DNA CONTENTS IN PURKINJE CELLS AND INNER GRANULE NEURONS IN THE DEVELOPING RAT CEREBELLUM

Cytophotometric studies revealed that the content of Feulgen DNA in Purkinje cells in the developing rat cerebellum remains at the diploid level throughout the postnatal life. No evidence was found to suggest resumption of DNA synthesis in the neurons. This finding is in accord with autoradiographic observations that neuroblasts once differentiated from matrix cells do not synthesize DNA nor divide again.     

Taxonomic notes on the paper wasps of the genus Ropalidia in the Indian subcontinent (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

The taxonomy of Ropalidia wasps in the Indian subcontinent is revised, recognizing 26 species in the subcontinent. Their diagnostic characteristics are summarized in a key to species. New synonymies proposed in the present study are: R. bicolorata shiva Das and Gupta, 1989 under R. bicolorata van der Vecht, 1962; R. colorata sordida van der Vecht, 1941 under R. colorata van der Vecht, 1941; R. rodialipa Lambert and Narendran, 2005 and R. anupama Lambert and Narendran, 2005, both under R. cyathiformis Fabricius, 1804; R. jacobsoni flavoscutellata Das and Gupta, 1989, and R. bangalorica Lambert and Narendran, 2005, both under R. jacobsoni du Buysson, 1908; R. travancorica Lambert and Narendran, 2005, under R. marginata Lepeletier, 1836; R. sridharani Lambert and Narendran, 2005, under R. rufocollaris Cameron, 1900; Ropalidia rufoplagiata nursei van der Vecht, 1941 under R. rufoplagiata Cameron, 1905; Icaria lugubris Smith, 1858, under R. sumatrae Weber, 1801; and a revised synonymy is Icaria pendula Smith, 1857, under R. variegata Smith, 1852. The new replacement name Ropalidia kasaragodensis Lambert and Narendran is proposed for R. indica Lambert and Narendran, 2005, non van der Vecht, 1941.     

Morphological and anatomical analyses of rheophytic Rhododendron ripense Makino (Ericaceae)

The comparative morphology and anatomy of the leaves of the rheophytic Rhododendron ripense and the closely related inland species Rhododendron macrosepalum were examined. The leaf of R. ripense is thinner than that of R. macrosepalum, with leaf length to width ratios (leaf index) of 2.92 and 1.91, respectively. Moreover, the leaf of R. ripense consists of fewer cells than the leaf of R. macrosepalum, suggesting stenophyllization of R. ripense caused by the decreased number of cells. In addition, leaf thickness and the number of stomata per leaf of R. ripense were significantly greater than those of R. macrosepalum, but the density of the short glandular pilose hairs on the leaf of R. ripense was lower. The observed morphological differences between the two species may be explained by certain aspects of the riparian environment, such as high irradiation and frequent flooding after heavy rainfall, to which R. ripense is exposed.