Ethanol utilization regulatory protein: profile alignments give no evidence of origin through aldehyde and alcohol dehydrogenase gene fusion.

The suggestion that the ethanol regulatory protein from Aspergillus has its evolutionary origin in a gene fusion between aldehyde and alcohol dehydrogenase genes (Hawkins AR, Lamb HK, Radford A, Moore JD, 1994, Gene 146:145-158) has been tested by profile analysis with aldehyde and alcohol dehydrogenase family profiles. We show that the degree and kind of similarity observed between these profiles and the ethanol regulatory protein sequence is that expected from random sequences of the same composition. This level of similarity fails to support the suggested gene fusion.     

猕猴桃种质资源保存及育种研究

收集保存猕猴桃属植物３５种或变种、变型,并将它们分为抗寒?喜凉、喜温３种类型。从保存的中华猕猴桃优株中系统选育出“武植２号”、“武植３号”２个优良品种。以中华猕猴桃为母本,毛花猕猴桃为父本进行种间杂交,从杂种Ｆ１代中培养出“江山娇”、“满天星”、“重瓣”３个具有园艺观赏价值的优良株系。这些研究工作为猕猴桃种质资源的保存及新品种的培育奠定了工作基础。     

Nodulation studies on legumes exotic to Australia: Hedysarum coronarium

Abstract Symbiotic experiments in glasshouse, controlled environment cabinet, and field were conducted with four lines of sulla ( Hedysarum coronarium ) and 15 strains of Rhizobium spp. This plant is highly Rhizobium -specific and appropriate strains are most unlikely to occur naturally in Australia. Under several sets of experimental conditions, H. coronarium nodulated abundantly and effectively with homologous rhizobia introduced from Spain and Italy. The optimum temperature for nitrogen fixation was relatively low (approx. 21°C) but significant interactions between line of host, strain of rhizobia, and growth temperature were frequent. The rhizobia were persistent in soil.     

Species richness and endemism in the Usambara mountain forests,Tanzania

The East Usambara Mountain forests constitute what is probably one of the richest biological communities in Africa in terms of plant and animal species numbers and endemic taxa. This review presents brief accounts of the flora and of three invertebrate and four vertebrate groups and shows the percentage endemic taxa to vary from 2% (mammals) to 95% (millipedes) as a proportion of the true forest species. Notes are given on the geology, soils, climate and present land use of the Usambaras. Biological richness is considered to be due to long periods of isolation and geological stability coupled with periods of species immigration during times of re-establishment of a continuous forest cover. The nature of the endemic elements is briefly discussed. Evidence is given to show that the forests are subject to increasing pressure from legal and illegal encroachment due to agriculture (tea, cardamon, subsistence) and forestry timber operations. Air photograph analysis shows a forest decrease of some 50% in the vicinity of Amani from 1954 to 1976. The low conservation status of most forest reserves and the lack of detailed knowledge on the distribution, status and biology of the endemic species means present conservation efforts are poor and haphazard. This review calls for greatly increased research inputs and a complete halt to all exploitation of natural forest areas until a long term conservation land use plan can be implemented.     

The population biology of the Orange Tip butterfly Anthocharis cardamines in Britain

ABSTRACT.

• 1 The population biology of Anthocharis cardamines (L.) is described and shown to vary with locality. Southern and Western populations emerge earlier than Northern ones, but Western and Northern populations occupy similar, wetter habitats and are associated primarily with Cardamine pratensis (L.). Southern populations are recorded mostly from Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.).
• 2 Studies on egg and larval survival indicate that host plant-induced death and parasitization by a tachinid are important mortality factors. However, a key-factor analysis on one population indicates that the major determinant of population size may be the number of eggs laid by ovipositing females, itself dependent upon weather during the oviposition period. Populations in different localities do show similar trends in abundance, corroborating the effect of weather.
• 3 Human effects on distribution and abundance are discussed, and some conservation strategies suggested.

     

Restriction map of Chinese hamster mitochondrial DNA containing replication coordinates: comparison with Syrian hamster mitochondrial genome

A precise physical map, containing the structurally and operationally defined D-loop origin, terminal region, and direction of heavy-strand replication, has been constructed for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from ovary (CHO-KI) and lung cells of Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus 2 N = 22), and compared with our previously established genome coordinates for mtDNA from Syrian hamster ( Mesocricetus auratus 2 N = 44). All four HpaI sites in Cricetulus are conserved in Mesocricetus (8 sites). Extensive variation exists for hexanucleotides cleaved by EcoRI HindIII PstI. KpnI and BamHI. Sequence divergence between Chinese and Syrian hamster mtDNAs, as reflected from analysis of the mapped recognition sites for these six endonucleases, is estimated as 5–9% base substitutions. mtDNAs from both hamster and several other mammalian species contain a commonly conserved HpaI site in the region of light strand initiation.     

栗树种质资源的多样性及其保存利用

本文在总结板栗(Castanea mollissima Bl.)种质资源调查研究的基础上,论述了以板栗为主的中国栗属植物遗传变异的多样性。并且从生态地理学上分析板栗种内变异的分布,提出了板栗遗传变异沿生态地理梯度变化的规律,为板栗种质资源的利用提供了依据。文中指出,当前正面临着板栗种质流失的严重问题,尤其随着良种的推广,必将带来遗传种质贫乏的后果。为此,提出了有关保存和利用的具体建议。     

深圳市西海岸和海域生物资源多样性的管护

本文着重介绍生物多样性管护区的基本含义和要求,结合深圳市西海岸和海域的特点,提出建立珠江口南海海岸和海洋生物多样性管护区,以发挥该区域的资源优势和持续利用,为建设深圳特区做出应有的贡献。     

Characterization of genetic identities and relationships of Brassica oleracea L. via a random amplified polymorphic DNA assay

Summary Effective conservation and the use of plant genetic resources are essential for future agricultural progress. Critical to this conservation effort is the development of genetic markers which not only distinguish individuals and accessions but also reflect the inherent variation and genetic relationships among collection holdings. We have examined the applicability of the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay for quick, cost-effective, and reliable use in addressing these needs in relation to collection organization and management. Twenty-five decamer oligonucleotide primers were screened individually with a test array composed of individuals representing a range of genetic relationships in Brassica oleracea L. (vegetable and forage cole crops). Over 140 reproducible, polymorphic fragments were generated for study. Each individual of the test array exhibited a unique molecular genotype and composites specific for accessions and botanical varieties could be established. An analysis of similarity based on amplified DNA fragments reflected the known genetic relationships among the selected entries. These results demonstrated that RAPD markers can be of great value in gene bank management for purposes of identification, measurement of variation, and establishment of genetic similarity at the intraspecific level.     

Foliar regeneration of the endangered Red Vanda,Renanthera imschootiana Rolfe (Orchidaceae)

An in vitro method was developed to regenerate large numbers of phenotypically uniform plants from the basal parts of the leaves of flowering plants of Renanthera imschootiana Rolfe. Differentiation of up to 10 shoot buds free of callus and protocorm-like bodies occurred in 10–12 weeks from the base of a single leaf implanted in Mitra et al. (1976) medium supplemented with 2% sucrose, 2 g l^-1 peptone, 44.4 M benzyladenine (BA) and 10.7 M naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Subculture of the tissues in medium enriched with 10% coconut water and 35 g l^-1 ripe banana pulp resulted in the production of highest average number of 40 shoots in 12 weeks. No difference in the regeneration potential was observed among the three young leaves while mature leaves did not respond. All the leaves of the regenerated shoots were easily recultured to increase shoot multiplication. Shoots readily formed roots on transfer to a medium containing 4.4 M BA, 10.7 M NAA and 1% activated charcoal. All regenerated plants examined were normal diploids with 2n=38. Foliar meristem culture appears to have great potential for ex situ conservation and propagation of this extremely endangered orchid.Abbreviations BA benzyladenine - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid