Molecular Characterization of a Barley Gene Induced by Cold Treatment

A cDNA library was made from low positive temperature (6 ?C/2?C) grown barley shoot meristems. Several genes which are differentiallyexpressed, as measured by mRNA abundance, were selected fromthe library using a differential screen. This paper reportsan analysis of in vivo expression in several cultivars, theDNA sequence, copy number and chromosomal location of one gene(BLT14). In addition, genomic restriction fragment length polymorphismfor this gene in the 10 most widely UK-grown spring and 9 mostwidely UK-grown winter barley cultivars is analysed. Key words: Hordeum vulgare, low temperature, RFLP, differential expression, cDNA sequence     

Respiration in the sexuals of the ant Lasius flavus

ABSTRACT. Gynes and males of Lasius flavus Fab. were taken from the nest as they eclosed, and at intervals thereafter until the mating flight, and their respiration was measured. After the mating flight respiration was measured in gynes at various stages of colony foundation. Respiration in gynes rose rapidly to a peak as they began to accumulate food reserves for colony foundation. Subsequently, the respiratory rate declined and remained at a low level until the mating flight and during the claustral phase of colony foundation. Once the colony was well established and the queen actively laying, the respiratory rate returned to that at the beginning of maturation. Males showed smaller changes in their respiratory rates, which were generally higher than those of the gynes. The variation in respiration in males seemed to be due to increasing restlessness as the time of the mating flight approached.     

Extensive intraspecific genetic diversity of a freshwater crayfish in a biodiversity hotspot

1. The freshwater crayfish Cherax dispar (Decapoda: Parastacidae) inhabits coastal regions and islands of South East Queensland, Australia. We hypothesised that populations of C. dispar on different islands would be more genetically divergent from each other than populations from different drainages within the same island or on the mainland. 2. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses were conducted on two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase subunit I & 16S ribosomal DNA) and one nuclear gene (Internal Transcribed Spacer region 2). Phylogeographic patterns were compared with those for other freshwater organisms in the area. 3. Deep genetic divergences were found within C. dispar, including four highly divergent (up to 20%) clades. The geographic distribution of each of the clades revealed strong latitudinal structuring along the coast rather than structuring among the islands. The high genetic divergence observed among the C. dispar clades was estimated to have pre‐dated island formation and may represent ancient river drainage patterns. 4. A restricted distribution was observed for the most divergent clade, which was discovered only on two of the sand islands (North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island). Furthermore, strong phylogeographic structuring was observed within this clade on North Stradbroke Island, where no haplotypes were shared between samples from opposite sides of the island. This low connectivity within the island supports the idea that C. dispar rarely disperse terrestrially (i.e. across watersheds).     

Reproductive strategies of epialgal bryozoans

Summary

Bryozoans are common encrusting organisms in many shallow-water marine environments. Although reproducing sexually, their success as space occupiers resides largely in their capacity for colonial growth by zooidal budding (regarded by some as a form of asexual reproduction). This paper examines the reproductive strategies of several bryozoan species commonly associated with the fronds of coastal macroalgae. These range from ephemeral species that grow rapidly, reproduce and die (Electra pilosa, Celleporella hyalina, Membranipora membranacea) to more or less annual species with well-developed reproductive and growth cycles (Flustrellidra hispida, Alcyonidium spp.). Whilst many of these bryozoans brood relatively few short-lived lecithotrophic larvae, others produce large numbers of longer-lived planktotrophic larvae. The seasonal and daily patterns of larval release are described for selected species. Resource allocation to sexual and colonial functions is considered in the context of environment-genotype interactions. Reproductive strategy is especially important in determining dispersal and colonising ability, and these in turn are major determinants of ecological pattern in epialgal bryozoan communities.