Contribution to the study on the reparative effect of exogenous DNA in the irradiated meristem ofVicia faba

The present report is focused on the study of participation of exogenous DNA in the process of postirradiation reparation of meristematic cells ofVicia faba primary roots. It is aimed at comparison of the positive reparative effect of isologous DNA with postirradiation action of heterologous DNA in its native, thermally denatured and DNAase-degraded forms, or DNA degraded by ultrasound, and with the effect of other biologically important macromolecules (RNA, histone, heparin, and dextran sulphate). For this purpose, the roots ofVicia faba irradiated by 150 r exposure were cultivated in solutions containing the above substances for an appropriate time interval. In squash slides both mitotic activity of the investigated cell population and frequency of postmetaphase chromosomal aberrations induced by radiation were evaluated. It was shown that a stimulation of cell division and reparation of chromosome damages were supported exclusively by isologous DNA. On the contrary, exogenously applied heterologous DNA increased postirradiation frequency of aberrations; maintenance of native structure of applied DNA was an essential condition for the above effect. Other macromolecules investigated on the course of postirradiation reparation ofVicia faba meristematic cells were without effect.     

The use of methane for production of bacterial protein

Single cell protein production was studied in a mixed bacterial culture grown in methane using batch and continuous culture techniques. Overall productivity was found to be higher in the continuous culture which gave a maximum productivity value p = 0.15 g/l/h. Methane and oxygen were consumed in the relation 1 : 1.7. Yield coefficients for methane, oxygen, and ammonium chloride were Y = 0.90, Y = 0.26, and Y = 0.14. The crude protein content of the biomass was 71%.     

Foraminifera from the Silberberg Formation («Lower Oligocene») at Silberberg,near Helmstedt (Germany)

From the Silberberg Quarry, type locality of the Silberberg Formation (Martini &Ritzkowski 1968), some planktonic foraminifera are described:Globigerina officinalis Subbotina, Globigerina ouachitaensisHowe &Wallace,G. praebulloides leroyi Blow &Banner, G.praebulloides occlusa Blow &Banner which taxa are here suggested to form intergrading morphotypes within the range of variation of a population dominated byG. officinalis. In addition,G. cf.danvillensis Howe &Wallace is found. The planktonic fauna, together with some elements in the benthonic fauna, suggests a possible correlation with the Danville Landing Member of the Jackson Formation, Louisiana, traditionally ascribed to the Upper Eocene. There is some similarity with European Uppermost Eocene — Lower Oligocene faunas described by various authors. The Silberberg Formation was suggested to be a Neostratotype for the Latdorfian Stage of the Lower Oligocene byMartini &Ritzkowski (1968). It is suggested that the Silberberg Formation may well be coeval with the Upper Priabonian as proposed byCita 1969.