Lichen biota of West Siberia

The author has surveyed the diversity of lichen biota of West Siberia and distribution of lichens over its two geographic parts: the West Siberian Plain and the mountain frame in the south of West Siberia. The diversity of lichen biota in entire West Siberia is currently estimated at 1845 species in 325 genera and 95 families. The diversity of the West Siberian Plain is estimated at 1421 species in 271 genera and 86 families, and that of the southern mountains of West Siberia, at 1682 species in 312 genera and 94 families.     

Chromosomal mutations in Siberian larch (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Larix sibirica</Emphasis> Ledeb.) on Taimyr Peninsula

Chromosomal mutations were studied in the Norilsk population of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) growing at the northeastern boundary of the species range affected by airborne smelter emissions. Different types of frequent chromosomal mutations have been revealed in the Norilsk population of L. sibirica and B-chromosomes have been found in this species for the first time.     

A comparative study of the transport dynamics of the peptide moiety of the milk ceruloplasmin molecule in the body of rats with embryonic and adult types of copper metabolism

In chase experiments, we followed the distribution of [125I]-ceruloplasmin prepared from human breast milk orally administered to young rats. Experiments were conducted using six-day-old rat pups (the embryonic type of copper metabolism) or 35-day-old ones (the adult type of copper metabolism). Using the technique of rocket immunoelectrophoresis, we have demonstrated that in six-day-old rats [125I]-ceruloplasmin was transferred from the gastrointestinal tract to the bloodstream and could be detected there over a period of 4 h. In 35-day-old rats, milk ceruloplasmin was digested in the upper part of the intestinal tract. The dynamic aspects of the distribution of labeled milk ceruloplasmin in the body of six-day old rats over a period of 4 h point out that, under the conditions of embryonic copper metabolism, it can serve as a transporter of copper ions to extrahepatic organs. We discuss the role of milk ceruloplasmin in copper metabolism in mammals during the neonatal period.     

The role of lichens in high-mountain phytocenoses of Siberia

The authors have studied and analyzed the role of lichens in epilithic-lichen, stony, Alectoria, Dryas, fruticose-lichen, fescue, Cobresia, and yernik tundras, integral components of high-mountain vegetation.