A model for water transport in the stele of plant roots

Summary The mechanism of water movement across roots is, as yet, not well understood. Some workable black box theories have already been proposed. They, however, assumed unrealistic cell membranes with low values of , or were based on a poor anatomical knowledge of roots. The role of root stele in solute and water transport seems to be especially uncertain. An attempted explanation of the nature of root exudation and root pressure by applying the apoplast canal theory (Katou andFurumoto 1986 a, b) to transport in the root stele is given. The canal equations are solved for boundary conditions based on anatomical and physiological knowledge of the root stele. It is found that the symplast cell membrane, cell wall and net solute transport into the wall apoplast are the essential constituents of the canal system. Numerical analysis shows that the canal system enables the coupled transport of solutes and water into a xylem vessel, and the development of root pressure beyond the level predicted by the osmotic potential difference between the ambient medium and the exudate. Observations on root exudation and root pressure previously reported seem to be explained quite well. It is concluded that the movement of water in the root stele although apparently active is essentially osmotic.Abbreviations J _v ^ex volume exudation per root surface - J₀ non-osmotic exudation - L^r overall radial hydraulic conductivity of an excised root - reflection coefficient - C_s difference in the osmotic concentration between the bathing medium and the exudate - R gas constant - T absolute temperature - C_K molar concentration of K⁺ - C_Cl molar concentration of Cl^– - C_j molar concentration of ion species j - P_j membrane permeability of ion j - z_j valence of ion j - F Faraday constant - V_ix intracellular electric potential with reference to the canal     

Unusual features of intercellular junctions in the larvacean Oikopleura dioica

Summary In the pelagic larvacean Oikopleura dioica, the epithelium lining the alimentary tract consists of ciliated and unciliated cell types. The ciliated cells also exhibit an apical border of long microvilli. Between the microvilli, the cellular membrane often projects deeply down into the cytoplasm; the membranes of these invaginations and those of apicolateral interdigitations may be associated with one another by tight junctions. Some of these junctions may be autocellular. The tight junctions are seen by freeze-fracture to be very simple in construction, composed of a single row of intramembranous particles, which may be fused into a P-face ridge. There is a dense cytoplasmic fuzz associated with these tight junctions which may extend into adjoining zonula adhaerens-like regions. The invaginations of the apical membranes are, in addition, associated by gap junctions which may also be autocellular. More conventional homocellular and heterocellular tight and gap junctions occur along the lateral borders of ciliated cells and between ciliated and unciliated cells. These gap junctions possess a reduced intercellular cleft and typical P-face connexons arranged in macular plaques, with complementary E-face pits. Both cell types exhibit extensive stacks of basal and lateral interdigitations. The tight junctions found here are unusual in that they are associated with a dense cytoplasmic fuzz which is normally more characteristic of zonulae adhaerentes.     

Solubilization and Characterization of D2-Dopamine Receptors in an Estrone-Induced, Prolactin-Secreting Rat Pituitary Adenoma

D2-dopamine (3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine) receptors were successfully solubilized with 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate from an estrone-induced rat pituitary adenoma. Forty-five percent of initial protein and 48% of initial [3H]spiroperidol binding sites were solubilized. The high affinity as well as the stereoselectivity of the sites was preserved. The order of potency of dopaminergic agonists was found to be typical of D2 receptors. Target size analysis by radiation inactivation indicated a molecular weight of 143,000 +/- 3,000 and of 106,000 +/- 4,000 daltons for membrane-bound and solubilized receptors, respectively. This suggests the loss of a 37,000-dalton subunit during solubilization without significant modification of binding characteristics. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of receptor protein preparation photolabeled with N-(p-azido-m[125I]iodophenethyl)spiroperidol confirmed the existence of a 94,000-dalton peptide which probably constitutes the ligand binding site of the receptor. Thus, our data indicate that chronic estrogen treatment of rats, although inducing a pituitary adenoma, does not modify the pharmacological characteristics of D2 receptors. These data suggest therefore that these adenoma may represent an ideal source of material for further biochemical characterization of D2 receptors.     

Limited genetic differentiation of Mycetomoellerius mikromelanos in Parque National Soberanía,Panama: Implications for queen dispersal

The coevolutionary relationship between fungus-growing ants (Formicidae: Attini: Attina) and their symbionts has been well studied in the Panamanian rain forests. To further understand the ecological context of these evolutionary relationships, we have examined the population-genetic structure of the fungus-growing ant species Mycetomoellerius mikromelanos Cardenas, Schultz, Adams 2021 in the Panama Canal Zone. We specifically investigated the presence of population structure, the significance of geographic features (i.e., creeks) limiting gene flow, and relatedness between ant colonies. To accomplish this, we genotyped 85 ant colonies from nine creeks across an approximately 30 km transect in Parque National Soberanía, Panama, using double-digest restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing. We did not find distinct population structure using two genetic clustering methods; however, we did detect an effect of isolation by distance. Furthermore, related colonies were frequently detected on the same creek or neighboring creeks, and some at further geographic distances. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that new colonies tend to establish on natal creeks and occasionally on distant creeks following long-distance dispersal events. We discuss how population-genetic patterns reveal the natural history of M. mikromelanos in Parque National Soberanía and how these results fit into the context of fungus-growing ant mutualisms. Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.     

Gastro-intestinal and neurohormonal peptides in the alimentary tract and cerebral complex ofCiona intestinalis (Ascidiaceae)

Summary Polypeptide-hormone producing cells were localized in the alimentary tract and cerebral ganglion ofCiona intestinalis using cytochemical, immunocytochemical and electron-microscopical methods.Antisera to the following peptides of vertebrate type were employed: bombesin, human prolactin (hPRL), bovine pancreatic polypeptide (PP), porcine secretin, motilin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP),-endorphin, leu-enkephalin, met-enkephalin, neurotensin, 5-hydroxytryptamin (5-HT), cholecystokinin (CCK), human growth hormone (GH), ACTH, corticotropin-like intermediate lobe peptide (CLIP) and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP).Immunoreactive cells were found both in the alimentary tract epithelium and in the cerebral ganglion for bombesin, PP, substance P, somatostatin, secretin and neurotensin. Additionally, in the cerebral ganglion only, there were cells immunoreactive for-endorphin, VIP, motilin and human prolactin. 5-HT positive cells, however, were restricted to the alimentary tract.No immunoreactivity was obtained either in the cerebral ganglion or in the alimentary tract with antibodies to leu-enkephalin, met-enkephalin, CCK, growth hormone, ACTH, CLIP and GIP. Prolactin-immunoreactive and pancreatic polypeptide-immunoreactive cells were argyrophilic with the Grimelius' stain and were found in neighbouring positions in the cerebral ganglion.At the ultrastructural level five differently granulated cell types were distinguished in the cerebral ganglion. Granules were present in the perikarya as well as in axons. The possible functions of the peptides as neurohormones, neuroregulators and neuromodulators are discussed.     

Criteria for the identification of potential colonizers*

Man's interference with the environment encourages colonization by species that are often undesirable, hence a technique by which potential colonizers can be identified is urgently required. It can be developed when general prerequisites for successful colonization are identified. These prerequisites can then serve as criteria to distinguish potential colonizers from non-colonizers. The proposed relevant prerequisites are associated with two problems encountered by all colonists: small founding populations and a difference in the environmental conditions between the source area and the target, making the target rather unpredictable. Both these features increase the risk of random extinction, which can be overcome by possessing a potential for rapid population growth (high r) and for rapid adaptation to environmental conditions (high genetic variability). The parameters associated with meeting these prerequisites can serve for the identification of potential colonizers and for ranking species as to their colonization ability. The proposed technique may best be tested by comparing the intrinsic growth rate and the electrophoretic variability of species that have recently colonized with closely related species that have not done so under similar circumstances. The colonization of the eastern Mediterranean by Red Sea species immigrating via the Suez Canal created an appropriate system for such a test.     

rDNA analysis of the Red Sea seagrass,Halophila, reveals vicariant evolutionary diversification

The effects of opening the Suez Canal as a connection between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea were reported for a number of marine species. However, the evolutionary origin of the seagrasses in the Red Sea and the linking population genetics of seagrasses between the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea have not yet been investigated in detail. The invasion of Halophila stipulacea Asch. from the Red Sea into the Mediterranean Sea after the opening of the Suez Canal was already recorded. We hypothesize that Halophila ovalis populations in the Red Sea developed through long-term historical processes such as vicariant evolutionary diversification. Seagrass samples were collected along the Egyptian coastline of the Red Sea and analysed by the molecular marker ITS. The sequences were compared with published ITS sequences from seagrasses collected in the whole area of interest. In this study, we reveal the linking population genetics, phylogeography and phylogenetics of two dominant seagrass species, Halophila stipulacea and Halophila ovalis, among species collected in the Red Sea and worldwide. The results indicate that the Red Sea Halophila ovalis populations do not group to Halophila ovalis worldwide, and Halophila major, Halophila ovalis collected worldwide and Halophila ovalis collected at the Red Sea are sister clades. Hence, vicariant evolutionary diversification for Halophila ovalis may occur in the Red Sea.     

Proteomic and cytokine plasma biomarkers for predicting progression from colorectal adenoma to carcinoma in human patients

In the present study, we screened proteomic and cytokine biomarkers between patients with adenomatous polyps and colorectal cancer (CRC) in order to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind turmorigenesis and tumor progression in CRC. To this end, we performed comparative proteomic analysis of plasma proteins using a combination of 2DE and MS as well as profiled differentially regulated cytokines and chemokines by multiplex bead analysis. Proteomic analysis identified 11 upregulated and 13 downregulated plasma proteins showing significantly different regulation patterns with diagnostic potential for predicting progression from adenoma to carcinoma. Some of these proteins have not previously been implicated in CRC, including upregulated leucine‐rich α‐2‐glycoprotein, hemoglobin subunit β, Ig α‐2 chain C region, and complement factor B as well as downregulated afamin, zinc‐α‐2‐glycoprotein, vitronectin, and α‐1‐antichymotrypsin. In addition, plasma levels of three cytokines/chemokines, including interleukin‐8, interferon gamma‐induced protein 10, and tumor necrosis factor α, were remarkably elevated in patients with CRC compared to those with adenomatous polyps. Although further clinical validation is required, these proteins and cytokines can be established as novel biomarkers for CRC and/or its progression from colon adenoma.     

Investigating the widespread introduction of a tropical marine fouling species

Little is known about the number and rate of introductions into terrestrial and marine tropical regions, and if introduction patterns and processes differ from temperate latitudes. Botryllid ascidians (marine invertebrate chordates) are an interesting group to study such introduction differences because several congeners have established populations across latitudes. While temperate botryllid invasions have been repeatedly highlighted, the global spread of tropical Botrylloides nigrum (Herdman, 1886) has been largely ignored. We sampled B. nigrum from 16 worldwide warm water locations, including around the Panama Canal, one of the largest shipping hubs in the world and a possible introduction corridor. Using mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (ANT) markers, we discovered a single species with low genetic divergence and diversity that has established in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indo‐Pacific, and Mediterranean Oceans. The Atlantic Ocean contained the highest diversity and multilocus theta estimates and may be a source for introductions to other regions. A high frequency of one mitochondrial haplotype was detected in Pacific populations that may represent a recent introduction in this region. In comparison to temperate relatives, B. nigrum displayed lower (but similar to temperate Botrylloides violaceus) genetic divergence and diversity at both loci that may represent a more recent global spread or differences in introduction pressures in tropical regions. Additionally, chimeras (genetically distinct individuals sharing a single body) were detected in three populations by the mitochondrial locus and validated using cloning, and these individuals contained new haplotype diversity not detected in any other colonies.