Comparative anatomy of the host-fungus interface in mycorrhizas

Summary There are several types of mycorrhizal symbiosis (ectomycorrhiza, endomycorrhiza, ectendomycorrhiza), and the interfaces between the host-plant and the fungal symbiont have different organizations. The interfaces between the partners are always limited on the one side by the fungal plasmalemma and on the other side by the plasmalemma of the host plant or the perisymbiont membrane derived from it The cytoplasms of the partners are therefore separated by a mixed apoplast consisting of a fungal wall and a host wall or an apposition layer.     

An experimental approach to pH measurement in the intercellular free space of higher plant tissues

Summary An experimental approach to the measurement of pH in the free space of plant tissues was made, using both metal minielectrodes and H⁺-sensitive resin glass microelectrodes inserted in small environments artificially created inside the tissue. Experiments were carried out on the parenchyma of higher plants (corn, potato, squash,Senecio herraianus), monitoring pH changes in the free space as a function of the pH of the external medium. The pH in the free space has been found to be different from that of the surrounding solution and its variation in time much slower than would be predicted by assuming that simple diffusion of H⁺ ions took place. The results agree with the hypothesis that the free space behaves as a compartment distinct from both the cytosol and the surrounding medium.     

Iron fractions in the apoplast of intact root tips of Zea mays L. seedlings affected by nitrogen form

The effects of ammonium (NH₄⁺-N ) and nitrate ( NO₃^--N ) were examined on Fe fractions and FeCN (ferricyanide) reductase activity in intact root tips (0—3 cm) of young maize (Zea mays L. cv. Lenz) in solution culture by using short-term experiment under controlled Fe deficiency conditions (containing high HCO₃^- concentration in preculture solution). The results showed that Fe(Ⅱ) concentrations in root tip apoplast of maize were only 20—40 nmol/g FW which accounted for 7%—13% of total Fe. Most of Fe in root tips existed as Fe(Ⅲ) compounds. Imposition of the roots to NH₄⁺-N or NO₃^--N for 60 min led to an increase of Fe(Ⅱ) in root tip apoplast. NH₄⁺-N led to an increased concentration of Fe(Ⅱ) and exchangeable Fe (Fe(Ⅱ) and Fe (Ⅲ)) in root tips, while NO₃^--N increased FeCN reductase activity. The relationship between pH and Fe fractions, FeCN reductase activity was also discussed.     

Iron fractions in the apoplast of intact root tips of Zea mays L. seedlings affected by nitrogen form

The effects of ammonium (NH+4- N ) and ni trate (NO-3- N ) Were examined on Fe fractions and FeCN (ferricyanide) reductase activity in intact root tips (0-3 em)of young maize (Zea mays L. cv. Lenz) in solution culture by using short-term experiment under controlled Fe deficiency conditions (containing high HCO-3 concentration in preculture solution). The results showed that Fe( II ) concentrations in root tip apoplast of maize were only 20-40 nmol/g FW which accounted for 7%-13% of total Fe. Most of Fe in root tips existed as Fe(Ⅲ) compounds. Imposition of the roots to NH+4 - N or NO-3 - N for 60 min led to an increase of Fe( II ) in root tip apoplast. NH+4 - N led to an increased concentration of Fe( II ) and exchangeable Fe (Fe( II ) and Fe (III)) in root tips, while NO-3 - N increased FeCN reductaseactivity. The relationship between pH and Fe fractions,FeCN reductase activity was also discussed.``     

杨树根特异性表达β-果糖苷酶抑制子的功能性验证

【目的】植物细胞壁转化酶(CWI)和液泡转化酶(VI)是分配碳水化合物、维持库器官强度和环境胁迫应答的重要因子。大量证据表明CWI和VI由β-果糖苷酶蛋白抑制子的翻译后调控机制介导。然而,关于C/VIFs家族的分子和遗传学基础以及生化特性研究目前还不清楚。【方法】应用生物信息学分析基因结构特征和系统进化关系,并利用实时荧光定量PCR研究转录本在组织中的丰富度。同时,结合烟草叶片瞬时和拟南芥遗传转化法的荧光表达,以及重组蛋白系统分别对PtC/VIF1亚细胞定位特征和体外抑制活性进行深入鉴定。【结果】共39个PtC/VIF候选编码基因家族被筛选出来。PtC/VIF1在根中具有高转录水平;共聚焦显微镜观察证实PtC/VIF1是分泌到细胞外空间。重组蛋白活性检测表明其对CWI蛋白具有特异的亲和抑制活性,说明PtC/VIF1是定位于质外体的β-果糖苷酶抑制子。【结论】对C/VIF编码基因家族生物信息学分析和PtC/VIF1在杨树中的功能性鉴定属于首次报道,可为后期进一步深入探索该基因的生理学作用和参与抗病防御路径以及环境胁迫响应的潜在功能提供理论基础和研究依据。