Cell distribution and surface morphology in petals, androecia and styles of Commelinaceae

Cell distribution and surface morphology in petals, androecia and styles of Commelinaceae. Epidermal cell shape, distribution, surface topography and cuticular morphology in petals, androecia and styles of 10 species in the Commelinaceae are described. Petals of all species possess a basal area of elongated, straight-sided cells and an area of cells with sinuous, anticlinal walls. The degree of convolution of anticlinal wall and the length of cells varies between genera. The surface of cells in Aneilema, Commelina and Cyanotis are micropapillate. In all other genera they are low-domed. Cuticular surfaces of the three genera are smooth, while in the remainder heavily striated. The cells of stamens, staminodes, staminal hairs, and styles are variably elongated and straight-sided, their surfaces convex and cuticle striated. The degree of striation is less pronounced at the base of each organ but becomes more densely arrayed towards the apex. Petal pigments are located in upper epidermal cells in Tradescantia and Thyrsanthemum , in upper and lower epidermises in Dichorisandra and Commelina , and in both epidermises, and mesophyll of Aneilema. In most species pigmentation of androecium and style is similar to petals though often fainter at base and apex. Flavonols in the pigments give rise to spectral polmorphisms visible in longwave UV light. Epidermal adaptations for light capture in petals is compared to that in leaf structure.     

柞蚕林冠层结构,林内光照分布与叶生物量研究

柞蚕林是以养蚕为目的的萌生栎林,林冠经剪伐而形成不同的冠型结构。本文对3种冠型的叶面积系数,冠层内叶量分布及消光系数等冠层结构特点进行了测定。结果表明,不同冠形的冠层结构特点明显影响林内光照环境及叶生物量。现有的3种冠型中,“阶梯”型结构有较高的叶面积系数和较合理的叶量分布,因而具有较高的叶生物量。“中干”型叶生物量与无干型虽无明显差异,但“中干”型消光系数较低,林内空间较大,林内光照环境比“无干”型结构优越。     

蜡梅花被片维管束变黑的细胞结构及生理生化研究

对蜡梅（Chimonanthus praecox（L.）Link）花被片维管束变黑的细胞显微结构和超微结构变化进行观察,测定和研究其生理生化指标。结果显示,中度变黑的花被片即出现维管束细胞液泡边界模糊,颗粒状物质增加,质体凝结堵塞等现象,随着维管束功能逐渐丧失,基本组织细胞失水,但表皮细胞相对饱满,以维持花朵基本功能。随着维管束变黑程度加剧,过氧化物酶（POD）活性及游离氨基酸含量持续升高,可溶性糖含量持续降低,符合花朵衰老生理特点,但丙二醛（MDA）含量、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性及可溶性蛋白质含量未显著下降,表明蜡梅花朵自身对逆境的适应力较强,膜脂过氧化程度不高,大部分细胞的膜结构及内部结构受损不大。本实验可为此现象形成机理的深入研究并最终解决此问题提供一定的理论依据。     

Comparative micromorphology of nectariferous and nectarless labellar spurs in selected clades of subtribe Orchidinae (Orchidaceae)

Floral nectar spurs are widely considered to influence pollinator behaviour in orchids. Spurs of 21 orchid species selected from within four molecularly circumscribed clades of subtribe Orchidinae (based on Platanthera s.l., Gymnadenia–Dactylorhiza s.l., Anacamptis s.l., Orchis s.s.) were examined under light and scanning electron microscopes in order to estimate correlations between nectar production (categorized as absent, trace, reservoir), interior epidermal papillae (categorized as absent, short, medium, long) and epidermal cell striations (categorized as apparently absent, weak, moderate, strong). Closely related congeneric species scored similarly, but more divergent species showed less evidence of phylogenetic constraints. Nectar secretion was negatively correlated with striations and positively correlated with papillae, which were especially frequent and large in species producing substantial reservoirs of nectar. We speculate that the primary function of the papillae is conserving energy through nectar resorption and explain the presence of large papillae in a minority of deceit‐pollinated species by arguing that the papillae improve pollination because they are a tactile expectation of pollinating insects. In contrast, the prominence of striations may be a ‘spandrel’, simply reflecting the thickness of the overlying cuticle. Developmentally, the spur is an invagination of the labellum; it is primarily vascularized by a single ‘U’‐shaped primary strand, with smaller strands present in some species. Several suggestions are made for developing further, more targeted research programmes. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 160 , 369–387     

A theoretical approach to the relationship between wettability and surface microstructures of epidermal cells and structured cuticles of flower petals

Background and Aims The epidermal surface of a flower petal is composed of convex cells covered with a structured cuticle, and the roughness of the surface is related to the wettability of the petal. If the surface remains wet for an excessive amount of time the attractiveness of the petal to floral visitors may be impaired, and adhesion of pathogens may be promoted. However, it remains unclear how the epidermal cells and structured cuticle contribute to surface wettability of a petal.Methods By considering the additive effects of the epidermal cells and structured cuticle on petal wettability, a thermodynamic model was developed to predict the wetting mode and contact angle of a water droplet at a minimum free energy. Quantitative relationships between petal wettability and the geometries of the epidermal cells and the structured cuticle were then estimated. Measurements of contact angles and anatomical traits of petals were made on seven herbaceous species commonly found in alpine habitats in eastern Nepal, and the measured wettability values were compared with those predicted by the model using the measured geometries of the epidermal cells and structured cuticles.Key Results The model indicated that surface wettability depends on the height and interval between cuticular steps, and on a height-to-width ratio for epidermal cells if a thick hydrophobic cuticle layer covers the surface. For a petal epidermis consisting of lenticular cells, a repellent surface results when the cuticular step height is greater than 0·85 µm and the height-to-width ratio of the epidermal cells is greater than 0·3. For an epidermis consisting of papillate cells, a height-to-width ratio of greater than 1·1 produces a repellent surface. In contrast, if the surface is covered with a thin cuticle layer, the petal is highly wettable (hydrophilic) irrespective of the roughness of the surface. These predictions were supported by the measurements of petal wettability made on flowers of alpine species.Conclusions The results indicate that surface roughness caused by epidermal cells and a structured cuticle produces a wide range of petal wettability, and that this can be successfully modelled using a thermodynamic approach.     

牡丹叶片红色消退过程中色素变化及相关基因表达分析

该研究以牡丹品种‘满园春光’的叶片为材料,测定不同叶色时期叶片中黄酮醇、花青素、原花青素、叶绿素和类胡萝卜素含量,利用RHSCC和色差仪测定牡丹叶片红色消退过程中不同时期的叶色表型,采用qRT PCR测定不同时期叶片中类黄酮合成相关基因的表达,并分析叶片色素与类黄酮合成相关基因表达之间的关系,以揭示牡丹春季叶片红色消退的潜在原因,为牡丹春季叶片红色消退分子调控机制的研究提供基因资源。结果表明：（1）随着牡丹叶片发育,紫红色消失,黄绿色逐渐形成,并且叶正面和叶背面呈现出两种不同的颜色变化。其中,叶背面的RHSCC值、L^*、a^*值要高于叶正面,而b^*、C^*值则低于叶正面。（2）牡丹红叶期叶片中富含花青素和原花青素,而非红叶期叶片中富含黄酮醇、叶绿素和类胡萝卜素。（3）结构基因PsDFR和PsANS表达量与花青素含量变化趋势一致,而PsFLS和PsANR基因表达量分别与黄酮醇含量、原花青素含量变化一致。（4）转录因子基因PsMYB113表达量与花青素含量呈显著正相关关系,PsMYB4表达量与花青素含量呈显著负相关关系,PsMYBF1表达量与黄酮醇含量呈显著正相关关系。研究发现,花青素合成减少是牡丹春季叶片紫红色褪去的主要原因;牡丹叶片花青素合成减少是PsDFR、PsANS、PsFLS等结构基因协同表达的结果,而PsMYB113、PsMYB4、PsMYBF1可能是调控这些结构基因表达的重要转录因子。     

不同氮源对蛋白核小球藻生长、色素和中性脂肪积累的影响

单细胞微藻在生长发育过程中,所积累的中性脂肪具有潜在的生物燃料价值。不同氮源对藻类的生长具有显著影响。研究了氨态氮、尿素氮和硝酸态氮对蛋白核小球藻生长、色素和中性脂肪积累的影响。结果显示,不同氮源对培养液pH有显著影响,以氨态氮为氮源导致培养液pH降低,而硝酸态氮导致培养液pH升高,培养液pH的波动可被添加的Hepes所稳定,并促进以氨态氮为氮源的蛋白核小球藻的生长。尿素氮对蛋白核小球藻生长、色素积累的效果优于氨态氮和硝酸态氮,硝酸态氮在中性脂肪积累上优于尿素氮和氨态氮,添加Hepes对氮饥饿后蛋白核小球藻的中性脂肪积累无显著影响。     

A cDNA from pea petals with sequence similarity to pollen allergen, cytokinin-induced and genetic tumour-specific genes: identification of a new family of related sequences

A cDNA isolated from pea petals exhibits extensive similarity to pollen allergen genes, a cytokinin-regulated cDNA from soybean suspension cultures, a partial cDNA preferentially expressed in tobacco genetic tumours, four Arabidopsis expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and fifteen rice ESTs. This diverse family of pollen allergen-likes genes may have a common ancestor or at least share common functional domains. Possession of a putative signal peptide and a presumed extracellular location is a common aspect of this family of sequences.     

Pigment and lipid compositions of algal and bacterial communities in Ace Lake,Vestfold Hills,Antarctica

The compositions of carotenoids, chlorophylls and lipids at four depths in Ace Lake have been determined as a means of studying the vertical zonation of species in the lake and for comparison with the lipids found in the bottom sediments. The four major species of phytoplankton found in the lake were identified by electron microscopy. The most abundant phytoplankter was Pyramimonas gelidicola McFadden (Chlorophyta, Prasinophyceae) which occurred in greatest numbers at 10 m, the base of the oxylimnion. The pigments and lipids at this depth were mainly derived from this alga. At 11 m (the top of the anoxylimnion) only traces of lipids and pigments attributable to P. gelidicola were found, indicating only limited settling of algal cells through to the anoxylimnion, at least in summer. The pigments at 11 m were dominated by bacteriochlorophylls c derived from green photosynthetic bacteria Chlorobium spp. These pigments were also abundant at 23 m suggesting the presence of intact bacterial cells which had settled out from higher in the water column. Major non-polar lipid classes in the sediments included sterols, alcohols, hydrocarbons and an unusual suite of very long-chain unsaturated ketones and esters which have not previously been reported from antarctic environments. Several novel compounds, not found previously in either sediments or organisms, are reported. These include tri- and tetra-unsaturated straight-chain C₃₉ methyl ketones and C₄₀ ethyl ketones and the methyl ester of a tetra-unsaturated straight-chain C₃₆ fatty acid. The distributions of lipids in the sediment were markedly different from those in the water column indicating extensive bacterial degradation and recycling of labile lipids.     

Pigment patterns in suspended matter from the Elbe estuary,Northern Germany

In the Elbe hardly anything is known about the actual fate of phytoplankton and the resultant pigment composition of suspended matter. As part of a longterm study on the role of suspended matter in the cycles of nitrogen and associated oxygen consumption processes in the Elbe estuary in northern Germany (‘Sonderforschungsbereich 327 Elbe’ project) and the characterization of estuarine and coastal water bodies with regard to the transport of pollutants such as heavy metals, we have started to characterize suspended matter with regard to the pigments present therein. This will allow us to study phytoplankton turnover and to determine the role of phytoplankton decay mechanisms in the mobilization, binding, and transport of pollutants associated with particulate matter. Our first data on the pigment composition of suspended matter from the Elbe and particularly over the region of Hamburg harbour, obtained using a High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method, is presented. The pigment concentrations varied considerably over the summer months. Values up to 250 mg l⁻¹ of chlorophyll a were observed upstream of Hamburg. We found that on its course through Hamburg the concentrations (μg g⁻¹ of particulate matter) of all pigments in the Elbe drop to under half those found upstream of Hamburg. The pigment concentrations in the turbidity maximum were significantly lower than in the rest of the estuary due to the decline of algae as a result of inadequate light conditions and the salinity gradient. The highest particulate matter concentrations were found in the turbidity maximum and just downstream of Hamburg. The highest particulate organic carbon values were found just downstream of Hamburg. The presence of of fucoxanthin and the chlorophyllsc andb, and the changes in pigment patterns were indicative for the dominant algal classes and the phytoplankton succession in the suspended matter. The ratio of chlorophylla to lutein was found to be a possible indicator of phytoplankton breakdown.     

The distribution of circularly polarized light reflection in the Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera)

The light reflected from many scarab beetles is strongly circularly polarized, a phenomenon that may be unique in nature. Approximately 1500 genera and more than 19 000 species/subspecies of scarab beetles (Scarabaeoidea) in the collection of the Natural History Museum, London, were surveyed with circularly polarizing filters to assess how widespread this effect is and how it relates to colour patterns in the individuals concerned. Over 1100 measurements were made of the strength of the circular polarization, in some cases registering 97%. Circular polarization had been previously described from five subfamilies of Scarabaeidae and, in the present study, was found in three further subfamilies: Phaenomeridinae, Dynastinae and Euchirinae, as well as in the subfamily Ceratocanthinae of the family Hybosoridae, comprising the first records outside the Scarabaeidae. The results may have implications for the taxonomy of the group, for visual discrimination, and for the behaviour of the species themselves. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 100 , 585–596.     

Pigment carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures in euxinic basins

The carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures of chloropigments and porphyrins from the sediments of redox‐stratified lakes and marine basins reveal details of past biogeochemical nutrient cycling. Such interpretations are strengthened by modern calibration studies, and here, we report on the C and N isotopic composition of pigments and nutrients in the water column and surface sediment of redox‐stratified Fayetteville Green Lake (FGL; New York). We also report δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values for pyropheophytin a (Pphe a) and bacteriochlorophyll e (Bchl e) deposited in the Black Sea during its transition to a redox‐stratified basin ca. 7.8 ka. We propose a model for evolving nutrient cycling in the Black Sea from 7.8 to 6.4 ka, informed by the new pigment data from FGL. The seasonal study of water column nutrients and pigments at FGL revealed population dynamics in surface and deep waters that were also captured in the sediments. Biomass was greatest near the chemocline, where cyanobacteria, purple sulfur bacteria (PSB), and green sulfur bacteria (GSB) had seasonally variable populations. Bulk organic matter in the surface sediment, however, was derived mainly from the oxygenated surface waters. Surface sediment pigment δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values indicate intact chlorophyll a (Chl a) was derived from near the chemocline, but its degradation product pheophytin a (Phe a) was derived primarily from surface waters. Bacteriopheophytin a (Bphe a) and Bchl e in the sediments came from chemocline populations of PSB and GSB, respectively. The distinctive δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values for Chl a, Phe a, and Bphe a in the surface sediment are inputs to an isotopic mixing model that shows their decomposition to a common porphyrin derivative can produce non‐specific sedimentary isotope signatures. This model serves as a caveat for paleobiogeochemical interpretations in basins that had diverse populations near a shallow chemocline.     

不同牡丹叶片解剖结构及其环境适应性

【目的】探究生长在不同生境中的牡丹对平原地区环境的形态学适应特征,为牡丹的保育措施研究及筛选优异的种质资源提供参考。【方法】以原生境不同的中原牡丹（‘凤丹’、‘洛阳红’）和野生牡丹（紫牡丹、狭叶牡丹、大花黄牡丹、西藏黄牡丹、滇牡丹、卵叶牡丹）为试验材料,采用石蜡切片技术观察叶片解剖结构并测定和分析相关指标。【结果】（1）中原牡丹与野生牡丹的叶片上、下表皮细胞形状不规则,气孔均匀分布于下表皮,叶表皮形态表现出不同程度的差异性。（2）中原牡丹和野生牡丹的叶片均为异面叶,不同牡丹叶片解剖结构与光合色素含量存在显著差异。大花黄牡丹有湿生植物特征,如叶片与角质层相对较薄、栅栏组织不发达、细胞间隙较大且气孔密度最大;滇牡丹的叶片、栅栏组织和海绵组织的厚度最大,对高温偏干旱的平原生境表现出较强的适应性。（3）叶片厚度与上表皮厚度、栅栏组织厚度、海绵组织厚度之间存在极显著的正相关关系;气孔长轴、气孔指数与栅栏组织厚度、叶片厚度等性状之间存在极显著的正相关关系。【结论】野生牡丹中除大花黄牡丹外其他种质均对高温干旱的平原生境有较好的适应性,大花黄牡丹的湿生结构与光合色素含量指标可作为不能在平原地区栽培的主要原因。     

氮胁迫对雨生红球藻色素积累与抗氧化系统的影响

选用雨生红球藻CG-06为试验藻株,以BBM为基础培养基,分别设置了0、13.7、27.5、41.2mg·L-1四个硝态氮浓度梯度,分析并探讨在不同硝态氮浓度条件下雨生红球藻生长、生理特性、细胞内主要色素含量的变化以及抗氧化酶活性。结果表明：细胞中色素的积累量和积累速率与初始硝态氮浓度成反比,与抗氧化酶活性呈负相关。缺氮时,培养到第3天的藻细胞中虾青素含量达到4.95μg·mg-1,而对照组在培养到第9天的细胞中才开始产生虾青素,而且在整个培养周期内细胞中的虾青素最大含量仅为4.17μg·mg-1。酶活测定结果显示,虾青素含量较高的红色细胞中,超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）的活性明显高于绿色细胞,且GSH-Px活性最高。研究表明,雨生红球藻可能有两种过氧化防御机制,绿色细胞阶段以抗氧化酶作用为主,在培养后期启动虾青素保护机制,两种机制具有协同作用。     

Long-Term Waterlogging: Nutrient,Gas Exchange,Photochemical and Pigment Characteristics of Eucalyptus nitens Saplings

Imposition of waterlogging for eight months induced morphological adaptation in Eucalyptus nitens in the form of adventitious and aerenchymatous roots and hypertrophy of stems. Foliar calcium (1.3-fold), potassium (2-fold) and phosphorus (2.4-fold) were lower and iron (5.6-fold) was higher in waterlogged than control saplings. Stem Ca (1.7-fold) was lower, whereas Mn (1.8-fold) and Fe (117-fold) were higher in waterlogged than control saplings. Distinct purple pigmentation was observed in xylem tissues of waterlogged saplings. A significant reduction in the maximum photosynthetic rate and photochemical efficiency was observed in waterlogged compared to control saplings. Although chlorophyll levels were similar, the xanthophyll cycle pool size was significantly greater in waterlogged saplings and may have contributed to the relatively greater capacity for light energy dissipation observed. Predawn xanthophyll cycle engagement was significantly greater in waterlogged than control saplings, despite relatively mild temperatures. Foliar anthocyanin concentration was higher in waterlogged than control saplings.     

Pigment apparatus in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ajuga reptans</Emphasis> plants as affected by adaptation to light growth conditions

Mechanisms of adaptation of the photosynthetic apparatus at the level of pigment complex in a shade-tolerant bugle plant (Ajuga reptans L.) grown at full solar irradiation in an open plot were studied. In “sun” plants, the content of photosynthetic pigments decreased markedly as compared to “shade” plants grown under a forest canopy at 5–10% of the full solar irradiation. In leaves of sun plants, the portion of β-carotene and lutein in the carotenoid spectrum was higher than in shade plant leaves, antheraxanthin and zeaxanthin were present, and de-epoxidation of violaxanthin was by an order of magnitude higher in sun plant leaves reaching 40%. The data obtained indicate the role of the violaxanthin cycle in the protection of photosynthetic apparatus in a shade-tolerant plant against destruction under excessive irradiation.     

藏红花瓣状体的诱导与花柱-柱头状物的定向分化

藏红花 (ＣｒｏｃｕｓｓａｔｉｖｕｓＬ .)又名番红花、西红花 ;藏药中称为苟日苟木。它是鸢尾科草本植物 ,原产于欧洲、地中海地区。我国长期以来把它作为珍贵的中藏药。其药用部位是柱头 ,有效成分主要是藏红花素、藏红花酸、藏红花醛和藏红花苦素。丁葆祖等于 1979年首次从藏红花的球茎获得完整的植株[1 ] 。Ｓａｎｏ等人 1987年在离体条件下 ,诱导花柱 柱头状物再生获得成功[2 ] ,此后国内外不断有相关报道[3～ 7] 。但试验大多集中在由外植体直接或由愈伤组织间接诱导柱头状物 ,且花柱 柱头状物的频率低和数量少。我们试图先由藏红花…     

Influence of UV-B Supplemental Radiation on Growth and Pigment Content in Suaeda Maritima L.

In a field experiment with a mangrove species Suaeda maritima L. grown under ambient and supplementary UV-B radiation corresponding to 20 % ozone depletion, changes in growth and contents of photosynthetic and UV-absorbing pigments were determined. Supplemental UV-B irradiation for 9 d significantly reduced the growth and concentration of photosynthetic pigments. However, anthocyanin and flavonoid contents were significantly increased in UV-treated plants and which could be reduce the UV-B penetration and damage to the underlying tissues.