Seed germination and salinity tolerance in plant species growing on saline wastelands

Seven plant species including three chenopods:Suaeda fruticosa, Kochia indica, Atriplex crassifolia and four grasses:Sporobolus arabicus, Cynodon dactylon, Polypogon monspeliensis, Desmostachya bipinnata, varied greatly in their seed germination and growth responses to soil moisture or salinity. The germination percentage of each species was significantly lower at soil moisture level of 25 % of water holding capacity than at the levels ranging from 50 to 125 %. Increase in salinity resulted in gradual decrease in seed germination of each species. Growth responses of species to salinity varied widely from significant decrease with slight salinity to stimulation up to salinity levels of 20 dS m^-2. Higher K⁺Na⁺ratios in plant shoots of all species compared to that in the root medium indicated selective K⁺uptake. Higher tolerance in chenopod species seems to be attendant on their ability for internal ion regulation. We are thankful to Mr. Noor Ahmad for his assistance in experimental work.     

Observations regarding DNA replication sites in human cells in vivo following infusions of iododeoxyuridine and bromodeoxyuridine

In studies using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) and/or iododeoxyuridine (IdUrd) to label S phase cells in cancer patients, several unique observations were made regarding DNA replication sites and the organization of newly synthesized DNA in post-mitotic cells. While the majority of tumour specimens removed at the end of infusions demonstrated concentration of replication sites around the nuclear membrane, biopsies obtained in leukaemic patients 1 week later demonstrated several distinct patterns of labelling. For example, one, two or all lobes of granulocytes were labelled. Scavenger macrophages bearing labelled leukaemic cells in their cytoplasm were also seen. Sequential IdUrd/BrdUrd labelling of solid tumours showed various patterns of nuclear/nucleolar/membrane labelling, allowing more precise localization of early versus late replication sites.