Factors of parallelism in the sense organs

Factors of parallel development of the gravity receptor, traced back in phylogenesis of vertebrates and invertebrates, are presented, and associations of the receptor with the nervous system and eye are considered. The parallel development is due to the similar, hereditary fixed behaviour of animals in relation to such a definite physical factor as the gravitational field of the Earth.     

Current Trends in the Condition of Bottom Fish Communities from the West Kamchatka Shelf

Based on the data of two summer surveys carried out in 2002, the biomass of bottom fishes of the West Kamchata Shelf was assessed. The obtained results were considered within the series of similar annual assessments conducted since 1996. It was displayed that against the background of some increase in the total biomass of bottom fishes, the biomass of the plaices prevailing there, which had previously been the two dominating species had decreased. As a result of the quantitative variations that occurred, the present community structure differs considerably from that observed over the past twenty years.     

Energy-dependent transport of tetraphenylphosphonium ions in Staphylococcus aureus

Transmembrane potential differences on the membrane of staphylococci were measured using tetraphenylphosphonium selective electrodes. When rising pH from 6.0 to 8.0 the transmembrane potential difference values vary from -118 to -155 mV. At 37 degrees C glucose exerts at first a hyperpolarizable and then a depolarizable effect. At the temperature below 27 degrees C its evokes only membrane hyperpolarization. The depolarizable effect of gramicidin is observed at all the studied temperatures.     

Phylogenetic inferences introduced on cytochrome b gene sequences data for six flatfish species (Teleostei, Pleuronectidae) and species synonymy between representatives of genera Pseudopleuronectes and Hippoglossoides from far eastern seas

Cytochrome b (Cyt-b) gene was sequenced for six flatfish species and compared with seven other species belonging to Pleuronectiformes. Monophyly of the family Pleuronectidae representatives was fine supported by bootstrap or other means in several sequence-based trees on Cyt-b gene data. Results revealed that synonymy must be accepted for Hippoglossoides elassodon, and H. robustus, as well as for Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae, and P. schrenki. This article was submitted by the authors in English.     

Glycocalyx of receptor cell membranes

Data are presented on the enzymes, glycosamines and glycolipidsof the premembranous calyx of the plasma membranes of photo-,chemo- and mechanoreceptor cells. Evidence that the glycocalyxcontributes to the morphogenesis of olfactory mucus and theotolithic membrane is summarized, as is evidence that it hasan auxiliary role in reception. It is hypothesized that theglycocalyx is involved in several steps in receptor processes.