ALBERT

Notes: Abstract The impact of the grape leafhopper,Empoasca vitis, on leaf gas exchange, plant growth, yield, fruit quality and carbohydrate reserves of the grapevines,Vitis vinifera L., was studied. Gas exchange was measured on the discolored (red) and the green parts of infested main leaves and on leaves from uninfested vines. Photosynthesis and mesophyll conductance were severely reduced on main leaves showing leafhopper feeding symptoms. The stomatal conductance of the red leaf section of infested main leaves was lower than on undamaged control leaves. Additionally, the red leaf section of infested main leaves showed lower transpiration rates when compared to the green parts of the same leaves and to undamaged control leaves. Gas exchange processes of lateral leaves were not affected by leafhopper feeding. Leafhopperload on main leaves was correlated to visual damage symptoms. At 71.8 leafhopper-days per leaf up to 40% of the main leaf area of the infested plants was discolored from the borders towards the center. Lateral leaves showed no feeding symptoms. Shoot diameter, pruning weight and carbohydrate reserves in the wood were not affected by leafhoppers. Lateral leaf area growth was significantly stimulated on plants infested by leafhoppers. No decrease in yield and fruit quality with leafhopper-loads up to 71.8 leafhopper-days per leaf were observed.

Notes: Abstract This study concerns the inhibitory effects of acid pH and nickel on growth, nutrient (NO3 - and NH4 +) uptake, carbon fixation, O2 evolution, electron transport chain and enzyme (nitrate reductase and ATPase) activities of acid tolerant and wild-type strains of Chlorella vulgaris. Though a general reduction in all these variables was noticed with decreasing pH, the tolerant strain was found to be metabolically more active than the wild-type. A reduced cation (NH4 +, Na+, K+ and Ca2+) uptake, coupled with a facilitated influx of anions (NH4 +, PO4 3- and HCO3 -), suggested the development of a positive membrane potential in acid tolerant Chlorella. Nevertheless, a tremendous increase in ATPase activity at decreasing pH revealed the involvement of superactive ATPase in exporting H+ ions and keeping the internal pH neutral. A difference in Na+ and K+ efflux of the two strains at decreasing pH suggests there is a difference in membrane permeability. The low toxicity of Ni in the acid tolerant strain may be due to the low Ni uptake brought about by a change in membrane potential as well as in permeability. Hence, the development of superactive ATPase and a change in both membrane potential and permeability not only offers protection against acidity, but also co-tolerance to metals.

Notes: Abstract This tutorial was designed for nonbiologists requiring an introduction to the nature and general timescales of phytoplankton responses to physical forcing in aquatic environments. As such, an effort was made to highlight biological markers which might assist in identifying, measuring and/or validating physical processes controlling the variability in the distribution, abundance, composition and activity of phytoplankton communities. Given the recent advances in environmental optics and remote sensing capabilities, a special emphasis was placed on the nature and utility of phytoplankton optical properties in current bio-optical modelling efforts to predict temporal and spatial variability in phytoplankton productivity and growth.

Notes: Abstract Toxicological responses of the filamentous N2-fixing cyanobacteriumNostoc calcicola Bréb. towards Hg2+ were studied to enumerate the decisive lethal events. In low-dose, long-term experiments (0.05–0.25 μm Hg2+, 10 days), photoautotrophic growth was severely inhibited with concurrent loss of photosynthetic pigments (phycocyanin〉chlorophyll α〉carotenoids) and nucleic acids. The termination of growth after a day 4 exposure to 0.25 μm Hg2+ has been attributed to the complete inhibition ofin vivo photosynthetic activity in the cyanobacterium (O2 evolution〉14CO2 incorporation). The elevated Hg2+ concentrations irreversibly damaged the cell membrance as observed under light microscopy, and as indicated by the leakage of intracellular electrolytes and phycocyanin. In high-dose, short-term experiments (0.5–20.0 μm Hg2+, up to 6 h), thein vivo activities of selected enzymes (glutamine synthetase 〉 nitrate reductase 〉 nitrogenase) were less inhibited by Hg2+ than the uptake of nutrient ions (NH 4 + 〉NO 3 − 〉PO 4 3− ).

Notes: Summary Clones of Phryganella acropodia were cultivated under different trophic conditions with bacteria as the food source. The doubling time was estimated to be 3 days. The edibility of four species of fungi, Aspergillus niger, Cunninghamella echinulata, Penicillium echinulatum and Stilbella bulbicola, was tested, but only Penicillium enchinulatum and Stilbella bulbicola were eaten and digested by the amoeba. An ultrastructure examination showed that there are two contractile vacuoles, many dictyosomes, a single nucleus with several nucleoli, and peroxisomes. The pseudopodia are filiform when attached to the substrate but change to lobose when the animal is floating. A thin organic membrane covers the aperture of resting forms.

Notes: Summary Cytodifferentiation of inner enamel epithelium and the adjacent connective tissue from the tip of the cervical loop to the initiation of enamel elaboration in twoMacaca species was examined. Ten- to twelve-month-old specimens were fixed by perfusion and the permanent tooth buds were prepared for transmission electron microscopy. At the cervical loop proper, inner enamel epithelium cells have lobed nuclei, a paucity of cytoplasm, and wide extracellular spaces; the basal lamina facing the dental papilla is straight. With increasing distance from the tip of the cervical loop, the following changes occur gradually: (a) preameloblasts elongate from 15 to 45 µm, and their organelles, particularly mitochondria and profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum, become more numerous; (b) extracellular spaces decrease between preameloblasts starting at the basal (infranuclear) end; (c) the basement membrane becomes convoluted and associated with aperiodic fibers; (d) preodontoblast projections penetrate the aperiodic fibers; (e) collagen fibers subjacent to the basement membrane increase in density, with particularly thick fibers paralleling the aperiodic fibers. These modifications occur within three-fourths of the distance from the tip of the cervical loop to the mineralization front. The condensation of preodontoblasts is followed immediately by predentin synthesis. Concomitantly, the basement membrane breaks down and the aperiodic fibers are engulfed by preameloblasts. Preameloblast projections penetrate junctional predentin, contact mineralized dentin, and enamel synthesis ensues. At this stage the ameloblast is 45 µm long, the nucleus is central or basal, the Golgi apparatus has migrated apically, but the Tomes' process has not yet formed. The results indicate that odontogenesis inMacaca monkeys more closely resembles human odontogenesis than does that in the murine rodents.

Notes: Summary The purposes of this study were to determine whether periodontal ligament (PDL) cells are capable of producing mineralized nodules in vitro and to analyze ultrastructural features of the nodules. Rat PDL cells were obtained from coagulum in the socket at 2 days after tooth extraction and cultured at confluence in standard medium containing Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium supplemented with 10% FBS and antibiotics. To test mineralized nodule formation, cells were further cultured for an additional 3 weeks in the standard medium containing (1) ascorbic acid (50 μg/ml) and sodium β-glycerophosphate (10 mM), (2) ascorbic acid, sodium β-glycerophosphate, and dexamethasone (5 μM), or (3) ascorbic acid alone. Cells were then fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde, postfixed in 1% OsO4, and prepared for light and electron microscopy. Threedimensional nodules containing mineralized matrices were formed only when the cells were cultured in the presence of ascorbic acid and dexamethasone. They were composed of multilayered fibroblasts (up to 13 layers), and highly organized collagen fibrils with 64 nm cross-banding patterns between the cell layers. The fibroblasts in the nodules exhibited an elongated shape with a high degree of cytoplasmic polarity throughout the nodule, and have the morphological features of PDL fibroblasts as seen in vivo. Mineral deposition with needle-like crystals was initiated on collagen fibrils located in intercellular spaces of the upper cell layers and became increasingly heavier towards the bottom half of the nodules. X-ray microanalysis and electron diffraction analysis confirmed that mineral deposition contained calcium and phosphate in the form of immature hydroxyapatite. These nodules contained neither osteoblasts nor osteocytes, and have their own morphological organization and characteristics which differ from those formed by bone cells in culture. Therefore, these data suggest that PDL cells are capable of forming mineralized tissue in vitro with the morphological characteristics different from bone mineralized nodules.

Notes: Abstract The medullary pacemaker nucleus of Hypopomus triggers each electric organ discharge (EOD) by a single command pulse. It consists of electrotonically coupled ‘pacemaker’ cells, which generate the rhythm, and ‘relay’ cells, which follow the pacemaker cells and excite the spinal motoneurons of the electric organ. The pacemaker cells receive two inputs from the complex of the diencephalic prepacemaker nucleus (PPn), a GABA-ergic inhibition and a glutamatergic excitation. Relay cells, on the other hand, receive two glutamatergic inputs, one from a subnucleus of the PPn, the PPn-C, and a second from the sublemniscal prepacemaker nucleus (SPPn). We have labelled afferents to the pacemaker nucleus by injecting HRP to specific sites of the prepacemaker complex. By using immunogold-labelled antibodies and en-grid staining techniques, we demonstrated GABA and glutamate immunoreactivity in labelled synaptic profiles of ultra-thin sections of the pacemaker nucleus. The two types of synapses were interspersed on the surfaces of pacemaker cells, with GABA-immunoreactive synapses apparently representing the GABA-mediated input of the ‘PPn-I’, an inhibitory subdivision of the PPn, and glutamate-immunoreactive synapses representing the input of the ‘PPn-G’, an excitatory subdivision of the PPn. Only glutamate-immunoreactive synapses were found on relay cells.

Notes: Abstract Effects of SO2, aqueous fluoride (NaF) and a solution of nitrogen compounds (NH4NO3) on the visible symptoms, pollutant accumulation and ultrastructure of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] seedlings were studied in an open-air experiment lasting for 3 consecutive years. Visible injury symptoms were most pronounced in combination exposures and whenever F was applied. Visible symptoms correlated well with needle pollutant concentrations. Exposure to NaF increased needle F contents particularly when F was applied with SO2 or NH4NO3. This suggests that a reduction in N or SO2 emissions, in F polluted areas, could improve the condition of conifers via decreased accumulation of phytotoxic F in the needles. Norway spruce needles accumulated 2–10 times as much S and F as those of Scots pine. Microscopic observations showed various changes in the needle mesophyll cell ultrastructure. In both species, exposure to SO2 increased significantly the amount of cytoplasmic vacuoles, suggesting detoxification of excess sulphate or low pH. F treatments resulted in a significant enlargement of plastoglobuli in Scots pine and a darkening of plastoglobuli in Norway spruce. All exposures enhanced the accumulation of lipid bodies. An increased portion of translucent plastoglobuli was most pronounced in N treatments. Many of the ultrastructural changes and visible symptoms appeared only as number of years exposed increased, indicating that long-term experiments are needed. Both visible symptoms and ultrastructural changes pointed to the more pronounced sensitivity of Norway spruce compared to Scots pine. Ultrastructural results mostly supported earlier qualitative observations of F, N and SO2 effects on needle mesophyll cell ultrastructure. However, no reduction of thylakoids in SO2 containing exposure or curling of thylakoids in F exposure could be detected in the present study.

Notes: Abstract 1. The world consumption of energy is roughly 250 EJ. It increases with the level of technology and gross national product of a country. More than 83% of world energy consumption is used by the industrialized countries with one third of the world population; not quite 17% is used by the developing countries with two thirds of the world population. The world's resources of fossil fuels are estimated at 364,560 EJ; about 5–13% of this, and 31% in the case of natural gas, are considered reserves that are economically recoverable and utilizable with current technologies. 2. Agriculture's share of the economy's energy consumption in the Federal Republic of Germany is about 3.4%. It was five times higher per hectare of agricultural land in 1975 than in 1880, but the productivity of the energy was only half as high because of the enormous increase in productivity per unit of labor and area. In absolute terms, however, energy production per unit area increased tremendously, with gross agricultural production two and a half times its earlier size. 3. As a producer of plant material, agriculture qualifies as an energy producer, while as a producer of livestock it also is an energy consumer. In fact, through plant production agriculture becomes the only branch of our economic system that produces more energy than it consumes as fossil energy. Agriculture uses about 40% of its energy requirement for fuel, about 20% for machinery repair and replacement, 30% for mineral fertilizers, about 10% for electricity, and 1–2% for chemical crop protection. Forestry can be evaluated as particularly favorable from the energy viewpoint, while hothouse crops are very unfavorable. Agricultural chemicals support the energy output of green plants; agriculture as a whole is on balance energetically. 4. Solar energy and photosynthesis are the primary sources of energy to our plant. About 3 million EJ solar energy are radiated to the earth annually; 3000 EJ are fixed photosynthetically (2 ⋅ 1011 tons vegetable matter); the food requirement of 4 billion people is 15EJ. Another item of interest on the periphery of the energy balance is the enrichment of our atmosphere with oxygen, which has been accomplished for millions of years solely by the photosynthesis of green plants. 5. Through their additional yield effect, mineral fertilizers increase the energy output of plants more strongly than just the equivalent of the energy input. They cause the plant to produce more foliage and thereby promote more intensive assimilation, which means that mineral fertilizers enable the plant to utilize free solar energy better. A calculation of the energy involved in long-term field trials in cereals disclosed energy input: energy output ratios of 1:5.8 and 1:6.1. 6. Chemical crop protection has a similar effect since it protects against loss of plantproduced energy. Based on an average energy expenditure of 263 MJ ha−1 per kg ha−1 ‘typical’ active ingredient for a crop protection product, additional yields of only 4–4.5% — or considerably less in the case of high-energy crops such as cereals or sugar beets — would be sufficient to cover the energy expenditure; as a rule, however, the productivity of the chemical crop protectants is higher. The biological potential of our crops to utilize solar energy also has been improved considerably compared to earlier times — with cereals, for example, from 0.25% per unit area during the Middle Ages to 1.5% today; theoretically 4% is possible. The thesis that agrochemical aids in agriculture and horticulture are a waste of energy is unjustified. 7. Biomass also creates energy. Experts estimate the utilizable annual production of biomass in the Federal Republic of Germany to be 30 million tons mineral coal units (1 coal unit = 29.3 MJ), whereby undersized and refuse wood, straw and biogas are of special significance. Especially “fuel forests' of, for example, willows, poplars and alders could produce the equivalent of 486,000 MJ by way of 30 tha−1 biomass, contributing sizably to the fuel supply of the nation; at the moment, the conventional form of forestry produces only 30,240 MJ. It is considered feasible in Sweden to supply the entire energy requirement of the country from 93,000 km2 of ‘fuel forest’, and it must be remembered that mineral fertilization could be used to increase the productivity of land used for this purpose relatively quickly if the need were to become acute. The extraction of alcohol from crops offers other interesting aspects; the currently highest yield fuel crops (sugar beet, sugarcane and cassava) produce between 4,900 and 10,700 l ha−1 alcohol. 8. The energy problem of modern economies will not find its complete answer in the green plant. Prudent and well contemplated use of the green plant, however, may eventually do much to take the edge off today's energy dilemma.

Notes: Abstract The three-dimensional ultrastructure ofCryptococcus neoformans was studied by quick-freezing and deep-etching (QF-DE) method.C. neoformans, strain CDC551, was cultured on agar. The viable yeast cells (107 cells) were inoculated into each mouse from the tail vein. Three weeks after the inoculation, the brains of the mice were perfused with fixatives, quickly frozen, freeze-fractured, deeply etched and rotary shadowed with platinum and carbon. In addition, the viable cells ofC. neoformans on agar were picked up and quickly frozen, and replica membranes were prepared as described above. The ultrastructure ofC. neoformans was three-dimensionally demonstrated by the QF-DE method. The capsule was composed of fine meshworks of microfibrils (10–13 nm in diameter), which were directly attached to the cell walls. The capsule of the in vivo yeasts (yeast cells in the brain lesion) was thicker than that of the in vitro yeasts (yeast cells on agar culture). At the outer part of the cell wall, a particle-accumulating layer was observed. This layer in vivo was thicker than that in vitro. Occasionally, the yeast cells were ingested by phagocytes in the mouse brain. Although the cytoplasm of such yeast cells was destroyed, the capsular meshworks were well preserved. The ultrastructure of the capsule was the same both in cultured and phagocytized yeasts in the cystic lesions of the brains. This lack of morphological changes of the capsular meshworks suggests that they are resistant to the digestion by phagocytes. This stability of capsular structures may provide one of the important pathogenic factors in cystic lesions byC. neoformans.

Notes: Abstract Mature maize (Zea mays L.) embryos were exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 25 µg/ml for 9 days. With increasing toxin concentration above 2 µg/ml, primary root elongation of germinated embryos was progressively inhibited, to reach a maximum value of 81% at 25 µ/ml toxin. An ultrastructural investigation of the subcellular alterations induced following toxin exposure provided evidence of deteriorative changes in several compartments of the plant cell. Alteration in membrane integrity (e.g., the tonoplast, plasmalemma and inner mitochondrial membrane) was a frequent feature of many cells. Apparent fusion of vacuoles, incorporation of cytoplasmic components into vacuoles and intravacuolar membrane whorls might be interpreted as deteriorative alterations. The results are discussed in the light of ultrastructural findings for other plant systems exposed to similar AFB1 concentrations, as well as findings for animal systems.

Notes: Abstract Diurnal gas exchange characteristics were measured simultaneously in two mangrove species, Avicennia marina and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, over 7 d in summer (February–March), to compare their productivity. The study was undertaken in the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve, Durban, South Africa, using fully expanded leaves of young and mature trees at the top of the canopy. Gas exchange was strongly influenced by photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), leaf temperature and the accompanying leaf to air vapour pressure deficit (Δ w). Carbon dioxide exchange was saturated at a PPFD of about 600 μmol m-2s-1 in B. gymnorrhiza compared to 800 μmol m-2s-1 in A. marina. Maximal CO2 exchange occurred between 12h00 and 14h00 and was consistently greater in A. marina (8.8 μmol m-2s-1) than in B. gymnorrhiza (5.3 mu;mol m-2s-1). Mean internal CO2 concentrations ( ci) were 260 μl l-1 in A. marina and 252 μl l-1 in B. gymnorrhiza. Photorespiratory activity was 32% in A. marina and 30% in B. gymnorrhiza. Mean water use efficiency (WUE) was 8.0 μmol mmol-1 in A. marina and 10.6 μmol mmol-1 in B. gymnorrhiza. Diurnal leaf water potentials ranged from –0.8 to –3.5 MPa and were generally lower in A. marina.

Notes: Abstract Data on stand structure and rates of photosynthesis were used to estimate net canopy carbon fixation and carbon accumulation as living biomass in mangrove forests in Hinchinbrook Channel, Australia. Total annual canopy net carbon fixation was estimated to be about 29 t C ha−1 yr−1. This equates to about 204,000 t C yr−1 for all mangrove forests in Hinchinbrook Channel. Of this, only about 12% was stored as living plant biomass. Although it is not yet possible to present a robust carbon balance for mangrove trees, the remainder is presumably lost through plant respiration, litter fall, root turnover and exudation of organic compounds from roots.

Notes: Abstract Photosynthetic characteristics were investigated in the geographically isolated and restricted mangrove species, P.rhizophoreae. Gas exchange measurements were made on two to seven years old hydroponically grown plants maintained in 10%, 50% and 100% seawater. CO2 exchange in the 50% and 100% seawater treatments was reduced by 10% and 26%, respectively, compared to the 10% seawater treatment. CO2 response curves indicated that carboxylation efficiency was greater in 10% than in 50% seawater, while stomatal limitation increased from 11% to 16% as salinity increased from 10% to 50% seawater. Carbon losses via photorespiration (31% and 41%) and CO2 compensation point (67 and 81 μ11−1) were greater in 50% than in the 10% seawater treatment. Maximal CO2 exchange occurred at 30 °C with no differences among the salinity treatments. The results indicate that P. rhizophoreae exhibits many gas exchange characteristics previously reported for other mangroves.

Notes: Abstract  Effects of SO2, aqueous fluoride (NaF) and a solution of nitrogen compounds (NH4NO3) on the visible symptoms, pollutant accumulation and ultrastructure of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] seedlings were studied in an open-air experiment lasting for 3 consecutive years. Visible injury symptoms were most pronounced in combination exposures and whenever F was applied. Visible symptoms correlated well with needle pollutant concentrations. Exposure to NaF increased needle F contents particularly when F was applied with SO2 or NH4NO3. This suggests that a reduction in N or SO2 emissions, in F polluted areas, could improve the condition of conifers via decreased accumulation of phytotoxic F in the needles. Norway spruce needles accumulated 2 – 10 times as much S and F as those of Scots pine. Microscopic observations showed various changes in the needle mesophyll cell ultrastructure. In both species, exposure to SO2 increased significantly the amount of cytoplasmic vacuoles, suggesting detoxification of excess sulphate or low pH. F treatments resulted in a significant enlargement of plastoglobuli in Scots pine and a darkening of plastoglobuli in Norway spruce. All exposures enhanced the accumulation of lipid bodies. An increased portion of translucent plastoglobuli was most pronounced in N treatments. Many of the ultrastructural changes and visible symptoms appeared only as number of years exposed increased, indicating that long-term experiments are needed. Both visible symptoms and ultrastructural changes pointed to the more pronounced sensitivity of Norway spruce compared to Scots pine. Ultrastructural results mostly supported earlier qualitative observations of F, N and SO2 effects on needle mesophyll cell ultrastructure. However, no reduction of thylakoids in SO2 containing exposure or curling of thylakoids in F exposure could be detected in the present study.

Notes: Summary The ultrastructural localization of adenylate cyclase (E.C. 4.6.1.1.) and cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) (E.C. 3.1.4.17.) in the ectoderm of the developmental stage 4 chick embryo was studied. Adenylate cyclase was localized in the lateral surfaces of the ectodermal cells. In the primitive streak cells the enzymatic activity was observed on all the lateral surfaces, whereas in the periphery of the blastoderm the reaction product was localized in the apical parts of the lateral plasma membranes only. cAMP PDE localized in the apical cytoplasm of the ectodermal cells, with highest activity in the globular projections.

Notes: Summary In the oocytes ofTenthredo olivacea, accessory nuclei (AN) are formed by budding from the nuclear envelope of the oocyte nucleus. Newly formed AN contain electron-dense material of nuclear origin and are surrounded by a double envelope devoid of pores. Such structures are subsequently transported to the peripheral ooplasm (periplasm), where they grow to reach a final diameter of 5 µm. In the envelopes of advanced AN nuclear pores arise. Through these pores “nuage” material is extruded into the surrounding periplasm. These findings are discussed with respect to a possible involvement of AN in the establishment of developmental gradients in hymenopteran oocytes.

Notes: Abstract A one-year study of phytoplankton, primary production and related physical and chemical factors was made in a Swiss basin of Lake Lugano (Lago di Lugano). The chlorophylls and 12 carotenoids were analyzed with a TLC technique. The carotenoid monitoring was considered to be particularly interesting, because the role of these pigments in freshwater algae is still very poorly documented by field studies. The dependence of photosynthesis on several factors was statistically evaluated. Evidence was found of light-adaptation phenomena. The variations of photosynthetic activity and efficiency largely depended on the light regime in the few days before the field observations and on the cellular content of chlorophylls and single carotenoids, whose concentrations in their turn were closely linked with light, temperature, average cell size, and with the actual species assemblage.

Notes: Summary The self-differentiation potency of the endoderm of the chick embryo was investigated mainly by transmission electron microscopy. Endodermal fragments isolated from 4- to 6-day stomach or small intestine were cultured in the absence of mesenchyme and were able to differentiate in vitro into organ-specific epithelia. Endodermal fragments isolated from the stomach region differentiated into a pseudo-stratified epithelium with periodic acid Schiff-positive mucous granules in the apical cytoplasm, while those from the small intestinal region differentiated into a simple columnar epithelium with a striated border which was positive in alkaline phosphatase activity. These features are comparable with those of the mucous secretory epithelium of the normal embryonic stomach and the absorptive epithelium of normal embryonic small intestine, respectively. Next, the self-differentiation potencies were investigated of the upper and lower layers of the blastoderms, at stages 1–5 of Hamburger and Hamilton (H. and H.). Both stomach-type and small-intestine-type epithelia developed only when fragments of the lower layer isolated from the blastoderms older than stage 3 of H. and H. were cultured, suggesting that cells possessing the potency to differentiate into the stomach- and small-intestine-type epithelia exist in the definitive endoderm at the beginning of its formation.

Notes: Summary In the eggs ofWachtliella persicariae the cleavage nuclei move relative to the surrounding ooplasm. This ‘active’ migration is caused by an organelle whose ultrastructure was studied throughout the mitotic cycle. It consists of a greatly enlarged polar cytaster derived from the mitotic apparatus, linked to the nucleus by 100 Å filaments. The microtubules of the cytaster were found only during periods of active nuclear migration, i.e., from the onset of anaphase to the early prophase of the next mitotic cycle. They are always solitary and follow the course of the astral rays, which are known to temporarily adhere to peripheral structures of the egg cell and to exert tractive forces. In contrast to the cytaster microtubules, the microtubules in the spindle are bundled and persist from early metaphase through late telophase. During ontogenesis the first migration cytaster is built up between 3 and 12 min after oviposition near the anterior egg pole, in the vicinity of the sperm nucleus. In non-inseminated eggs time lapse films show a migration cytaster to develop autonomously in a region free from nuclei, but it does not follow the normal path of the male pronucleus. In several cases the female pronucleus, which remains without a cytaster of its own, was observed to move to the cytaster generated in the absence of the male pronucleus. Whether or not it is adhering to a nucleus, the cytaster divides into two at the correct time, i.e, corresponding to the first cleavage division in fertilized eggs. In some non-inseminated eggs this type of ‘pseudocleavage’ has been observed to occur repeatedly, giving rise to an increasing number of anucleate cytasters.

Notes: Abstract  In one of his classical studies on insect metamorphosis, Weismann compared the imaginal anlagen of the ancestral phantom midge, Chaoborus, with those of advanced brachycerans. We have expanded his findings on the relationships between larval and imaginal organs using electron microscopy and cobalt backfilling of the antenna and leg anlagen and the axonal trajectories of corresponding larval sensilla. We show that both primordia are confluent with the larval antennae and ”leg” sensilla (an ancestral Keilin organ), respectively. These fully developed larval organs represent the distal tips of the imaginal anlagen rather than separate cell clusters. The axons of the larval antenna and leg sensilla project across the corresponding anlagen to their target neuromeres within the central nervous system (CNS). Within the discs, nerves composed of these larval axons, developing afferent fibres and efferences ascending from the CNS are found. Both the structure of the primordia and the axonal trajectories thus relate the situation found in advanced brachycerans with that seen in more ancestral insects. In addition, the larval antennae, legs, wings and even the eyes possess very similar afferent pioneer trajectories supporting the idea that the described pattern is generally used in the ontogeny of sensory systems.

Notes: Abstract Oocytes of hymenopterans are equipped with peculiar organelles termed accessory nuclei. These organelles originate from the germinal vesicle (oocyte nucleus) and gather preferentially at the anterior pole. To gain insight into the mechanism of uneven (asymmetrical) distribution of accessory nuclei, the organization of the microtubule cytoskeleton in the oocytes of two hymenopterans Chrysis ignita and Cosmoconus meridionator has been studied. It is shown that during late previtellogenesis two networks of microtubules are present along the contact zone between the oocyte and enveloping follicular epithelium. The external one is associated with belt desmosomes connecting neighbouring follicular cells. The internal network is composed of randomly orientated microtubules and separates transparent, organelle-free periplasm from the endoplasm. All cellular organelles and the germinal vesicle are localized in the endoplasm. Accessory nuclei are accumulated in the anterior endoplasm; they always lie in direct contact with the subcortical network. Treatment with colchicine results in the disappearance of the periplasm as well as in the redistribution of cellular organelles including accessory nuclei. Presented findings suggest that subcortical microtubules play an important role in the positioning of accessory nuclei throughout the ooplasm.

Notes: Summary Changes at the ultrastructural level during germ band extension in the embryo ofDrosophila melanogaster are described. Cytoplasmic connections between cells and the yolk sac are present during initial cellular movements. At this time, a continuous system of microfilaments is present adjacent to the membranes in the connections and at the periphery of the yolk sac. As germ band extension progresses, this system becomes discontinuous, and microfilaments are apparent only in the immediate vicinity of the connections. Cytoplasmic connections are disassembled at approximately the midpoint of extension; at the same time, extensive membrane associations develop between germ band cells and between these cells and adjacent yolk sac membranes. Positioning and orientation of cytoplasmic connections suggest that the yolk sac, via these connections, is actively involved in the cellular movements of early germ band extension.

Notes: Abstract Germ line cell cluster formation in ovarioles of three different stages, each from a different mayfly species, was studied using ultra-thin serial sectioning. In the analysed ovariole of Cloeön sp., only one linear, zigzag germ line cell cluster was found, consisting of sibling cells connected by intercellular bridges which represent remnants of preceding synchronized mitotic cycles followed by incomplete cytokinesis. A polyfusome stretched through all sibling cells. At the tip of the ovariole, cytokinesis occurred without preceding division of nuclei; thus, intercellular bridges were lined up but the remaining cytoplasm between the bridges had no nuclei. The analysed Siphlonurus armatus vitellarium contained five oocytes at different stages of development. Each oocyte in the vitellarium was connected via a nutritive cord to the linear cluster of its sibling cells in the terminal trophic chamber. Each cluster had the same architecture as was found in Cloëon. The 3-dimensional arrangement and distribution of closed intercellular bridges strongly suggest that all five clusters are derived from a single primary clone. The position of oocytes within each cluster is random. However, each oocyte is embraced by follicular or prefollicular cells whilst all other sibling cells are enclosed by somatic inner sheath cells, clearly distinguishable from prefollicular cells. In the analysed ovariole of Ephemerella ignita, two small linear clusters were found in the tropharium beside two single cells, two isolated cytoplasmic bags with intercellular bridges but no nuclei, and some degenerating aggregates. One cluster was still connected to a growing oocyte via a nutritive cord. In all species the nurse cells remained small and no indications of polyploidization were found. We suggest that this ancient and previously unknown telotrophic meroistic ovary has evolved directly from panoistic ancestors.

Notes: Summary Mouse morulae are known to undergo cavitation as soon as some external cells have entered the sixth cell cycle (Garbutt et al. 1987). Since the early cytological features of cavitation are still unclear, we undertook a careful ultrastructural analysis of late morulae-nascent blastocysts. In addition, since maturation of lysosomes might be involved in the first step of cavity formation, we focused our attention on these organelles by means of the cytochemical localization of trimetaphosphatase activity and by the study of the effects of chloroquine on precavitation embryos. Our results suggest that cavitation starts in a few external cells (presumably competent cells entering the sixth cell cycle), by the chloroquine-sensitive formation of degradative autophagic vacuoles engulfing lipid droplets and vacuoles containing osmiophilic material. These complex structures enlarge (as a result of lipid metabolism?) and so transform into intrablastomeric cavities which, by means of a membrane fusion process, very rapidly become extracellular cavities that coalesce. The abembryonic pole of the blastocyst is determined in this way. Moreover, we suggest that the juxtacoelic cytoplasmic processes covering the inner cell mass (ICM) cells, which are known to restrict the expression of their totipotency during early cavitation (Fleming et al. 1984), are the latest remnants of the walls of the growing intrablastomeric cavities.

Notes: Summary The ultrastructural localization and gradient of activity of alkaline phosphatase were studied with respect to cell differentiation, matrix synthesis, and matrix mineralization in the incisor and molar teeth of 4-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats. The animals were perfused intracardially at room temperature with 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1M sodium cacodylate (pH 7.4) with 3–4% sucrose. The jaws were dissected, immersion-fixed for 24 h, and the incisor and molar tooth germs removed. These were demineralized in 10% EDTA in NaOH (pH 7.4) with 7% sucrose. After reactivation of the enzyme with 0.1M MgCl in Tris-maleate buffer (pH 7.4) at 4°C, the teeth were incubated for alkaline phosphatase in a medium consisting of 6 ml 3% sodiumβ-glycerophosphate, 4 ml 0.2M Tris-HCl buffer (pH 9.2), 3 ml 1.6% MgSO4, 12 ml 0.5% lead citrate (pH⋍12), and 2.1 g sucrose. The pH was adjusted to 9.2 with 0.2M HCl, the volume made up to 30 ml, and the solution centrifuged for 10 min at 5000 rpm. Control teeth were incubated in medium minus the substrate. Finally, the specimens were routinely post-fixed and embedded for sectioning and examination with a Philips 300 electron microscope. A gradient of alkaline phosphatase activity was mapped along the developing teeth in the cells of the stratum intermedium, the proximal borders of the ameloblasts, the early dentine matrix, the predentine-dentine border, matrix vesicles, and the plasma membranes of odontoblasts and subodontoblast cells. The gradient of alkaline phosphatase activity was evident in the forming tooth from the cervical loop to the crown apex and was related to the cellular events, matrix synthesis, and matrix mineralization occurring during odontogenesis.

Notes: Summary Using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, we have studied the ultrastructure of a number of urinary calculi, mainly composed of calcium phosphate. Three fundamental kinds of calcium phosphates were detected: nonstoichiometric carbonate apatite, nonhexagonal octacalcium phosphate, and calcium-magnesium whitlockite. The influence that the organic matter, substitutions in the phosphate lattice of CO3 and Mg, and apatitic stoichiometry have on the ultrastructure of the calcium phosphate calculi has been detailed. An originating apatitic unity named U2 is assumed to be the responsible for all the different structures of calcium apatites appearing in renal calculi. On the basis of our observations, a mechanism whereby apatites grow is postulated; magnesium functions as an inhibitor for the growing mechanism.

Notes: Abstract Transmission electron micrographs of fully mineralized turkey leg tendon in cross-section show the ultrastructure to be more complex than has been previously described. The mineral is divided into two regions. Needlelike-appearing crystallites fill the extrafibrillar volume whereas only platelike crystallites are found within the fibrils. When the speciment is tilted through a large angle, some of the needlelike-appearing crystallites are replaced by platelets, suggesting that the needlelike crystallites are platelets viewed on edge. If so, these platelets have their broad face roughly parallel to the fibril surface and thereby the fibril axis, where the intrafibrillar platelets are steeply inclined to the fibril axis. The projection of the intrafibrillar platelets is perpendicular to the fibril axis. The extrafibrillar volume is at least 60% of the total, the fibrils occupying 40%. More of the mineral appears to be extrafibrillar than within the fibrils. Micrographs of the mineralized tendon in thickness show both needlelike-appearing and platelet crystallites. Stereoscopic views show that the needlelike-appearing crystallites do not have a preferred orientation. From the two-dimensional Fourier transform of a selected area of the cross-sectional image, the platelike crystallites have an average dimension of 58 nm. The needlelike-appearing crystallites have an average thickness of 7 nm. The maximum length is at least 90 nm. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) of unstained, unmineralized turkey leg tendon shows collagen fibrils very much like shadow replicas of collagen in electron micrographs. AFM images of the mineralized tendon show only an occasional fibril. Mineral crystallites are not visible. Because the collagen is within the fibrils, the extrafibrillar mineral must be embedded in noncollagenous organic matter. When the tissue is demineralized, the collagen fibrils are exposed. The structure as revealed by the two modalities is a composite material in which each component is itself a composite. Determination of the properties of the mineralized tendon from the properties of its elements is more difficult than considering the tendon to be just mineral-filled collagen.

Notes: Abstract Rat bone cells were cultured in the presence of bioactive glass-ceramic containing crystalline apatite and wollaston te. Scanning electron microscopy observations of the surface of the seeded ceramic disks revealed that cells attached, spread, and proliferated on the material surface. Soaking in cell-free culture medium showed that no change occurred in the surface structure. However, when cultured with bone cells and observed under a transmission electron microscope, an electron-dense layer was noted initially at the surface of the material, before bone formation occurred. In addition, energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis demonstrated the presence of calcium and phosphorus in this layer. Progressively, during the following days of culture, active osteoblasts synthetized and laid down an osteoid matrix composed of numerous collagen fibrils arranged either parallel or perpendicularly to the first-formed electron-dense layer. Mineralization initiated on the ceramic surface dispersed then along the collagenous fibrils, leading to a mineralized matrix which surrounded the ceramic particles. These results demonstrate the capacity of apatite-wollastonite glass ceramic to initiate biomineralization in osteoblast cultures and to achieve a direct bond between the surface apatite layer of the bioactive glass-ceramic and the mineralized bone matrix.

Notes: Abstract A technique to correlate the ultrastructural distribution of mineral with its organic material in identical sections of mineralized turkey leg tendon (MTLT) and human bone was developed. Osmium or ethanol fixed tissues were processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mineralized tissues were photographed at high, intermediate, and low magnifications, making note of section features such as fibril geometry, colloidal gold distribution, or section artifacts for subsequent specimen realignment after demineralization. The specimen holder was removed from the microscope, the tissue section demineralized in situ with a drop of 1 N HCl, then stained with 2% aqueous vanadyl sulfate. The specimen holder was reinserted into the microscope, realigned with the aid of the section features previously noted, and rephotographed at identical magnification used for the mineralized sections. A one to one correspondence was apparent between the mineral and its demineralized crystal “ghost” in both MTLT and bone. The fine structural periodic banding seen in unmineralized collagen was not observed in areas that were fully mineralized before demineralization, indicating that the axial arrangement of the collagen molecules is altered significantly during mineralization. Regions that had contained extrafibrillar crystallites stained more intensely than the intrafibrillar regions, indicating that the noncollagenous material surrounded the collagen fibrils. The methodology described here may have utility in determining the spatial distribution of the noncollagenous proteins in bone.

Notes: Summary The potassium pyroantimonate technique was utilized for the selective subcellular localization of calcium in the mandibular condylar cartilage of 1-day-old rats. Electron dense calcium pyroantimonate precipitates were localized principally in mitochondria and at the cell membrane of the chondrocytes. In addition, small intracellular vesicles 0.1–0.2µm in diameter were observed in proximity to the cell membrane of chondrocytes of the mid-hypertrophic zone. The results suggest that these vesicles were being extruded from the cell into the extracellular matrix. Energy-dispersive analysis by X-rays confirmed that calcium is the principal cation of the electron-dense precipitates.

Notes: Summary An original method for fractionating and preparing isolated crystals of homogeneous size was developed. It was demonstrated that enamel apatite crystals are at least 100 µm long. The flexibility of the very long crystallites was demonstrated. Crystal curvatures, accounting for the irregular course of the prisms through the enamel thickness, were visualized and measured. It was shown that in the deep forming enamel layer, lateral branches may grow out of the crystals and crystal fusing often occurs, inducing the crystallites to assume pyramidal shapes with their wide bases pointing toward the dentino-enamel junction and one or two tops toward Tomes' processes. During the maturation process, the two tops of the still immature crystals also fuse so that the mature crystals acquire a rodlike aspect, with parallel faces and steplike graduations along thec axis, allowing a close contact between the crystals. These results support the hypothesis that the crystallites would be continuous from the dentino-enamel junction to the surface.

Notes: Summary Diaphyseal tibial bone of 12.5 – 13-day and 19-day-old embryos and 20-day-old hatched chicks infected with retrovirus MAV.2-O were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The viruses were associated with lining osteoblasts and osteocytes. Whereas the infection of the osteoblast layer seemed to be a transient stage, virus association with osteocytes was a constant and main ultrastructural feature. The viruses were found either in the osteoid or in the periosteocytic space of the bone lacunae. They arose from dense cytoplasmic areas located near the cell plasmalemma via a budding process. The newly budded virus particles often had a large tail or a fine stalk-like process lost in the extracellular space. The viruses underwent calcification by deposition of inorganic material and were incorporated in the bone trabeculae. No production of virus was observed in typical osteoclasts with well-differentiated ruffled borders. The viral-induced avian osteopetrosis seemed to result from increased bone deposition through stimulation of osteoblast and osteocyte activities, whereas osteoclastic bone resorption seemed to be undisturbed.

Notes: Abstract  The aim of this study was to characterise growth and photosynthetic capacity in plants adapted to long-term contrasting atmospheric CO2 concentrations (C a). Seeds of Agrostis canina L. ssp. monteluccii were collected from a natural CO2 transect in central-western Italy and plants grown in controlled environment chambers at both ambient and elevated CO2 (350 and 700 μmol mol−1) in nutrient-rich soil. Seasonal mean C a at the source of the plant material ranged from 610 to 451 μmol CO2 mol−1, derived from C4 leaf stable carbon isotope discrimination (δ13C). Under chamber conditions, CO2 enrichment stimulated the growth of all populations. However, plants originating from elevated C a exhibited higher initial relative growth rates (RGRs) irrespective of chamber CO2 concentrations and a positive relationship was found between RGR and C a at the seed source. Seed weight was positively correlated with C a, but differences in seed weight were found to explain no more than 34% of the variation in RGRs at elevated CO2. Longer-term experiments (over 98 days) on two populations originating from the extremes of the transect (451 and 610 μmol CO2 mol−1) indicated that differences in growth between populations were maintained when plants were grown at both 350 and 700 μmol CO2 mol−1. Analysis of leaf material revealed an increase in the cell wall fraction (CWF) in plants grown at elevated CO2, with plants originating from high C a exhibiting constitutively lower levels but a variable response in terms of the degree of lignification. In vivo gas exchange measurements revealed no significant differences in light and CO2 saturated rates of photosynthesis and carboxylation efficiency between populations or with CO2 treatment. Moreover, SDS-PAGE/ LISA quantification of leaf ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) showed no difference in Rubisco content between populations or CO2 treatments. These findings suggest that long-term adaptation to growth at elevated CO2 may be associated with a potential for increased growth, but this does not appear to be linked with differences in the intrinsic capacity for photosynthesis.

Notes: Abstract The symbiosis between Gunnera and Nostoc was reconstituted using G. chilensis Lam. and G. manicata Linden, respectively, and three different Nostoc strains. Six stages characterised by specific modifications in both the cyanobiont and the host were recognised during the infection process. Mucilage-secreting stem glands developed on the Gunnera stems independent of the presence of cyanobacteria (Stage I). Soon after addition of the Nostoc isolates to the plant apices, an abundant differentiation of motile hormogonia commenced. The cyanobacteria accumulated in the mucilage on the surface of the gland (Stage II), and the hormogonia then proceeded into the stem tissue through intercellular channels (Stage III). At the channel bases, Nostoc was detected between the cell walls of small, densely cytoplasmic Gunnera cells and also in elaborate folds of these (Stage IV). The Gunnera cell walls subsequently dissolved adjacent to the cyanobacteria and Nostoc entered the host cells (Stage V). Once the intracellular association was formed, a high proportion of the vegetative Nostoc cells differentiated into heterocysts (Stage VI). Nostoc changed from being rich in inclusions (particularly cyanophycin) while on the gland surface into a comparatively “non-storing” form during penetration and the early intracellular stages. Bacteria were numerous on the gland surface, fewer in the channels, and were never detected within the Gunnera cells, indicating the existence of specific recognition mechanisms discriminating between conceivable microsymbionts. Mechanisms behind mutual adaptations and interactions between the two symbionts are discussed.

Notes: Abstract High-pressure freezing of chemically untreated nodules of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), in sharp contrast to chemical fixation and prefixation, appears to preserve the ultrastructure close to the native state. This is supported by the observation that the peribacteroid membrane of high-pressure-frozen samples is tightly wrapped around the bacteroids, a finding that is fully consistent with the current views on the physiology of oxygen and metabolite transport between plant cytosol and bacteroids. In soybean root nodules, the plant tissue and the enclosed bacteria are so dissimilar that conventional aldehyde-fixation procedures are unable to preserve the overall native ultrastructure. This was demonstrated by high-pressure freezing of nodules that had been pre-fixed in glutaraldehyde at various buffer molalities: no buffer strength tested preserved all ultrastructural aspects that could be seen after high-pressure freezing of chemically untreated nodules.

Notes: Summary The growth and photosynethetic responses to atmospheric CO2 enrichment of 4 species of C4 grasses grown at two levels of irradiance were studied. We sought to determine whether CO2 enrichment would yield proportionally greater growth enhancement in the C4 grasses when they were grown at low irradiance than when grown at high irradiance. The species studied were Echinochloa crusgalli, Digitaria sanguinalis, Eleusine indica, and Setaria faberi. Plants were grown in controlled environment chambers at 350, 675 and 1,000 μl 1-1 CO2 and 1,000 or 150 μmol m-2 s-1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). An increase in CO2 concentration and PPFD significantly affected net photosynthesis and total biomass production of all plants. Plants grown at low PPFD had significantly lower rates of photosynthesis, produced less biomass, and had reduced responses to increases in CO2. Plants grown in CO2-enriched atmosphere had lower photosynthetic capacity relative to the low CO2 grown plants when exposed to lower CO2 concentration at the time of measurement, but had greater rate of photosynthesis when exposed to increasing PPFD. The light level under which the plants were growing did not influence the CO2 compensation point for photosynthesis.

Notes: Abstract  The ultrastructure of egg cells in Abies alba was examined to elucidate the lack of maternal inheritance of plastids. Before fertilization, maternal plastids are absent in the perinuclar zone containing mainly mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. During egg cell development the maternal plastids are transformed into large inclusions which are situated mostly towards the periphery of the egg cell, and finally disintegrate. As a consequence, they do not participate in zygote formation. RFLP analysis of cpDNA of parental trees and their F1 interspecific hybrids (A. alba×A. numidica, A. alba×A. nordmanniana, A. nordmanniana×A. Alba) using HindIII and BamHI showed a paternal mode of cpDNA inheritance. Paternal inheritance has also been found with PCR/RFLP analysis of cpDNA from parental trees and their hybrids (A. alba×A. pinsapo, A. pinsapo×A. alba, A. pinsapo×A. numidica) using ApaI and HaeIII digests, as well as in the crosses of A. cephalonica×A. nordmanniana, A. nordmanniana×A. cephalonica, A. cephalonica×A. numidica using TagI digests.

Notes: Abstract  In this study, megasporogenesis of the plant model Arabidopsis thaliana was investigated by electron microscopy for the first time. The data described here could constitute a reference for future investigations of Arabidopsis mutants. During the beginning of meiosis the megaspore mother cell shows a polarity created by unequal distribution of organelles in the cytoplasm. Plastids accumulate in the chalazal region and long parallel saccules of endoplasmic reticulum, small vacuoles and some dictyosomes are found in the micropylar region. Plasmodesmata are abundant in the chalazal cell wall. The nucleus is almost centrally localized and contains a prominent excentric nucleolus and numerous typical synaptonemal complexes. After the second division of meiosis the four megaspores are separated by thin cell walls crossed by numerous plasmodesmata and do not show significant cellular organization. The young functional megaspore is characterized by a large nucleus and a large granular nucleolus. The cytoplasm is very electron dense due to the abundance of free ribosomes and contains the following randomly distributed organelles: mitochondria, a few short saccules of endoplasmic reticulum, dictyosomes and undifferentiated plastids. However, there is no apparent polarity, except for the distribution of some small vacuoles which are more abundant in the micropylar region of the cell. The degenerating megaspores are extremely electron dense and do not show any substructure.

Notes: Summary The ultrastructure of the secretory, binucleate tapetum of Brassica oleracea in the micro spore mother cell (MMC) stage through to the mature pollen stage is reported. The tapetal cells differentiate as highly specialized cells whose development is involved in lipid accumulation in their final stage. They start breaking down just before anther dehiscence. Nuclei with dispersed chromatin, large nucleoli and many ribosomes in the cytoplasm characterize the tapetal cells. The wall-bearing tapetum phase ends at the tetrade stage. The dissolution of tapetal walls begins from the inner tangential wall oriented towards the loculus and proceeds gradually along the radial walls to the outer tangential one. The plasmodesmata transversing the radial walls between tapetal cells persist until the mature microspore, long after loss of the inner tangential wall. After wall dissolution, the tapetal protoplasts retain their integrity and position within the anther locule. The tapetal cell membrane is in direct contact with the exine of the microspores/pollen grains and forms tubular evaginations that increase its surface area and appear to be involved in the translocation of solutes from the tapetal cells to the microspores/ pollen grains. The tapetal cells exhibit a polarity expressed by spatial differentiation in the radial direction.

Notes: Summary Brassica napus pollen development during the formation of the generative cell and sperm cells is analysed with light and electron microscopy. The generative cell is formed as a small lenticular cell attached to the intine, as a result of the unequal first mitosis. After detaching itself from the intine, the generative cell becomes spherical, and its wall morphology changes. Simultaneously, the vegetative nucleus enlarges, becomes euchromatic and forms a large nucleolus. In addition, the cytoplasm of the vegetative cell develops a complex ultrastructure that is characterized by an extensive RER organized in stacks, numerous dictyosomes and Golgi vesicles and a large quantity of lipid bodies. Microbodies, which are present at the mature stage, are not yet formed. The generative cell undergoes an equal division which results in two spindle-shaped sperm cells. This cell division occurs through the concerted action of cell constriction and cell plate formation. The two sperm cells remain enveloped within one continuous vegetative plasma membrane. One sperm cell becomes anchored onto the vegetative nucleus by a long extension enclosed within a deep invagination of the vegetative nucleus. Plastid inheritance appears to be strictly maternal since the sperm cells do not contain plastids; plastids are excluded from the generative cell even in the first mitosis.

Notes: Summary Upon squashing of the pollen grain, the isolated generative cell ofNicotiana tabacum looses its spindle shape to become spherical; this phenomenon is independent of the sucrose concentration used. The time necessary for this change can vary from 1 min (0% sucrose) to 20 min (30% sucrose). The microtubular cytoskeleton was studied by means of immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Just after isolation, 5 to 15 clearly visible bundles in microtubules organized in a basket-like structure are present. After 15 min in medium with 15% sucrose, the microtubular cytoskeleton disappears, and a diffusely spread tubulin can be observed. Neither the addition of 10–20 μM taxol to the medium, nor the omission of Ca2+ to the medium has any effect on the changes in cell shape and loss of microtubular bundles after isolation.

Notes: Summary The development of microspore mother cells (MMC) and tapetum in male-fertile and male-sterile anthers of Beta vulgaris L. was compared at the electron microscope level. These studies were complemented by morphometric analyses of mitochondria in both tissues through successive stages of microsporogenesis. The earliest irregularities in the ultrastructure of male-sterile anthers were noted within the tapetum at the tetrad stage. These disturbances were initially expressed by a slight reduction in mitochondrial size and the appearance of concentric configurations of endoplasmic reticulum. As development proceeded, a further decrease in mitochondrial size become more conspicuous and was accompanied by a reduction in ribosome population and a failure of the tapetum to produce Ubisch bodies. This failure to produce Ubisch bodies is reflected in the underdevelopment of sterile microspore exine.

Notes: Summary Structures have been found in the locular space between the tapetal cells and megaspores in Selaginella argentea and S. kraussiana that enter the megaspore wall and extend to the plasma membrane of the megaspore cytoplasm. We have called these structures “wicks”. Unless special fixation procedures are used wicks are either very poorly preserved or not apparent. Wicks appear to be routes for the transport of materials from the tapetum to developing megaspores. The entry of the wicks into the megaspore wall and their passage throughout the wall implies that the megaspore wall of Selaginella is a three-dimensional mesh-work of inter-connecting spaces. Wicks have several macromolecular-sized subunits, and the results of our histochemical reactions indicated the presence of glycoprotein and/or mucopolysaccharide. X-ray microanalysis of the S. convoluta exospore showed that silicon is present in rod-shaped structures between units of the exospore in mature megaspores. Because of the size and form of the structures between the exospore units we consider that they are remnants of wicks stabilized by silicon.

Notes: Abstract Ultrastructural changes during zygotic and somatic embryogenesis in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.) were quantified using morphometric techniques. The total area per cell profile and the cell volume percentage of the whole cell, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi bodies, mitochondria, nuclei, lipids, plastids, starch grains and vacuoles were measured and comparisons made between three zygotic and three somatic embryo developmental stages. All measurements were taken from scutellar or scutellar-derived cells. Zygotic embryogenesis was characterized by increases in cell size, lipids, plastids, starch, Golgi bodies, mitochondria and ER. Somatic embryogenesis was characterized by two phases of cell development: (1) the dedifferentiation of scutellar cells involving a reduction in cell and vacuole size and an increase in cell activity during somatic proembryoid formation and (2) the development of somatic embryos in which most cell organelle quantities returned to values found in late coleoptile or mature predesiccation zygotic stages. In summary, although their developmental pathways differed, the scutella of somatic embryos displayed cellular variations which were within the ranges observed for later stages of zygotic embryogenesis.

Notes: Abstract  Ultrastructural changes during zygotic and somatic embryogenesis in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.) were quantified using morphometric techniques. The total area per cell profile and the cell volume percentage of the whole cell, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi bodies, mitochondria, nuclei, lipids, plastids, starch grains and vacuoles were measured and comparisons made between three zygotic and three somatic embryo developmental stages. All measurements were taken from scutellar or scutellar-derived cells. Zygotic embryogenesis was characterized by increases in cell size, lipids, plastids, starch, Golgi bodies, mitochondria and ER. Somatic embryogenesis was characterized by two phases of cell development: (1) the dedifferentiation of scutellar cells involving a reduction in cell and vacuole size and an increase in cell activity during somatic proembryoid formation and (2) the development of somatic embryos in which most cell organelle quantities returned to values found in late coleoptile or mature predesiccation zygotic stages. In summary, although their developmental pathways differed, the scutella of somatic embryos displayed cellular variations which were within the ranges observed for later stages of zygotic embryogenesis.

Notes: Abstract  Asplenium trichomanes L. subsp. trichomanes spermatozoids are spirals of about five turns. Keels link the elements of the microtubular ribbon with the plates of the lamellar layer (LL) which are uninterrupted, parallel and curved with an inner angle of about 150°. Electron-opaque filaments connect the microtubules of the multilayered structure (MLS) and the osmiophilic crest, the LL and the MLS-associated mitochondrion and the latter and the plasmalemma. The nucleus occupies the 2.5–3 posterior turns and has an inner honeycomb-shaped chromatin mass and an outer highly condensed chromatin mass with randomly scattered electron-transparent areas. The basal bodies of the ca. 50 flagella are bounded by a reticulum of granular material which forms a plug inside their proximal region; the proximal region of the flagellum has a 9 + 0 pattern. The axoneme has a 9 + 2 pattern.

Notes: Abstract  A protocol for isolating viable eggs in Plumbago zeylanica by mechanical dissection is reported. The optimum solution for isolation was 0.8 M mannitol + 10 mM MOPS + 10 mM CaCl2, (pH 4.5–5.0) with an osmolality of 860–940 mmol/kg. Eggs retain their viability for at least 24 h. Isolated eggs were true protoplasts without cell walls and could tolerate osmolality of 437 mmol/kg to 965 mmol/kg. Observation of the isolated eggs using transmission electron microscopy indicated that they were well preserved and reflected the ultrastructure of physiologically active cells, displaying features similar to those of in vivo egg cells. Notable differences include the absence of a filiform apparatus and the accumulation of dense particles in the plastids, which was most conspicuous in egg cells that were damaged during isolation.

Notes: Abstract  The ultrastructure of the egg apparatus of the sexual (aestivum)-Salmon line (aS) and the isogenic but alloplasmic (kotschyi)-Salmon line (kS) of the Salmon system of wheat was studied by transmission electron microscopy 3 days before and during anthesis. Additionally, the zygotic stage of aS, 17 h after pollination, was included. Metabolic activity of egg cells from the sexual line aS was low 3 days before anthesis and increased dramatically after pollination and fertilization. This timing of increased activity was evident because of changes occurring in the egg cell nucleus and nucleolus, polysomes, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and the completion of the cell wall around the zygote. In contrast to the sexual line, the egg cell of the parthenogenetic line showed high activity 3 days before anthesis. The metabolic and ultrastructural characters observed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the kS line 3 days before and during anthesis corresponded with those of the isogenic sexual line aS during anthesis and 17 h after pollination, respectively. High metabolic activity observed in the persistent synergid of kS may be connected with the occurrence of additional embryos in seeds (twins) of this line.

Notes: Summary Ultrastructural studies made on the micropyle of sunflower before and after pollination resulted in the following observations. (1) The micropyle is closed instead of a hole or canal. The inner epidermis of the integument on both sides of the micropyle is in close contact at the apex of the ovule. The boundary between the two sides consists of two layers of epidermal cuticle. (2) The micropyle contains a transmitting tissue. The micropyle is composed of an intercellular matrix produced by the epidermal cells of the integument. (3) The micropyle is asymmetrical, and is much wider on the side proximal to the funicle. On the funicle side the cells adjacent to the micropyle are similar to those of the transmitting tissue: they have large amounts of intercellular matrix and contain abundant dictyosomes, rough ER, and starch grains, and provide an appropriate environment for growth of the pollen tubes. The cells distal to the funicle are rich in rough ER and lipid bodies; they lack large intercellular spaces. (4) The micropyle is variable in the axial direction, i.e., it is much larger and more asymmetric at the level distal to the embryo sac than at a level close to the embryo sac. After pollination, one to four pollen tubes are seen in a micropyle. During their passage through the micropyle, most pollen tubes are restricted to the side proximal to the funicle. There is a greater tendency (81%) for the degenerate synergid to be located toward the funicle, i.e., at the same side as the pollen tube pathway. The data indicate a close relationship between micropyle organization, orientation of pollen tube growth, and synergid degeneration.

Notes: Summary Sperm cells of pollen tubes grown both in vivo and in vitro form a male germ unit. Extensions from both sperm cells of each pollen tube are closely associated with the tube nucleus. A high yield (2.7 × 104. 20 mg−1 pollen grains germinated) of intact sperm cells was obtained following release by osmotic shock from pollen tubes grown in vitro. Structural integrity of isolated sperm was maintained by isolation at low temperature in an osmotically balanced medium. At 4° C many isolated sperm pairs were still enclosed within the pollentube inner plasma membrane. Sperm cells not enclosed within this membrane no longer remained connected as a pair. During isolation vesicles formed on the sperm cell surface from disruption of the fibrillar components bridging the periplasmic space. Both in the pollen tube and after isolation the sperm nucleus is in close association with at least one region of the sperm plasma membrane. Sperm isolated at room temperature showed the presence of nucleopores, and nuclei were euchromatic, instead of heterochromatic as in intact sperm in the pollen tube.

Notes: Summary The development of sporogenous and tapetal cells in the anthers of male-fertile and cytoplasmic male-sterile sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) plants was studied using light and transmission electron microscopy. In general, male-sterile anthers showed a much greater variability in developmental pattern than male-fertile anthers. The earliest deviation from normal anther development was observed to occur in sterile anthers at meiotic early prophase: there was a degeneration or irregular proliferation of the tapetal cells. Other early aberrant events were the occurrence of numerous small vesicles in the microspore mother cells (MMC) and a disorganized chromatin condensation. Deviations that occurred in sterile anthers at later developmental stages included: (1) less distinct inner structures in the mitochondria of both MMC and tapetal cells from middle prophase onwards. (2) dilated ER and nuclear membranes at MMC prophase, in some cases associated with the formation of protein bodies. (3) breakdown of cell walls in MMCs and tapetal cells at late meiotic prophase. (4) no massive increase in tapetal ER at the tetrad stage. (5) a general dissolution of membranes, first in the MMC, then in the tapetum. (6) abortion of microspores and the occurrence of a plasmodial tapetum in anthers reaching the microspore stage. (7) no distinct degeneration of tapetal cells after microspore formation. Thus, it seems that the factors that lead to abortive microsporogenesis are structurally expressed at widely different times during anther development. Aberrant patterns are not restricted to the tetrad stage but occur at early prophase.

Notes: Summary The ultrastructure of isolated generative cells ofAllemanda neriifolia at interphase and prophase was studied. The microtubule organization of the isolated cells was also investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy with a monoclonal anti-α-tubulin. After the generative cells had been isolated from the growing pollen tubes by osmotic shock, most of the cells were at prophase and only a few were at interphase. The interphase cell is spindle shaped and contains an ellipsoidal nucleus. In addition to the usual organelles, the cytoplasm of the interphase cell contains numerous vesicles (each measuring 40–50 nm in diameter) and two sets of longitudinally oriented microtubule bundles — one in the cortical region and the other near the nucleus. Most of the prophase cells are spherical in shape. Based on the ultrastructure and the pattern of microtubule cytoskeleton organization three types of prophase cells can be recognized. (1) Early prophase cell, which contains the usual organelles, numerous vesicles, and a spherical nucleus with condensed chromosomes. Longitudinally oriented microtubule bundles can no longer be seen present in the early prophase cell. A new type of structure resembling a microtubule aggregate appears in the cytoplasm. (2) Mid prophase cell, which has a spherical nucleus containing chromosomes that appear more condensed than those seen in the early prophase cell. In addition to containing the usual organelles, the cytoplasm of this cell contains numerous apparently randomly oriented microtubules. Few vesicles are seen and microtubule aggregates are no longer present. (3) Late prophase cell, typified by the lack of a nuclear envelope. Consequently, the chromosomes become randomly scattered in the cytoplasm. Microtubules are still present and some become closely associated with the chromosomes. The changes in the ultrastructure and in the pattern of microtubule organization in the interphase and prophase cells are discussed in relation to the method of isolation of the generative cells.

Notes: Summary The formation and nature of the generative cell wall and the detachment mode of the generative cell from the intine in Polystachia pubescens were observed by LM and TEM. Vesicles evenly positioned within the phragmoplast fuse to form a cell plate that divides the microspore into the generative and vegetative cell. This cell plate consists of callose. Before the generative cell leaves the intine, however, the callose is completely resorbed and is not replaced by any other substance. The generative cell becomes detached from the intine by moving towards the centre of the pollen grain. A constriction formed thereby gives the generative cell a bulb-like appearance and leads ultimately to the generative cell being pinched off. Plasma-filled vesicles originating from the generative cell remain between the intine and the plasma membrane of the vegetative cell.

Notes: Summary Phenylcinnoline carboxylate compounds SC-1058 and SC-1271 cause complete male sterility in wheat when applied at suitable dosages at the pre-meiotic stage of anther development. Anthers from treated and untreated plants were compared using light and electron microscopy from the pre-meiotic stage through the formation of nearly mature pollen. Overall anther development is gradually slowed in treated plants and pollen development is generally arrested in the late prevacuolate or early vacuolate microspore stage, although the first pollen mitosis does sometimes occur. The sporopollenin-containing exine walls are thinner, and show abnormally developed foot and tectum layers with sparse connecting baculi. Microspore cytoplasm degenerates and the cells eventually collapse. At the early, prevacuolate, free microspore stage treated tapetal cells hypertrophy, expanding into the locule. They contain abnormally large vacuoles that appear to form from the fusion of secretory vesicles, and some vacuoles contain electrondense deposits. The sporopollenin-containing orbicular wall and Ubisch bodies are retarded in their development and are structurally deformed. Acetolysis of whole anthers and of thick sections shows that the sporopollen-in-containing structures of treated materials are greatly reduced in thickness and are less rigid than in the control. We conclude that application of these compounds causes interference with the secretory function of tapetal cells which supplies sporopollenin cell-wall polymers to the exine of the microspores and to the tapetal orbicular wall and associated Ubisch bodies. Interference with the tapetal secretion of other nutrients required for microspore development is strongly suggested.

Notes: Summary Several kinds of outgrowth from the grass ovule are known. Attention is focused here on one outgrowth that occurs within or around the micropyle and is of nucellar origin. Grass species in which it is currently known to occur are listed and examples of variants briefly described. Attention is concentrated upon Pennisetum, where the cell structure is described in detail with a series of electron photomicrographs. The tissue representing an aggregation of these transfer cells is newly named with the term ‘embellum’, and its significance for pollen tube growth is considered.

Notes: Summary The ultrastructure of the epidermal and sub-epidermal cells of the appendix of the Sauromatum guttatum inflorescence reveals developmental changes during anthesis. These changes precede, and probably make possible, heat and odor production. Two days before D-day (the day of heat production and inflorescence-opening) the mitochondria of the epidermis divide; apparent division of the amyloplasts was observed at the same time. The presence of lipid bodies and peroxisomes in the epidermis was clearly evident. On D-day, the epidermis becomes a continuous layer in which the cell walls separating two adjacent cells disappear. At the same time, in the sub-epidermal cells, the mitochondria and the amyloplasts undergo division. The mitochondria become electron-dense, and their DNA is clearly visible. On that day, lipids as well as starch are being depleted. The peroxisomes change in structure every day, from D-2 to D-day. It has also been demonstrated by histochemical techniques that during anthesis the activity of cytochrome c oxidase (3,3-diaminobenzidine as a substrate) decreases whereas the activity of NADH dehydrogenase [tetrazolium salts: nitro-blue tetrazolium chloride (NBT) or neotetrazolium chloride (NT) in the presence of NADH], increases. Oxygen consumption of isolated mitochondria from the D-day appendix was inhibited in the presence of the two tetrazolium salts to a different degree: oxidation of NADH in the presence of NBT was the most sensitive to inhibition, more so than the oxidation of malate and succinate. NT was less effective as an inhibitor in the presence of those three respiratory substrates.

Notes: Abstract The nucellar ultrastructure of apomictic Panicum maximum was analyzed during the meiocytic stage and during aposporous embryo sac formation. At pachytene the megameiocyte shows a random cell organelle distribution and sometimes only an incomplete micropylar callose wall. The chalazal nucellar cells are meristematic until the tetrad stage. They can turn into initial cells of aposporous embryo sacs. The aposporous initials can be recognized by their increased cell size, large nucleus, and the presence of many vesicles. The cell wall is thin with few plasmodesmata. If only a sexual embryo sac is formed, the nucellar cells retain their meristematic character. The aposporous initial cell is somewhat comparable to a vacuolated functional megaspore. It shows large vacuoles around the central nucleus and is surrounded by a thick cell wall without plasmodesmata. In the mature aposporous embryo sac the structure of the cells of the egg apparatus is similar to each other. In the chalazal part of the egg apparatus the cell walls are thin and do not hamper the transfer of sperm cells. Structural and functional aspects of nucellar cell differentiation and aposporous and sexual embryo sac development are discussed.

Notes: Abstract The organization ofPinus sylvestris pollen tubes during growth was studied by video microscopy of living cells and by electron microscopy after freeze-fixation and freeze-substitution (FF-FS). Pollen germinated and the tubes grew slowly for a total period of about 7 days. Some of the grains formed two tubes, while 10–50% of the tubes ramified. These features are in accordance with development in vivo. The cytoplasmic hyaline cap at the tip disappeared during the 2nd or 3rd day of culture. Aggregates of starch grains progressively migrated from the grain into the tube and later into the branches. Vacuoles first appeared at day 2 and eventually filled large parts of the tube. The tube nucleus was located at variable distances from the tip. Some of the organelles showed linear movements in a mostly circulatory pattern, but the majority of the organelles showed brownian-like movements. Rhodamine-phalloidin-stained actin filaments had a gross axial orientation and were found throughout the tube including at the tip. The ultrastructure of pollen tubes was well preserved after FF-FS, but signs of shrinkage were visible. The secretory vesicles in growing tips were not organized in a vesicle cone, and coated pits had a low density with only local accumulations, which is in accordance with slow growth. The mitochondria contained small cristae and a darkly stained matrix and were located more towards the periphery of the tube, indicating low respiratory activity and low oxygen levels. The dictyosomes carried typical trans-Golgi networks, but some contained less than the normal number of cisternae. Other elements of the cytoplasm were irregularly spaced rough endoplasmic reticulum, many multivesicular bodies, lipid droplets and two types of vacuoles. The typical organization associated with tip growth in angiosperm pollen tubes, e.g.Nicotiana tabacum, was not present inP. sylvestris pollen tubes. The different morphology may relate to the growth rate and not to the type of growth.

Notes: Abstract  The organization of Pinus sylvestris pollen tubes during growth was studied by video microscopy of living cells and by electron microscopy after freeze-fixation and freeze-substitution (FF-FS). Pollen germinated and the tubes grew slowly for a total period of about 7 days. Some of the grains formed two tubes, while 10–50% of the tubes ramified. These features are in accordance with development in vivo. The cytoplasmic hyaline cap at the tip disappeared during the 2nd or 3rd day of culture. Aggregates of starch grains progressively migrated from the grain into the tube and later into the branches. Vacuoles first appeared at day 2 and eventually filled large parts of the tube. The tube nucleus was located at variable distances from the tip. Some of the organelles showed linear movements in a mostly circulatory pattern, but the majority of the organelles showed brownian-like movements. Rhodamine-phalloidin-stained actin filaments had a gross axial orientation and were found throughout the tube including at the tip. The ultrastructure of pollen tubes was well preserved after FF-FS, but signs of shrinkage were visible. The secretory vesicles in growing tips were not organized in a vesicle cone, and coated pits had a low density with only local accumulations, which is in accordance with slow growth. The mitochondria contained small cristae and a darkly stained matrix and were located more towards the periphery of the tube, indicating low respiratory activity and low oxygen levels. The dictyosomes carried typical trans-Golgi networks, but some contained less than the normal number of cisternae. Other elements of the cytoplasm were irregularly spaced rough endoplasmic reticulum, many multivesicular bodies, lipid droplets and two types of vacuoles. The typical organization associated with tip growth in angiosperm pollen tubes, e.g. Nicotiana tabacum, was not present in P. sylvestris pollen tubes. The different morphology may relate to the growth rate and not to the type of growth.

Notes: Abstract Ultrastructure of the mating tube formed in yeast haplont of the heterobasidiomycete Tremella mesenterica was studied by electron microscopy. Cell wall of the mating tube emerged as evagination of the inner layers, rupturing outer layers of the mother cell wall. Comparison with budding cells suggested that the tube emergence place at bud scar and the process of tube emergence was the same as that of bud emergence. Electron transparent vesicles of 0.1 μm diameter were scattered in the cytoplasm of the mating tube. Nucleus-associated organelle was located at one side of the nuclear envelope which extended towards the mating tube. A few microtubules were detected in the mating tube, but their association with a nucleus was not clear. The cytoplasmic structure of the mating tube was discussed in comparison with that of hyphae of the filamentous fungi.

Notes: Abstract Microcysts of the myxomycete Didymium iridis were induced to excyst by transfer to 5mM potassium phosphate buffer. After 1 h in suspension, 90% of the microcysts had germinated into myxamoebae distinguishable by phase contrast microscopy and staining with Lugol's iodine. Both pH and osmolarity affected the kinetics of excystment. The rate and extent of excystment were decreased by cycloheximide but remained unaffected by actinomycin D, suggesting a requirement for protein synthesis but not RNA synthesis. Initially, the outer wall layers separated from the inner layer, which gradually expanded and loosened. The protoplast rehydrated and reverted to a vegetative morphology. Excysting cells were characterized by nucleolar inclusions, changes in the nuclear envelope and plasma membrane, appearance of ringed cisternal elements and microbodies in the cytoplasm, and formation of a densely fibrous zone adjacent to the site of emergence. Excysting populations have been classified into characteristic stages: mature, initiated, swollen, and pre-emergent microcysts.

Notes: Abstract The morphology and ultrastructure of the thermophilic cyanobacteriumMastigocladus laminosus were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Mature cultures consisted of relatively old, wide filaments that branched frequently to form younger, thinner filaments. The cells of the younger filaments had a consistently cylindrical morphology, while those of older filaments were rounded and pleomorphic. The internal ultrastructure of the cells depended somewhat on their age. As young cells became larger and wider, their thylakoids underwent slight rearrangement and spread out toward the center of the cytoplasm. Polyphosphate bodies, carboxysomes (polyhedral bodies), and lipid-body-like structures increased in number as the cells aged, but ribosomes and cyanophycin granules were depleted. Cell division involved septum formation followed by ingrowth of the outer membrane and sheath. Cells in older filaments were separated from each other by a complete layer of sheath material. Septum formation in older cells was also seen to occur parallel to the long axis of the filament, thereby confirming that true branching took place.

Notes: Abstract A new coccoid methanogen, Methanogenium tatii, was isolated and characterized. The mesophilic isolate can grow on and produce methane from H2:CO2 and formate. For growth acetate is strictly required. The cell shape, the G+C content of 54 mol% and DNA-DNA homology data suggest it to be a Methanogenium species.

Notes: Abstract The type strain of Streptomyces torulosus Lyons and Pridham (1971) was studied by scanning- and transmission electron microscope. Spore chains were formed in spirals by aerial mycelium. The spores were connected by nozzles in which small channels could be observed. The knobby ornamentations of the spores arised on a thin fibrous sheath, enveloping the spore chains. These irregular blunt projections, called knobs, had varying diameters of 100 to 250 nm. The base of the knob, consisting of globose to flattened electron dense material, was sitting directly on the sheath. It was covered by several small vesicles of the same material. Each hollow vesicle beared a thin bowlshaped shell of electron transparent material. In general, the cupular bowls and their supporting vesicles became easily depressed on their base, but not detached from the surface of the spores. This type of knobby spore ornamentation was suggested to be designated as a verrucate spore type.

Notes: Abstract The effects of nitrogen limitation on the ultrastructure of the unicellular cyanobacterium, Agmenellum quadruplicatum, were studied by thin sectioning transmission electron microscopy. Nitrogen became limiting for growth 14–15 h after transfer to nitrogen-limiting medium, but cultures retained full viability for at least 45 h. The c-phycocyanin: chlorophyll a ratio and cellular nitrogen content of the culture dropped rapidly after 14–15 h, as a progressive deterioration of major cell structures took place. Phycobilisomes were degraded first, followed by ribosomes and, then, thylakoid membranes. These structures were virtually depleted from the cells within 26 h. Intracellular polysaccharide accumulated in place of the normal cell structures throughout this period. Nitrogen limitation did not affect polyphosphate bodies, carboxysomes, lipid granules, the cell envelope, or the extra-cellular glycocalyx. All of the ultrastructural changes resulting from nitrogen limitation were reversed upon addition of nitrate to a starved culture. Most cell structures were restored within 3 h, and restoration was complete within 9 h.

Notes: Abstract A facultative methylotrophic bacterium was isolated from enrichment cultures containing methylamine as the sole carbon source. It was tentatively identified as an Arthrobacter species. Extracts of cells grown on methylamine or ethylamine contained high levels of amine oxidase (E.C. 1.4.3.) activity. Glucose- or choline-grown cells lacked this enzyme. Oxidation of primary amines by the enzyme resulted in the formation of H2O2; as a consequence high levels of catalase were present in methylamine-and ethylamine-grown cells. The significance of catalase in vivo was demonstrated by addition of 20 mM aminotriazole (a catalase inhibitor) to exponentially growing cells. This completely blocked growth on methylamine whereas growth on glucose was hardly affected. Cytochemical studies showed that methylamine-dependent H2O2 production mainly occurred on invaginations of the cytoplasmic membrane. Assimilation of formaldehyde which is generated during methylamine oxidation was by the FBP variant of the RuMP cycle of formaldehyde fixation. The absence of NAD-dependent formaldehyde and formate dehydrogenases indicated the operation of a non-linear oxidation sequence for formal-dehyde via hexulose phosphate synthase. Enzyme profiles of the organism grown on various substrates suggested that the synthesis of amine oxidase, catalase and the enzymes of the RuMP cycle is not under coordinate control.

Notes: Abstract The development of sclerotia of Claviceps purpurea was investigated by light and electron microscopy. During the first days after infection sterigma and conidiospores are formed. The spores show a moderately developed vacuolar system, they are thick walled and contain about 20% lipid (related to the cell volume) embedded in glycogen. The sterigma are cylindrical unicellular hyphae with electron dense cytoplasm and isolated strongly contrasted lipid droplets. In maturing sclerotia the hyphae become septated with increasingly thick cell walls and a large lipid content. The lipid forms small droplets in young cells, while in the mature sclerotium it occurs in the form of very large drops, occupying the major part of the cell. Simultaneously the composition of the lipid is changed. The mature cells have several nuclei. They are partially connected by osmiophilic substances, forming a network of intercellular spaces.

Notes: Abstract Cultural investigations revealed that Naemacyclus minor, Lophodermium seditiosum and Cenangium ferruginosum were the most frequent colonizers of asymptomatic and symptomatic Pinus sylvestris needles. Since ultrastructural observations showed that morphological features were not suitable to differentiate hyphae of N. minor from hyphae of other isolates, the on-section immunogold labelling technique was applied in combination with an anti-N. minor specific immunoserum. The specificity of this serum was tested against culture hyphae of all isolates. Anti-N. minor specific immunoserum was then used to identify N. minor hyphae in thin sections of green P. sylvestris needles. The infection loci identified were restricted to small tissue areas located in the vicinity of stomata. In the hypodermis, hyphae and endocell-containing hyphae were located within the lumina of host cells but outside the protoplast. The growth of hyphae from cell to cell occurred through pits. The hyphae spreat into the mesophyll intercellularly and continued with the intracellular colonization of moribund and dead mesophyll cells in a later stage of infection. The observed host-parasite interactions at cellular and ultrastructural level are discussed in connection with the still controversial interpretation of the pathogenicity of N. minor.

Notes: Abstract A homothallic haploid strain of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe initiates sexual reproduction (mating, meiosis and sporulation) in nitrogen-free sporulation medium. Cellular fine structures of eleven sporulation-deficient mutants (spo2, spo3, spo4, spo5, spo6, spo13, spo14, spo15, spo18, spo19 and spo20) of S. pombe in sporulation medium were examined by serial section-electron microscopy. The striking features of these spo mutants were: 1) the disappearance of the spindle pole bodies (SPBs) after the second meiotic division, and 2) the accumulation of unorganized structures. Based on histochemical staining, these structures were presumably unorganized spore wall precursors. In some mutants (spo3, spo5, spo6, spo19 and spo20), diploid zygotes contained four spore-like bodies which had walls similar to complete spore walls but failed to enclose any nuclei. After completion of the second meiotic division the nuclei were abnormally distributed in zygotic diploid cells. In the spo5, spo13, spo14, spo15 and spo19 mutants, the nuclei remained attached to each other. In spo5 and spo19, the inner membrane of the nuclear envelope was separated, but its outer membrane was shared by two sister nuclei. These observations suggest that the spo+ gene products play important roles in spatial and temporal organization of cellular structures during ascospore development.

Notes: Abstract Nitrite oxidoreductase, the essential enzyme complex of nitrite oxidizing membranes, was isolated from cells of the nitrifying bacterium Nitrobacter hamburgensis. The enzyme system was solubilized and purified in the presence of 0.25% sodium deoxycholate. Nitrite oxidoreductase oxidized nitrite to nitrate in the presence of ferricyanide. The pH optimum was 8.0, and the apparent K m value for nitrite amounted to 3.6 mM. With reduced methyl-and benzylviologen nitrite oxidoreductase exhibited nitrate reductase activity with an apparent K m value of 0.9 mM for nitrate. NADH was also a suitable electron donor for nitrate reduction. The pH optimum was 7.0. Treatment with SDS resulted in the dissociation into 3 subunits of 116,000, 65,000 and 32,000. The enzyme complex contained iron, molydbenum, sulfur and copper. A c-type cytochrome was present. Isolated nitrite oxidoreductase is a particle of 95±30 Å in diameter.

Notes: Abstract A many-called magnetotactic prokaryote obtained from brackish water was observed to possess intercellular connections at points of contact between the outer membranes of constituent cells. Each aggregate organism consisted of 10 to 30 individual Gram-negative cells containing material with the appearance of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate and magnetosomes of unusual arrangement, structure and composition. The aggregate, which possessed prokaryotic-type flagella arranged at the outwards surfaces of each cell, showed motility indicative of co-ordination between individual component cells. These results suggest that this organism could be a multicellular prokaryote.

Notes: Abstract The ultrastructure of vegetative cells and spores of Bacillus pulvifaciens was studied by CTEM and SEM methods. The vegetative cells are rods, 1.6–4.5 μm long and 0.4–0.6 μm wide, exhibiting typical ultrastructural features of Gram-positive bacteria. The spores are of ellipsoidal shape, 0.6×1.2 μm in size, with six longitudinal ribs reaching up to 130 nm in height. There are satelite ribs on both sides of the longitudinal ribs, reaching up to 20 nm in height. Between the longitudinal ribs, additional transversal ribs were observed in SEM. A special tubular layer, separating the outer and inner coat of the spores, was revealed in ultrathin sections. This layer seems to be a typical ultrastructural feature of Bacillus pulvifaciens spores.

Notes: Abstract Natural enrichments of magnetic bacteria from the Itaipu lagoon near Rio de Janeiro were dominated by coccoid-to-ovoid morphotypes that produced unusually large magnetosomes. To determine the phylogenetic position of these unusual microorganisms, 16S rRNA genes were retrieved from bacteria magnetically separated from sediment of the Itaipu lagoon by in vitro amplification and cloning of PCR products into a plasmid vector. Partial sequencing of the obtained clones revealed two clusters of closely related sequences affiliated to a distinct lineage consisting exclusively of magnetic bacteria within the α-subclass of Proteobacteria. For a detailed phylogenetic analysis, several almost complete sequences of the 16S rRNA genes were determined. One representative clone of each cluster provided a PCR template for the in vitro transcription of group-specific polynucleotide probes complementary to a variable region of the 16S rRNA molecule. At least three different morphotypes of magnetic bacteria were reliably identified by post-embedding hybridization of ultra-thin sections. Electron microscopic analyses of hybridized cells enabled for the first time a detailed description of the morphological variety and ultrastructure of phylogenetically identified, uncultured magnetic bacteria. Two distinct coccoid bacteria were identified by the transcript probe complementary to the 16S rRNA sequence mabrj12, whereas the probe complementary to the sequence mabrj58 allowed the identification of an ovoid morphotype that displayed magnetosomes with the largest volumes observed to date.

Notes: Abstract The sporogenesis of aerial spores in Streptomyces thermoviolaceus corresponded to a common sporulation type in the genus. The sporulation septum was composed of an outer ring-shaped constriction wall and an inner interspace septum arising by the inwards growth of a double annulus. In mature spores the wall was composed of two layers, the outer one was part of the parent hyphal wall and septum material, the inner one was formed de novo. The spore chains were enclosed by the thin breakable sheath containing small rod-like elements. The ornamentation in the form of knobs, which were a characteristic feature of the species originated from the sheath. The knobs were hemispherical particles with an inner electron dense core and an outer electron transparent shell. The term “cupular knobs” was suggested for this type of tuberculate ornamentation. Frequently, the knobs became detached from the surface in which case the inner core separated easily from the shell.

Notes: Abstract Two strains of desiccation-tolerant coccoid cyanobacteria, Chroococcus S24, a marine form, and Chroococcus N41, a cryptoendolith isolated from a hot-desert rock, have been characterized. The mol % DNA base compositions of the strains are 47.1 and 48.9% respectively. Plasmid DNA was not detected in either strain. The pigment contents and nutritional characteristics of the strains are identical. Both lack phycoerythrinoid pigments and, in culture, behave as slow-growing halotolerant marine forms with elevated requirements for Na+, Cl−, Mg2+ and Ca2+. Sucrose was the only carbon source of those tested that supported photoheterotrophic growth. Each strain synthesizes nitrogenase under anaerobic conditions but not in air. Morphologically the two strains are indistinguishable. They are considered to be independent isolates of the same cyanobacterial species. Chroococcus N41 was studied in detail with the electron microscope. When brought to equilibrium at matric water potentials of-168 MPa and lower (to-673 MPa=c0.12a w) the protoplast shrinks, but the cells maintain the same size and diameter as those at-2,156 kPa (MN medium; control); the sheath expands and remains attached to the cell wall outer membrane by fibrils. The cell wall, cell membrane, thylakoid membranes, cyanophycin granules and carboxysomes appeared intact in desiccated cells.

Notes: Abstract Several Chlorobium species have been observed to possess spinae. Spinae are non-prosthecate, helically wound, rigid structures that extend from the outer bacterial cell surface into the external environment. Spinae length was variable within and between Chlorobium species. Spinae width was fairly consistent within species but varied between species (39.4 ± 2.6 nm to 82.6 ± 8.0 nm). The number of spinae per cell varied. The spinae did not penetrate the bacterial cell envelope and were randomly located on the cell surface. Spinae were not geographically restricted. The observation of spinae on pure cultures of Chlorobium spp. maintained for 25–30 years suggests that spinae may be of significant use to the cell.

Notes: Abstract The formation of quasi-multicellular bodies of Treponema denticola was analysed using different electron microscopical methods. These bacteria could develop four different conformations: (i) normal helical forms; (ii) twisted spirochetes, forming plaits; (iii) twisted spirochetes, forming club-like structures; (iv) spherical bodies in different size. Treponemes within spherical bodies, plaits, and clubs proved to be enclosed in a common outer sheath in which the normal arrangement of their axial flagella was lost. The development of the quasi-multicellular bodies starting from the monoforme spirochetes was elucidated and this morphogenetic process is illustrated by a schematic drawing. Factors which might be involved in the induction of the structures are discussed and their possible pathogenetic importance is considered.

Notes: Abstract       Calderobacterium hydrogenophilum is an extreme thermophilic, obligately chemoautotrophic, hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium. The cells were shown to be non-motile straight rods of average size 0.4 × 2.5 μm. After negative-staining of the whole cells, no flagella were observed. The multilayered cell wall was of type 1 and possessed a crystalline proteinaceous surface layer exhibiting p4 symmetry. The square unit cells had a lattice constant of approximately 11 nm. Cell division occurred by a constriction mechanism. C. hydrogenophilum differred from a similar hydrogen-oxidizing eubacterium, Hydrogenobacter thermophilus, by the absence of intracytoplasmic membrane structures in chemically fixed cells. However, an electron-dense intracytoplasmic hemispherical structure adhering to the inner membrane was frequently observed.

Notes: Abstract Calderobacterium hydrogenophilum is an extreme thermophilic, obligately chemoautotrophic, hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium. The cells were shown to be nonmotile straight rods of average size 0.4x2.5 μm. After negative-staining of the whole cells, no flagella were observed. The multilayered cell wall was of type 1 and possessed a crystalline proteinaceous surface layer exhibiting p4 symmetry. The square unit cells had a lattice constant of approximately 11 nm. Cell division occurred by a constriction mechanism. C. hydrogenophilum differred from a similar hydrogen-oxidizing eubacterium, Hydrogenobacter thermophilus, by the absence of intracytoplasmic membrane structures in chemically fixed cells. However, an electron-dense intracytoplasmic hemispherical structure adhering to the inner membrane was frequently observed.

Notes: Abstract Microorganisms that hydrolyse the ester linkages between phenolic acids and polysaccharides in plant cell walls are potential sources of enzymes for the degradation of lignocellulosic waste. An anaerobic, mesophilic, spore-forming, xylanolytic bacterium with high hydroxy cinnamic acid esterase activity was isolated from the gut of the grass-eating termite Tumilitermes pastinator. The bacterium was motile and rod-shaped, stained gram-positive, had an eight-layered cell envelope, and formed endospores. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA indicated that the bacterium is closely related to Clostridium xylanolyticum and is grouped with polysaccharolytic strains of clostridia. A wide range of carbohydrates were fermented, and growth was stimulated by either xylan or cellobiose as substrates. The bacterium hydrolysed and then hydrogenated the hydroxy cinnamic acids (ferulic and p-coumaric acids), which are esterified to arabinoxylan in plant cell walls. Three cytoplasmic enzymes with hydroxy cinnamic acid esterase activity were identified using non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. This bacterium possesses an unusual multilayered cell envelope in which both leaflets of the cytoplasmic membrane, the peptidoglycan layer and the S layer are clearly discernible. The fate of all these components was easily followed throughout the endospore formation process. The peptidoglycan component persisted during the entire morphogenesis. It was seen to enter the septum and to pass with the engulfing membranes to surround the prespore. It eventually expanded to form the cortex, verification for the peptidoglycan origin of the cortex. Sporogenic vesicles, which are derived from the cell wall peptidoglycan, were associated with the engulfment process. Spore coat fragments appeared early, in stage II, though spore coat formation was not complete until after cortex formation.

Notes: Summary Leaves of olive trees growing in the vicinity of the Aluminium Factory of Greece were ultrastructurally investigated in order to determine any malformations caused by environmental air pollutants, especially hydrogen fluoride, in comparison with control samples and normal seasonal senescence. Estimation of some elements accumulated by these leaves showed that they contained high amounts of F and Al attributable to the operation of the nearby factory. The most seriously effected cell components were found to be the mesophyll chloroplasts that show a dilation of the intrathylakoid space, increase of the number of plastoglobuli, discoloration of plastoglobuli, accumulation of large starch grains and an overall disorganized appearance of the organelle. The nuclear crystalloid inclusions have unusual shapes, while the vacuoles contain a fibrillar/granular material that increases their electron density. It is concluded that the ultrastructural malformations are caused by a combination of environmental stresses and air pollutants.

Notes: Summary Anatomy and ultrastructure of the arbutoid mycorrhiza of Arbutus unedo-Laccaria amethystea from axenic culture are described. In comparison to non-inoculated roots, the rhizodermal cells of mycorrhizas are of greater volume, their nuclei are enlarged and show an irregular shape, plasmalemma and cytoplasm with mitochondria, plastids, endoplasmic reticulum and dictyosomes are increased. Several ontogenetical states are documented. The arbutoid mycorrhiza as a connecting link between ectomycorrhiza and ericoid mycorrhiza is discussed.

Notes: Abstract The effects of aluminium chloride (AICI3) treatments (50 and 150 mg/l) on 3-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings were studied in a sand culture during 2 growing periods in an open field experiment. Even by the end of the first growing period, a decline was observed in the concentrations of Ca, Mg and P within the needles, and of Ca and Mg in the roots. After the second growing period, increased N and K concentrations were observed in the needles of Al-treated seedlings. Both the needles and roots of Al-treated seedlings showed, after the second growing period, a decline in growth and increased concentrations of AI as the amount of AICI3 in the nutrient solution increased. Al-induced changes in needle structure were found to be symptomatic of a nutrient imbalance, particularly of Mg and P. Al-stress did not result in any observable changes in root anatomy or in the number of mycorrhizas. Scots pine proved to be rather resistant to Al-stress, indicating that direct Al-injuries are not likely in the field, though Al-stress may be a contributing factor in the formation of nutrient imbalances.

Notes: Abstract The effect of SO2 on the photosynthesis ofClethra barbinervis collected from a smoke-polluted area near the Ashio copper smelter in Tochigi Prefecture was compared withC. barbinervis collected from a nonpolluted district in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture andQuercus mongolica var.grosseserrata grown in a nonpolluted field in Nagano Prefecture. The plants were exposed to 0.5–1.5 p.p.m. SO2 for 90 min (short-term) and to 0.3 p.p.m. SO2 for 31–39 days (long-term). TheClethra plants from both sites had a lower intrinsic stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate thanQuercus plants. Short-and long-term fumigation caused stomatal closure inQuercus plants, but had little effect on the stomatal conductance ofClethra plants. Under short-term fumigation, nonstomatal photosynthetic inhibition per unit of absorbed SO2 was smallest inClethra plants from Ashio. Long-term fumigation caused photosynthetic decline and visible foliar injury toQuercus plants, but had no effect onClethra plants from Ashio. Consequently,Clethra plants from Ashio had a higher photosynthetic rate thanQuercus plants after long-term fumigation. These results suggest thatC. barbinervis populations in the smoke-polluted area of Ashio had evolved high SO2 resistance connected with SO2 detoxification ability in mesophyll cells.

Notes: Abstract Light saturated net photosynthesis was measured in bracts and leaves ofCarpinus laxiflora, the major species in secondary forests in cool and intermediate temperate zones in Japan. The maximum net photosynthesis of leaves and bracts was essentially constant from May to early August and decreased gradually thereafter. For bracts, it was 3.2 μmol m−2s−1, approximately half that for the leaves. The photosynthesis of bracts would thus appear to contribute significantly to seed maturity. The estimated production of bract based on the photosynthesis would make seeds (3 mg dry weight) mature for 37 days, assuming all photosynthate of the bracts to have been distributed in the seeds only. This was quite consistent with the growth curve for the seeds. A mast year phenomenon is discussed in relation to bract photosynthesis and leaf number.

Notes: Abstract Aucuba japonica varieties are common evergreen understory shrubs in Japan.Aucuba japonica var.borealis is distributed on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu and Hokkaido where heavy snow cover lasts for more than 3 months in winter.Aucuba japonica var.japonica is distributed in areas with shallow or no snow on the Pacific Ocean side of Honshu and Shikoku. The ecophysiological characteristics of var.borealis were compared with those of var.japonica to examine the effects of heavy and long-term snow cover on the life cycle of var.borealis. Shoots of both varieties were shaded in crushed ice for 110 days, but their photosynthetic activities, chlorophyll contents and the chlorophylla/b ratio was not affected. The leaves of var.borealis were no less frost tolerant than those of var.japonica. In spite of the difference in environmental factors, both varieties had similar characteristics in seasonal changes of photosynthesis, respiration and chlorophylla/b ratio. These results suggest that var.japonica could survive in areas with heavy snow where it does not normally occur. Leaf net production (LNP) was estimated based on the microclimatic data and seasonal photosynthetic and respiration rates. The difference in the annual LNP between the two varieties was equivalent to the difference in the LNP during the snow season. One of the major effects of snow cover is to interrupt and reduce the production period of var.borealis.

Notes: Abstract The impacts of juglone on plant growth and several other physiological functions were evaluated in this study. Juglone inhibitedLemna minor growth, chlorophyll content, and net photosynthesis at treatments between 10 and 40μM. Soybean leaf disks vacuum infiltrated with as little as 10μM juglone had reduced photosynthesis. Oxygen evolution by chloroplasts isolated fromPisum sativum was inhibited by juglone with an I50 of 2μM. Micromolar treatments of juglone stimulated oxygen uptake in mitochondria isolated fromGlycine max. These data suggest perturbations of chloroplast and mitochondrial functions may contribute to plant growth reductions observed in juglone-mediated allelopathy.

Notes: Abstract In closed-chamber fumigation experiments dry matter partitioning and chlorophyll fluorescence of wheat were studied, analysing the effects of ozone during different stages of plant development. Ozone causes enhanced leaf senescence, leading to a loss of green leaf area and, consequently to a decreased supply of assimilates, affecting (in increasing order of severeness) stem, ear and grain productivity because of reduced storage pools for translocation. Leaves of plants before shooting stage were most sensitive but the lack of green leaf area after ear emergence had the most pronounced effects on grain yield. Measurements of photochemical capacity showed that evidence for negative ozone effects could be found in changes of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in leaf sections not yet showing visible ozone injury. Negative effects on photosynthesis were more distinct with increasing accumulated ozone dose, with increasing age of leaf tissue and with increasing ozone sensitivity of the cultivar. The changes in chlorophyll fluorescence are most likely to be explained by a decreased pool size of plastoquinones caused by ozone.

Notes: Abstract A second locus (Lhb1B) encoding Photosystem II Type I chlorophyll a/b-binding (CAB) polypeptides was identified in Arabidopsis thaliana. This locus carries two genes in an inverted orientation. The predicted sequences of the polypeptides encoded by these two genes show substantial divergence in their amino termini relative to each other and to the proteins encoded by the three Lhb1 CAB genes previously characterized [10], but little divergence within the predicted primary structure of the mature protein. DNA probes derived from seven additional types of tomato CAB genes, encoding chlorophyll a/b-binding polypeptides of several antenna systems of the photosynthetic apparatus, were tested against A. thaliana. Each of these hybridized in Southern blots to unique DNA fragment(s), demonstrating the existence of each of these different types of CAB genes in the genome of A. thaliana. The number of genes encoding each CAB type in A. thaliana was estimated to be similar to that of tomato.

Notes: Abstract The activity and location of carbonic anhydrase has been modified by transformation of tobacco with antisense and over-expression constructs. Antisense expression resulted in the inhibition of up to 99% of carbonic anhydrase activity but had no significant impact on net CO2 assimilation. Stomatal conductance and susceptibility to water stress appeared to increase in response to the decline in carbonic anhydrase activity. An over-expression construct designed to increase cytosolic carbonic anhydrase abundance resulted in a significant increase in net activity, a small increase in stomatal conductance but little impact on CO2 assimilation. Chloroplastic carbonic anhydrase activity was enhanced by the expression of an additional construct which targeted the polypeptide to the organelle. The increase in chloroplastic carbonic anhydrase appeared to be accompanied by a concomitant increase in Rubisco activity.

Notes: Abstract The genes encoding the photosynthetic cytochrome b 6 (petB) and subunit 4 (petD) have been cloned and sequenced from the unicellular, photoheterotrophic, transformable cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002, formerly designated Agmenellum quadruplicatum. The gene arrangement was found to be similar to that reported in the cyanobacterium Nostoc PCC 7906. The DNA and derived protein sequences were compared to chloroplast and the other cyanobacterial sequences. By pulsed-field electrophoresis, the petBD operon and the petCA operon, encoding the Rieske iron-sulfur protein and cytochrome f, were found to be located on separate, unlinked,Not I-digested DNA fragments. ThepetBD operon was found on the third largest Not I fragment (NC-325) while the petCA operon was found on the second largest Not I fragment (NB-370). These results suggest the two operons are not in proximity. The 1.35 kb transcript was shown to be light-regulated. Transcripts from cells grown under constant illumination showed a decrease in petB transcript levels to undetectable levels within 2 h after the cells were placed in the dark. Upon reillumination, transcript levels rose to three-fold over that seen initially under constant illumination.

Notes: Abstract Detailed molecular mechanisms of electron transfer-driven translocation of ions and of the generation of electric fields across biological membranes are beginning to emerge. The ideas inherent in the early formulations of the chemiosmotic hypothesis have provided the framework for this understanding and have also been seminal in promoting many of the experimental approaches which have been successfully used. This article is an attempt to review present understanding of the structures and mechanisms of several osmoenzymes of central importance and to identify and define the underlying features which might be of general relevance to the study of chemiosmotic devices.

Notes: Abstract A mutant strain of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC (Pasteur Culture Collection) 6803 has been developed in which psbB, the gene coding for the chlorophyl a-binding protein CP47 in Photosystem II (PSII), has been deleted. This deletion mutant can be used for the reintroduction of modified psbB into the cyanobacterium. To study the role of a large hydrophilic region in CP47, presumably located on the lumenal side of the thylakoid membrane between the fifth and sixth membrane-spanning regions, specific deletions have been introduced in psbB coding for regions within this domain. One psbB mutation leads to deletion of Gly-351 to Thr-365 in CP47, another psbB mutation was targeted towards deletion of Arg-384 to Val-392 in this protein. The deletion from Gly-351 to Thr-365 results in a loss of PSII activity and of photoautotrophic growth of the mutant, but the deletion between Arg-384 and Val-392 retains PSII activity and the ability to grow photoautotrophically. The mutant strain with the deletion from Gly-351 to Thr-365 does not assemble a stable PSII reaction center complex in its thylakoid membranes, and exhibits diminished levels of CP47 and of the reaction center proteins D1 and D2. In contrast to the Arg-384 to Val-392 portion of this domain, the region between Gly-351 and Thr-365 appears essential for the normal structure and function of photosystem II.

Notes: Abstract We studied assembly of the PsaE subunit of photosystem I into photosynthetic membranes of cyanobacterial mutant strains that lack specific photosystem I subunits. Radiolabeled PsaE was incubated with photosynthetic membranes, and their binding and assembly were assayed by resistance to removal by chaotropic agents and proteolytic digestion. PsaE incorporated into the wild-type membranes was resistant to these treatments. In the absence of PsaD, it was resistant to proteolytic digestion, but was removed by NaBr. When the membranes were isolated from a mutant strain in which the psaF and psaJ genes have been inactivated, PsaE assembled in vitro could not be removed. PsaE could associate with the membranes of the strain DF in which the psaD, psaJ and psaF genes have been mutated. However, the radiolabeled PsaE associated with these membranes was removed both by the proteolytic as well as by the chaotropic agents. Characterization of PsaE present in vivo revealed similar results. These observations suggest that PsaD and PsaF/J may interact with PsaE and stabilize it in the photosystem I complex.

Notes: Abstract The unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 has three psbA genes encoding two different forms of the photosystem II reaction centre protein D1 (D1:1 and D1:2). The level of expression of these psbA genes and the synthesis of D1:1 and D1:2 are strongly regulated under varying light conditions. In order to better understand the regulatory mechanisms underlying these processes, we have constructed a strain of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 capable of over-producing psbA mRNA and D1 protein. In this study, we describe the over-expression of D1:1 using a tac-hybrid promoter in front of the psbAI gene in combination with lacI Q repressor system. Over-production of D1:1 was induced by growing cells for 12 h at 50 μmol photons m-2 s-1 in the presence of 40 or 80 μg/ml IPTG. The amount of psbAI mRNA and that of D1:1 protein in cells grown with IPTG was three times and two times higher, respectively. A higher concentration of IPTG (i.e., 150 μg/ml) did not further increase the production of the psbAI message or D1:1. The over-production of D1:1 caused a decrease in the level of D1:2 synthesised, resulting in most PSII reaction centres containing D1:1. However, the over-production of D1:1 had no effect on the pigment composition (chlorophyll a or phycocyanin/number of cells) or the light-saturated rate of photosynthesis. This and the fact that the total amounts of D1 and D2 proteins were not affected by IPTG suggest that the number of PSII centres within the membranes remained unchanged. From these results, we conclude that expression of psbAI can be regulated by using the tac promoter and lacI Q system. However, the accumulation of D1:1 protein into the membrane is regulated by the number of PSII centres.

Notes: Abstract ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) is a highly conserved, low molecular mass (ca. 21 kDa) GTP-binding protein that has been implicated in vesicle trafficking and signal transduction in yeast and mammalian cells. However, little is known of ARF in plant systems. A putative ARF polypeptide was identifed in subcellular fractions of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, based on [32P]GTP binding and immunoblot assays. A cDNA clone was isolated from Chlamydomonas (Arf1), which encodes a 20.7 kDa protein with 90% identity to human ARF1. Northern blot analyses showed that levels of Arf1 mRNA are highly regulated during 12 h/12 h light/dark (LD) cycles. A biphasic pattern of expression was observed: a transient peak of Arf1 mRNA occurred at the onset of the light period, which was followed ca. 12 h later by a more prominent peak in the early to mid-dark period. When LD-synchronized cells were shifted to continuous darkness, the dark-specific peak of Arf1 mRNA persisted, indicative of a circadian rhythm. The increase in Arf1 mRNA at the beginning of the light period, however, was shown to be light-dependent, and, moreover, dependent on photosynthesis, since it was prevented by DCMU. We conclude that the biphasic pattern of Arf1 mRNA accumulation during LD cycles is due to regulation by two different factors, light (which requires photosynthesis) and the circadian clock. Thus, these studies identify a novel pattern of expression for a GTP-binding protein gene.

Notes: Abstract Over-expression of the psbAIII gene encoding for the D1 protein (form II; D1:2) of the photosystem II reaction centre in the Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 was studied using a tac promoter and the lacI Q system. Over-expression was induced with 40 μg/ml IPTG in the growth medium for either 6 or 12 h at growth irradiance (50 μmol photons m-2 s-1). This treatment doubled the amount of psbAII/III mRNA and the D1:2 protein in membranes but decreased the amount of psbAI messages and the D1:1 protein. The total amount of both heterodimeric reaction centre proteins, D1 and D2, remained constant under growth light conditions, indicating that the number of PSII centres in the membranes was not affected, only the form of the D1 protein was changed from D1:1 to D1:2 in most centres. When the cells were photoinhibited either at 500 or 1000 μmol photons m-2 s-1, in the presence or absence of the protein synthesis inhibitor lincomycin, the D1:2 protein remained at a higher level in cells in which over-expression had been induced by IPTG. These cells were also less prone to photoinhibition of PSII. It is suggested that the tolerance of cells to photoinhibition increases when most PSII reaction centres contain the D1:2 protein at the beginning of high irradiance. This tolerance is further strengthened by maintaining psbAIII gene over-expression during the photoinhibitory treatment.