysine-rich histones (f1) and slightly lysine-rich histones (f2). These results suggest the replacement of lysine-rich histones in the nuclei of meristematic cells by arginine-rich histones during cellular differentiation.     

KARYOTYPIC STUDIES IN SOLANUM SECTION BASARTHRUM (SOLANACEAE)

Mitotic chromosomes of 450 individuals, representing 59 accessions of 18 of the 22 species of Solanum sect. Basarthrum were studied. Statistical analyses of chromosome length, genome length, and centromere position yielded estimates of karyotype composition and asymmetry. A generalized karyotype of the section shows that most of the chromosomes are metacentric (44%) or submetacentric (53%). A general trend emerged: the greater the total genome length, the more asymmetric the karyotype. However, karyotype asymmetry does not seem to be based on major chromosomal rearrangements. There is variation in species groups in the karyotype formula, and chromosome length differences were useful in distinguishing series. Patterns of cytological variation reinforce the systematic arrangement of the taxa based on morphological, chemical, and molecular studies. Chromosomal differences characterize most of the species. Five species bear subtelocentric chromosomes, two have telocentrics, and two have satellites. The genomes of the staminate and pistillate plants of the dioecious S. appendiculatum are identical. Of the species proposed as progenitors of the domesticated cultigen S. muricatum, S. caripense is the most similar karyotypically.     

POLLEN-OVULE RATIOS AND BREEDING SYSTEM EVOLUTION IN SOLANUM SECTION BASARTHRUM (SOLANACEAE)

Pollen-ovule ratio, pollen grains per flower, pollen grain volume, pollen biomass, ovules per ovary, seeds per fruit, seed volume, seed biomass, and corolla size were studied to reveal patterns of variation within a monophyletic group. Solanum sect. Basarthrum includes 22 neotropical species of two clades, one having small, few-seeded red fruits, and the other having larger, many-seeded green fruits. The former includes self-incompatible species and a dioecious species, while the latter includes self-incompatible species, self-compatible (and autogamous) species, and a domesticate (the “pepino”). Although the pollen quantity and ovule quantity of the self-incompatible species are significantly higher in the green-fruited subgroup than in the red-fruited subgroup, the pollen-ovule ratios of the self-incompatible species are not significantly different between the two subgroups, suggesting parallel evolution of the pollen-ovule ratio. Furthermore, the pollen-ovule ratio tracks the breeding system: self-incompatible species have significantly higher pollen-ovule ratios than self-compatible species, resulting both from fewer pollen grains and more ovules of the latter. The pollen-ovule ratio of the dioecious species is among the highest of all, resulting only from fewer ovules. The pepino is self-compatible but has a pollen-ovule ratio like its wild self-incompatible progenitors and shows wide variation in seed production and pollen quality, but not in pollen quantity. Among all species, pollen size and quantity are inversely proportional, as are seed size and quantity.     

THE POLLINATION ECOLOGY OF SOLANUM ROSTRATUM (SOLANACEAE)

The pollination mechanisms and pollen vectors of Solarium rostratum have been examined by greenhouse experiments and field studies. Although the capacity for autogamy exists in this weedy annual, it rarely occurs because of two factors: (1) the morphology of the flower and (2) the foraging behavior of the various species of Bombus, the primary pollen vector in the regions studied. The percentages of geitonogamy and xenogamy are dependent on the flight pattern of the bees and the number of open flowers on a plant.     

DEVELOPMENT OF PLANTS FROM PROTOPLASTS OF SOLANUM (SOLANACEAE)

Experiments were performed to determine conditions critical to the isolation and culture of protoplasts from leaf mesophyll cells of a Solanum Section Tuberarium diploid clone, a S. phureja × S. chacoense F₁ hybrid. The optimum concentration of cellulase (Cellulysin) was 0.4%, while pectinase (Macerase) was inhibitory, even at a low concentration (0.075%). Maximum yields of protoplasts were achieved when the enzyme solution was not changed during incubation, and slow oscillation (60 rpm) on a shaker was used. When detached leaves were held under low light intensities or in the darkness for 3–5 days prior to protoplast production, results were more consistent than when the leaves were used directly from the greenhouse. Following dark or low light treatment the optimum osmolarity of the isolation and growth media was approximately 0.3–0.4 M. Of nine growth media tested only those of Nitsch and Ohyama and of Upadhya supported callus development, but the callus was often loose and did not differentiate roots or shoots. Callus from protoplasts cultured in the Upadhya medium modified by addition of glycine, vitamins, and casein hydrolysate, and subsequently transferred to the medium of Lam, formed roots and shoots when cultures were maintained in light. Mature plants were obtained following transfer to modified White's medium and later transplantation to soil.     

百合生殖细胞分裂过程中微管分布的显微荧光观察

用抗微管蛋白抗体和荧光标记技术,观察了百合生殖细胞经有丝分裂形成精细胞过程中微管的变化。生殖细胞在分裂的前期,存在于核外围以及细胞两端胞质内的微管大都以微管束的形式沿细胞长轴方向平行排列。在靠近核的部位,有些微管有时会斜向排列。分裂进入中期后,染色体集中排列在赤道面。在染色体周围可以见到有多束与细胞长轴平行排列着的微管,但这些微管束是在分裂中期时新形成的或是在前期已存在,尚难以断定。这些微管束有一个特点,就是当它们延伸至赤道板部位时,在每一条微管束上都有一个无荧光的小圆区;这个小圆区可能代表着丝粒的位置。细胞分裂进入后期,姊妹染色单体分别向两极移动形成两组染色体。在它们之间近赤道板位置出现了一个具有强烈荧光的区域,显示在这一部位,微管相当浓密。从这一强烈荧光区向两极分别伸出多条微管束。因此,在这一强烈荧光区内可能有多个微管束重叠。到细胞分裂末期,在这一强烈的荧光区的中央出现了一条横向的无荧光区。这一区域有可能为胞质完成分裂后新形成的细胞板所在的部位。     

小鼠卵母细胞成熟和受精过程中Ca^2＋分布变化的研究

用焦锑酸钾原位定位法、膜结合Ｃａ＾２＋荧光探针金霉素标记法,分别在电镜和光镜水平对小鼠卵成熟和卵受精过程中结合态Ｃａ＾２＋的分布及其变化进行了研究,发现：１）Ｃａ＾２＋分布于线粒体、胞质、内质网囊泡、微绒毛和透明带等部位,其中以线粒体基质中分布密度为最大;２）减数分裂Ｉ中、后期于纺锤体极区结合有较多的Ｃａ＾２＋;３）生发泡、纺锤体和原核内膜结合态Ｃａ＾２＋含量很少,但纺锤体和原核周围分布较多;４）     

DEVELOPMENTAL PLASTICITY,GENETIC VARIATION,AND THE EVOLUTION OF ANDROMONOECY IN SOLANUM HIRTUM (SOLANACEAE)

Studies of andromonoecious species have shown that sex expression (proportions of hermaphrodite and staminate flowers) is quite variable. It is not known, however, whether this variation is due to variation among individuals for genetically fixed patterns of allocation to staminate and hermaphrodite flowers (population level variation) and/or to developmental plasticity of individuals in a heterogeneous environment (organismal level variation). Distinguishing between these two levels of variation is important for understanding the evolution of andromonoecy. This study investigates levels of variation in sex expression in the andromonoecious Solanum hirlum. Sex expression in this species is shown to be plastic among individuals of the same genotype (organismal level variation) and determined, in part, by the resource status of the individual. Among the genotypes examined there is also genetic variation for developmental plasticity. Thus, developmental plasticity can potentially respond to selection, and the evolution of this developmental system may have been instrumental in the establishment and maintenance of andromonoecy in S. hirtum.     

SEXUAL ALLOCATION AND ANDROMONOECY: RESOURCE INVESTMENT IN MALE AND HERMAPHRODITE FLOWERS OF SOLANUM CAROLINENSE (SOLANACEAE)

Male and hermaphrodite flowers from the andromonoecious perennial Solanum carolinense were compared. Hermaphrodite flowers were 11–16% heavier than males, and this difference was consistent for two clones studied. Hermaphrodite flowers contained a greater amount of nitrogen than did male flowers, but males had higher percent nitrogen. Male and hermaphrodite flowers had equal investment in male structures: stamen mass, number of pollen grains, mass of pollen grains ejected by vibration, and pollen size were all similar for the two flower types. In contrast, male flowers had reduced masses of disfunctional female structures: ovaries of males were ⅓ as massive, and styles 1/7; as massive, as those of hermaphrodites. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that male flowers (which occur where fruit set is unlikely) increase male fitness through pollen donation, while saving resources that would otherwise be invested in hermaphrodite flowers that abscise.     

OUTCROSSING IN THE WEED,SOLANUM PTYCANTHUM (SOLANACEAE): A COMPARISON OF AGRESTAL AND RUDERAL POPULATIONS

Levels of outcrossing, using a Pgm polymorphism, were estimated for individuals from ruderal and agrestal populations of the predominantly monomorphic weed Solanum ptycanthum, at the northern edge of its range, and compared to agrestal populations sampled from the southern portion of its distribution. Individuals were grown in agricultural habitats in Ontario. Outcrossing estimates of the northern agrestals were very low (< 3%) and did not differ from ruderal estimates. Southern agrestals exhibited much higher outcrossing rates (10%–17%). Of the floral traits measured, degree of stigma exsertion and style position showed interpopulation variation and correlated with outcrossing rate. Outcrossing in northern individuals was largely precluded by the complete overlap in female and male functions and stigmatic surfaces that were in direct contact with anther sacs as the flower opened. The observed flexibility in mating system may have played an important role in colonization success of 5. ptycanthum.     

CHANGES IN THE MORPHOLOGY AND POLYSACCHARIDE CONTENT OF MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA (CYANOBACTERIA) DURING FLAGELLATE GRAZING1

To investigate the changes in the morphology and polysaccharide content of Microcystis aeruginosa (Kütz.) Kütz. during flagellate grazing, cultures of M. aeruginosa were exposed to grazing Ochromonas sp. for a period of 9 d under controlled laboratory conditions. M. aeruginosa responded actively to flagellate grazing and formed colonies, most of which were made up of several or dozens of cells, suggesting that flagellate grazing may be one of the biotic factors responsible for colony formation in M. aeruginosa. When colonies were formed, the cell surface ultrastructure changed, and the polysaccharide layer on the surface of the cell wall became thicker. This change indicated that synthesis and secretion of extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) of M. aeruginosa cells increased under flagellate grazing pressure. The contents of soluble extracellular polysaccharide (sEPS), bound extracellular polysaccharide (bEPS), and total polysaccharide (TPS) in colonial cells of M. aeruginosa increased significantly compared with those in single cells. This finding suggested that the increased amount of EPS on the cell surface may play a role in keeping M. aeruginosa cells together to form colonies.     

免疫应答期间脑和淋巴器官中去甲肾上腺素含量的变化

应用高效液相色谱－电化学检测法（ＨＰＬＣ－ＥＣＤ）测定大鼠在用绵羊红细胞（ＳＲＢＣ）免疫后第２－７天期间,下丘脑、海马、脑干、胸腺和脾脏中去甲肾上腺素（ＮＡ）含量的变化。实验结果表明,下丘脑内ＮＡ含量在免疫后第４－７天明显增加,其中第７天有回降趋势。海马内ＮＡ含量在第４－５天显著增多。而胸腺和脾脏中ＮＡ水平在第４－５天均明显降低。脑干在免疫应答期间无明显改变。以上结果说明,体液免疫应答可影响脑和淋     

CHANGES IN THE PERCEIVED TEXTURAL PROPERTIES OF CHEDDAR CHEESE DURING MATURATION

The perceived textural attributes of an English Cheddar were measured by a trained panel at various intervals during ripening, including those corresponding to mild and medium maturation times for this variety. The moisture content and pH were also monitored. After the recommended ripening period of 50 weeks the matured cheese was significantly less springy, firmer, harder, crumblier and creamier, indicating that textural attributes are related to the age of the Cheddar. Measures beyond the recommended maturation period revealed further significant differences. Comparisons of the measures taken at mild, medium and full maturity also revealed differences in the textural properties of the different classes of Cheddar. Significant correlations (p ≥0.01) between pH and springiness, crumbliness by fingers and creaminess suggested a strong relationship between these textural attributes and the extent of proteolysis. The results of this study revealed a strong relationship between age and the textural attributes of cheddar when restricted to one particular variety.     

CHANGES IN LIPID CONCENTRATIONS AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITIONS IN RAT CEREBRUM DURING MATURATION

Abstract— Rat cerebrum was analysed at 20 different ages from birth to 45 days of age, for its concentration of protein, cholesterol, cerebrosides, phospholipids and gangliosides, and for the concentration of fatty acids of the linoleic and linolenic acid series. The fatty acid patterns of choline phosphoglycerides and ethanolamine phosphoglycerides were determined at the same ages. Phases of rapid accretion were found for protein, phospholipids, gangliosides and cholesterol. The accretion of the fatty acids of the linoleic acid series ceased at 20 days of age, while that of the fatty acids of the linolenic acid series continued. The fatty acid composition of the phosphoglycerides changed during the maturation of rat cerebrum and these changes consisted of chain elongation, increased unsaturation and variation in the pattern of the polyenoic acids. These changes varied irregularly with age and each developmental stage had characteristic fatty acid patterns of choline and ethanolamine phosphoglycerides.     

PLASTID ORGANIZATION IN PHENOTYPICALLY GREEN LEAF TISSUE OF A GENETIC ALBINO STRAIN OF NICOTIANA (SOLANACEAE)

Plastid organization within phenotypically green leaf tissue that forms in albino plants of a genetic albino strain of Nicotiana has been examined with the transmission electron microscope. Studies revealed the presence of plastids with and without thylakoids. When present, thylakoids were loosely and irregularly scattered in the stroma or organized either into several large spindle-shaped grana or into a single compound granum with deeply indented margins. Plastids without thylakoids were vesiculated and resembled the typical genetic albino type. Plastid types were not segregrated into individual cells and no plastid type appeared to be typical for the mutant tissue. Orientation of grana and thylakoid membrane associations were noted as well as the presence of osmiophilic globules, starch grains and DNA-like fibrillar areas.     

黄蝉花生殖细胞有丝分裂期间微管的动态

用微管免疫荧光方法观察了黄蝉花生殖细胞在花粉管中进行有丝分裂时的微管动态。微管在不同分裂期的分布情形很不一样。当生殖细胞由花粉进入花粉管后,细胞便立刻开始分裂进入早前期,在这阶段微管以一个紧密微管网笼子形式存在生殖细胞内。之后,细胞进入中前期,在此阶段细胞核扩大,染色体变粗,而存在细胞内的微管网逐渐变为疏松散漫状,跟着细胞进入晚前期,而微管笼子则由网状变为纵向排列状。分裂进入早中期微管变细并呈波浪状,微管由笼子结构过渡到纺锤体结构。进入中期,纺锤体全部形成,在纺锤体内可以清楚地看到两种不同类型的微管束,一种附着在染色体上,而另一种则从一极延伸至另一极。跟着细胞进入早后期,在这一阶段姊妹染色体分开并分别移向两极,在赤道板位置微管明显减少。之后,细胞进入晚后期,姊妹染色体集中在两极,极端有新微管出现。在两个染色体团之间又汇集了许多类似成膜体微管的微管。细胞进入分裂末期,存在赤道板位置的微管又再次减少,而在中央部位则新形成一“成膜体联接区”,把两个新形成的精子连接着。     

抗体应答期间大鼠脑和胸腺中儿茶酚胺含量的变化

目的：探讨在抗体应答期间,脑和淋巴器官中儿茶酚胺（ＣＡｓ）含量的动态变化,籍以了解免疫状态对中枢和外周ＣＡｓ神经活动的影响。方法：用绵羊红细胞（ＳＲＢＣ）免疫大鼠,在免疫后第２￣７ｄ应用高效液相色谱－电化学检测法（ＨＰＬＣ－ＥＣＤ）测定大鼠下丘脑、海马、脑干和胸腺中云甲肾上腺素（ＮＡ）、肾上腺素（Ａ）、多巴胺（ＤＡ）和高香草酸（ＨＶＡ）的含量。结果：①下且脑和海马内ＮＡ在抗体应答期间升高,而胸腺中     

PK15细胞凋亡过程中角蛋白中间纤维的变化

用放线菌素D诱导上皮型猪肾细胞PK15（Porcrne Kidney-15)发生凋亡,细胞在凋亡诱导过程中经历了从铺展、皱缩变圆至脱落的形态变化。凝胶电泳证明被诱导细胞的DNA发生降解,形成明显的DNAladder。免疫荧光显示凋亡过程中细胞角蛋白网状结构发生改变;应用选择性抽提结合整装电镜技术,观察到凋亡细胞中仍有中间纤维网络存在,这一现象前人未曾报道,免疫印迹反应进一步证明,凋亡细胞中部分Ⅱ型角蛋白发生降解。而Ⅰ型角蛋白则无降解现象。     

大鼠及羊精子在附睾成熟过程中ATP酶活力及其对棉酚敏感性的变化

大鼠及羊精子在附睾成熟过程中ATP酶活力发生明显下降,酶活力的变化形式存在着种间差异。大鼠附睾体及附睾尾精子的ATP酶相对活力分别为附睾头的55.7％及59.6％,而羊则为92.1％及59.8％。 大鼠及羊附睾各区域精子的ATP酶对棉酚抑制作用的敏感程度不同。在5μmol/L的低棉酚的浓度下,大鼠附睾头、体及尾部精子的ATP酶活力分别降至对照组的40.8％、62.7％及81.4％;当棉酚浓度增至40μmol/L时,羊附睾头、体、尾部精子的ATP酶活力才分别降至对照组的63.8％、83.7％及90.7％。作者提出如能使药物作用于附睾精子的敏感区域以干扰其成熟,可能是一条有发展前景的抗生育新途径。