Biological Activity of Seed Proteins in Malesian Legumes

In a study of the effects on animals of seed protein extracts of 15 Malesian members of the Leguminosae (including 11 rain forest tree species), most of the taxa agglutinated red blood cells, induced mitosis, and inhibited amylases. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that these proteins interact with other organisms, most probably in defense mechanisms against predation by animals. The functions of these proteins are most profitably studied in rain forest environments where their activity is so marked, and where biological interactions are particularly important.

Anthocyanins in Leaves and Other Vegetative Organs: An Introduction

Although anthocyanins are most recognized as pigments contributing to coloration in fruits and flowers, they are also present in leaves and other vegetative organs. Although their presence has long been recognized, particularly because of their contribution to autumn coloration, the phenomenon has been poorly studied and is not well understood. In this chapter we review the history of research on anthocyanins in leaves, emphasizing the flurry of research at the end of the 19 th century as well as the growing body of contemporary research on the topic. We emphasize the various hypotheses of anthocyanin function that were mainly developed more than a century ago, and emphasize recent research that takes advantage of our dramatically increased understanding of whole plant physiology.

Using bottles to study shade responses of seedlings and other plants

We briefly review the nature of light and its effects on plants, and then describe an inexpensive experimental system for studying the effects of shade, specifically the contributions of reduced intensity ("quantity") and the altered spectral distribution of foliage shade ("quantity") on the development of seedlings and other plants. This system has been devised to be safe to construct, inexpensive in its use of readily available materials, and appropriate for a range of student grade levels, from ~grade six to university courses in botany. We conclude by suggesting a range of experiments this system will allow. An advantage of this system is that it promotes the study of the responses of a large range of plants, most completely unstudied for these responses.