The Application of 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to Higher Plant Tissue: I. DETECTION OF SPECTRA

³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra are described fora variety of plant tissues, including sections of mature potatotuber (Solanum tuberosum) and sections of maize seedling (Zeamays). The experimental procedures for obtaining such spectra,using a conventional high field spectrometer, are discussedin detail. Assignments are given for the observed resonancesand the results are discussed in relation to the storage formsof plant phosphate. Attention is drawn to the power of the techniqueto distinguish the cytoplasm and vacuole in vivo, through thewell-known pH dependence of the ³¹P chemical shifts.     

Trends in the ecological strategies and evolution of millipedes (Diplopoda)

Five main morphotypes (polyxenoid, glomeroid, juloid, polydesmoid, and platydesmoid) are denoted and five ecomorphotypes, i.e. life‐forms (stratobionts, troglobionts, geobionts, subcorticolous xylobionts, and epiphytobionts) are oudined in the Class Diplopoda. Their distribution and that of separate higher taxa show a number of marked ecological and geographical trends. The Diplopoda as a whole is believed to be originally a forest floor‐dwelling group, with stratobionts dominating everywhere, this life‐form having given rise to all other derivative, apparently synchronously evolved life‐forms. The poor development of the derived life‐forms points to their recent evolution, probably brought about by die great climatic changes of the last 2–3 Ma. The European fauna is characteristically dominated by the life‐form of stratobionts and in most areas by the juloid morphotype. However, the distribution of orders is strongly skewed. The habitats in Europe with richest millipede faunas seem to be temperate forests in the Atlantic zone and central mountain chains, where the Order Chordeumatida is strongly represented. This area contains several long‐term, or Ice Age, refugia. Further to the north, soudi and east, especially in open landscapes, along with an increasingly continental/Mediterranean climate, representatives of the juloid morphotype, mainly members of the Order Julida, become proportionately more common, while general species diversity falls. The ecological strategies of millipedes are rooted both in the group's phylogeny and in die Earth's history. In Europe diis history is peculiar owing to the east‐west lie of the principal mountain chains, and repeated glaciations have led to the development of a mixed, fully migratory, recent European faunal kernel, or nucleus, which is forced south and cornered in die largely mountainous western and central parts of the Continent during glaciations. Many local endemics have evolved in these areas, including a substantial proportion of cavernicolous species.     

The Application of 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to Higher Plant Tissue: II. DETECTION OF INTRACELLULAR CHANGES

^3IP nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra are used to monitorintracellular changes in sections of potato tuber (Solariumtuberosum), maize root tips (Zea mays) and the roots of singlemaize seedlings. Intracellular changes that result from theuptake of inorganic phosphate, D-mannose, the spectroscopicbroadening probe Mn²+ and 2, 4-dinitrophenol are described.It is concluded that NMR provides a powerful, direct methodfor following intracellular changes in plant tissues.