Effect of root environment on proton efflux in wheat roots

Proton net efflux of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) roots growing in sand culture or hydroponics was determined by measuring the pH values of the solution surrounding the roots by pH microelectrodes, by base titration and by color changes of a pH indicator in solid nutrient media. The proton net efflux was dependent on light, aeration, and source of nitrogen (NH ₄ ⁺ , NO ₃ ^? ). Ammonium ions caused the highest proton efflux, whereas nitrate ions decreased the proton efflux. Iron deficiency had no significant effect on proton efflux. Replacement of ammonium by nitrate inhibited proton efflux, whereas the reverse enhanced proton extrusion. A lag period between changes in plant environment and proton efflux was observed. The proton net efflux occurred at the basal portion of the roots but not in the root tips or at the elongation zone. Under optimal conditions, proton efflux capacity reached a maximum value of 5.7 μmole H⁺ g^?1 fresh weight h^?1 with an average (between different measurements) of 3.4 μmole H⁺ g^?1 fresh wth^?1 whereas the pH value decreased to 3.2–3.7 and reached a minimal value of 2.9. Inhibition of ATPase activity by orthovanadate inhibited proton efflux. The results indicate that proton efflux in wheat roots is ammonium ion and light dependent and probably governed by ATPase activity.     

Development of the preprophase band from random cytoplasmic microtubules in guard mother cells of Allium cepa L.

The organization of microtubule (MT) arrays in the guard mother cells (GMCs) of A. cepa was examined, focussing on the stage at which a longitudinal preprophase band (PPB) is established perpendicular to all other division planes in the epidermis. In the majority of young GMCs, including those seen just after asymmetric division, MTs are distributed randomly throughout the cortex and inner regions of the cytoplasm. Few MTs are associated with the nuclear surface. As the GMCs continue to develop, MTs cluster around the nucleus and a PPB appears as a wide longitudinal band. Microtubules also become prominent between the nucleus and the periclinal and transverse walls, while they decrease in number along the radial longitudinal walls. The PPB progressively narrows by early prophase, and a transversely oriented spindle gradually ensheaths the nucleus. These observations indicate that the initial, broad PPB is organized by a rearrangement of the random cytoplasmic array of MTs. Additional reorganization is responsible for MTs linking the nucleus and the cortex in the future plane of the cell plate, and for narrowing of the PPB.Abbreviations GMC guard mother cell - MT microtubule - PPB preprophase band     

Fructose 2,6-bisphosphate hydrolyzing enzymes in higher plants

The phosphatases that hydrolyze fructose 2,6-bisphosphate in a crude spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaf extract were separated by chromatography on blue Sepharose, into three fractions, referred to as phosphatases I, II, and III, which were further purified by various means. Phosphatase I hydrolyzed fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, with a K_m value of 30 micromolar, to a mixture of fructose 2-phosphate (90%) and fructose 6-phosphate (10%). It acted on a wide range of substrates and had a maximal activity at acidic pH. Phosphatase II specifically recognized the osyl-link of phosphoric derivatives and had more affinity for the β-anomeric form. Its apparent K_m for fructose 2,6-bisphosphate was 30 micromolar. It most likely corresponded to the fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase described by F. D. Macdonald, Q. Chou, and B. B. Buchanan ([1987] Plant Physiol 85: 13-16). Phosphatase III copurified with phosphofructokinase 2 and corresponded to the specific, low-K_m (24 nanomolar) fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase purified and characterized by Y. Larondelle, E. Mertens, E. Van Schaftingen, and H. G. Hers ([1986] Eur J Biochem 161: 351-357). Three similar types of phosphatases were present in a crude extract of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) tuber. The concentration of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate decreased at a maximal rate of 30 picomoles per minute and per gram of fresh tissue in slices of Jerusalem artichoke tuber, upon incubation in 50 millimolar mannose. This rate could be accounted for by the maximal extractable activity of the low-K_m fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase. A new enzymic method for the synthesis of β-glucose 1,6-bisphosphate from β-glucose 1-phosphate and ATP is described.     

Localization of ferredoxin isoproteins in mesophyll and bundle sheath cells in maize leaf

Four ferredoxin isoproteins were identified in the C₄ plant Zea mays L. by analysis of extracts from leaves, mesocotyls, and roots of the young seedlings. The relative amounts of the isoproteins isolated from the photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic organs were different. All the isoproteins were present in the leaves of green and etiolated plants, whereas two out of the four isoproteins were not detected in the roots or in the mesocotyls. During the greening of etiolated seedlings, the level of the two isoproteins unique to the leaf increased markedly. Analysis of the cellular and subcellular distribution of the two major leaf isoproteins showed that one isoprotein was present in the chloroplasts of both mesophyll and bundle sheath cells, whereas the other was only found in the chloroplasts of bundle sheath cells. This is the first report of the cell-specific expression of ferredoxin isoproteins in the leaves of a C₄ plant.     

Correction of congenital microtia using the tissue expander

We attempted auricular reconstruction using Radovan-type inflatable silicone expanders in six children and one adult, with the complete hypoplastic, the conchal remnant, and constricted type of microtia. Ear frameworks, including the helix, anthelix, concha, and tragus, were prepared using autologous rib cartilage. Based on the surface area of the normal adult auricle, the silicone expander was tentatively shaped and sized into a rotated semiellipse and expanded with 70 cc saline. Auricular reconstruction on the framework was completed at the time of insertion in four of the seven patients, requiring no elevation of the ear. The reconstructed auricle was satisfactory in both color and texture and had nearly normal sensation. Mild complications were noted in three of the seven patients. However, no resorption of the inserted rib cartilage has been observed 14 months to 2 years and 5 months after the operation. Slight shrinkage of the expanded skin was noted in each patient.     

Surgical correction of Stahl's ear using the cartilage turnover and rotation method

Various operative methods for the correction of Stahl's ear exist. We, however, have devised an alternative "turnover and rotation" procedure. In this procedure, the deformed cartilage itself is used in its original contour to form a new scaphoid fossa, thus simplifying the corrective procedure and establishing a reliable operative method in which reversion to the original state is thought to be highly unlikely.     

Effect of capsulectomy on the hemodynamics and viability of random-pattern skin flaps raised on expanded skin in the pig

Skin flaps constructed on expanded skin usually include the underlying capsular tissue. It has been hypothesized that capsulectomy may jeopardize the viability of the expanded skin flap. The experiments reported herein were designed to test this hypothesis. Specifically, we studied the hemodynamics and viability of random-pattern skin flaps (8 X 20 cm) raised on delayed bipedicle flaps (group A) and on expanded skin pockets with capsulectomy at the time of flap elevation (group B) or with intact underlying capsular tissue (group C). Each group was randomly assigned to each flank in 16 pigs. Skin pockets were expanded by inflation of subcutaneous silicone tissue expanders with sterile saline (299 +/- 7 ml; X +/- SEM) over a period of 3 weeks. At the end of this period, the bipedicle flaps were constructed. Eight days later, random-pattern skin flaps were raised on bipedicle flaps and skin pockets. The length and area of skin flap viability, judged by the fluorescein dye test performed 1 day postoperatively, were not significantly different (p greater than 0.05) among groups A, B, and C (n = 31 to 32). There also were no significant differences (p greater than 0.05) in total skin capillary blood flow measured 1 day postoperatively (A = 2.6 +/- 0.4, B = 2.4 +/- 0.4, and C = 2.7 +/- 0.6 ml/min per flap; n = 15 to 16) and in skin viability assessed 7 days postoperatively (A = 74 +/- 2, B = 75 +/- 2, and C = 76 +/- 2 percent; n = 16) among delayed skin flaps and skin flaps raised on expanded skin pockets with or without capsulectomy. The results of this flap viability study were confirmed in 5 minipigs in a separate experiment. We conclude that capsulectomy did not have a detrimental effect on the hemodynamics and viability of random-pattern skin flaps raised on expanded skin. Furthermore, we hypothesize that skin flaps raised on expanded skin are similar to delayed skin flaps in that the skin blood flow is optimally augmented; therefore, the capsular tissue does not add significant blood supply to the overlying skin.     

A planar microtubule-organizing zone in guard cells of Allium: experimental depolymerization and reassembly of microtubules

The generation of the unique radial array of microtubules (MTs) in stomatal guard cells raises questions about the location and activities of relevant MT-organizing centers. By using tubulin immunofluorescence microscopy, we studied the pattern of depolymerization and reassembly of MTs in guard cells of Allium cepa L. Chilling at 0°C reduces the MTs to small remnants that surround the nuclear surface of cells in the early postcytokinetic stage, or form a dense layer along the central portion of the ventral wall in older guard cells. A rapid reassembly on rewarming restores either MTs extending from the nuclear surface randomly throughout the cytoplasm in very young cells, or an array of MTs radiating from the dense layer at the ventral wall later in development. A similar pattern of depolymerization and reassembly is achieved by incubation with 100 M colchicine followed by a brief irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light. Incubation with 200 M colchicine leads to a complete depolymerization that leaves only a uniform, diffuse cytoplasmic fluorescence. Nonetheless, UV irradiation of developing guard cells induces the regeneration of a dense layer of MTs at the ventral wall. The layer is again positioned centrally along the wall, even if the nucleus has been displaced by centrifugation in the presence of cytochalasin D. Neither the regenerated layer nor the perinuclear MTs seen earlier are related to the staining pattern of serum 5051, which reportedly binds to centrosomal material in animal and plant cells. The results support the view that, soon after cytokinesis, a planar MT-organizing zone is established in the cortex along the central portion of the ventral wall, which then generates the radial MT array.Abbreviations GC guard cell - MT microtubule - MTOC microtubule-organizing center - UV ultraviolet To whom correspondence should be addressed.     

The role of cysteine proteinase and carboxypeptidase in the breakdown of storage proteins in buckwheat seeds

Two proteolytic enzymes, a cysteine proteinase and a carboxypeptidase, responsible for breakdown of the main storage protein, 13S globulin, were purified from buckwheat seedlings (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) by (NH₄)₂SO₄ fractionation, gel-filtration on Sephadex G-150, ionexchange chromatography on DEAE-Toyopearl 650 M and chromatofocusing. The cysteine proteinase was purified 74-fold. It has a pH optimum of 5.5, a pI of 4.5 and an apparent molecular mass (M_r) of 71000. The carboxypeptidase was purified 128-fold. It has a pH optimum of 5.3, a pI of 5.8 and a M_r of 78500. Cysteine proteinase hydrolyzed the modified 13S globulin only if the reaction products were eliminated from the incubation mixture by dialysis. Storage protein degradation by the proteinase increased in the presence of carboxypeptidase. We suggest that the two enzymes complete the digestion of 13S globulin after its preliminary hydrolysis by the earlier described enzyme, metalloproteinase, present in dry buckwheat seeds.Abbreviations BSA bovine serum albumin - DEAE diethylaminoethyl - M_r apparent molecular mass - PAGE polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis - SDS sodium dodecyl sulfate