Turtle ghrelin

In a recent paper, Wang and colleagues described the genomes of two turtles, the Chinese soft-shell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) and the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)1. A salient finding was an apparent absence of GHRL, the gene encoding the only known circulating orexigen, the peptide hormone ghrelin. The highly conserved GHRL encodes at least two bioactive peptide hormones, ghrelin2 and obestatin3, which are recognized to have a diverse range of functions in a number of cell types and physiological systems4, 5. Wang and colleagues hypothesized that the absence of ghrelin was associated with the low metabolic rate observed in these turtle species1.

Interactions of natural products with β-lactoglobulins, members of the lipocalin family

Natural products constitute an important source of new drugs. The bioavailability of the drugs depends on their absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination. To achieve good bioavailability, the drug must be soluble in water, stable in the gastrointestinal tract and palatable. Binding proteins may improve the solubility of drug compounds, masking unwanted properties, such as bad taste, bitterness or toxicity, transporting or protecting these compounds during processing and storage. The focus of this thesis was to study the interactions, including ligand binding and the effect of pH and temperature, of bovine and reindeer β-lactoglobulin (βLG) with such compounds as retinoids, phenolic compounds as well as with compounds from plant extracts, and to investigate the transport properties of the βLG-ligand complex. To examine the binding interactions of different ligands to βLG, new methods were developed. The fluorescence binding method for the evaluation of ligand binding to βLG was miniaturized from a quartz cell to a 96-well plate. A method of ultrafiltration sampling combined with high-performance liquid chromatography was developed to assess the binding of compounds from extracts. The interactions of phenolic compounds or retinoids and βLG were investigated using the 96-well plate method. The majority of flavones, flavonols, flavanones and isoflavones and all of the retinoids included were shown to bind to bovine and reindeer βLG. Phenolic compounds, contrary to retinol, were not released at acidic pH. Those results suggest that βLG may have more binding sites, probably also on the surface of βLG. An extract from Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kunze (black tea), Urtica dioica L. (nettle) and Piper nigrum (black pepper) were used to evaluate whether βLG could bind compounds from plant extracts. Piperine from P. nigrum was found to bind tightly and rutin from U. dioica weakly to βLG. No components from C. sinensis bound to βLG in our experiment. The uptake and membrane permeation of bovine and reindeer βLG, free and bound with retinol, palmitic acid and cholesterol, were investigated using Caco-2 cell monolayers. Both bovine and reindeer βLG were able to cross the Caco-2 cell membrane. Free and βLG-bound retinol and palmitic acid were transported equally, whereas cholesterol could not cross the Caco-2 cell monolayer free or bound to βLG. Our results showed that βLG can bind different natural product compounds, but cannot enhance transport of retinol, palmitic acid or cholesterol through Caco-2 cells. Despite this, βLG, as a water-soluble binding protein, may improve the solubility of natural compounds, possibly protecting them from early degradation and transporting some of them through the stomach. Furthermore, it may decrease their bad or bitter taste during oral administration of drugs or in food preparations. βLG can also enhance or decrease the health benefits of herbal teas and food preparations by binding compounds from extracts.

Advances in the culture of crabs

Farmed crab production in 2005 reached 660,000 tonnes globally of which virtually all was produced in Asia. The freshwater Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir japonica sinensis accounts for two thirds of global crab production with the remainder, estuarine portunid crabs such as Scylla species. Initially reliant upon harvest of wild juveniles, the adoption of hatchery methods to supply “seed” makes a significant increase in aquaculture production possible. Many fundamental husbandry issues such as feeding and reproduction are only now receiving research attention.

Preference and performance of Diachasmimorpha kraussii (Fullaway) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on five commercial fruit species

Diachasmimorpha kraussii is a polyphagous endoparasitoid of dacine fruit flies. The fruit fly hosts of D. krausii, in turn, attack a wide range of fruits and vegetables. The role that fruits play in host selection behaviour of D. kraussii has not been previously investigated. This study examines fruit preference of D. kraussii through a laboratory choice-test trial and field fruit sampling. In the laboratory trial, oviposition preference and offspring performance measures (sex ratio, developmental time, body length, hind tibial length) of D. kraussii were investigated with respect to five fruit species [Psidium guajava L. (guava), Prunis persica L. (peach), Malus domestica Borkh. (apple), Pyrus communis L. (pear) and Citrus sinensis L. (orange)], and two fruit fly species (Bactrocera jarvisi and B. tryoni). Diachasmimorpha kraussii responded to infested fruit of all fruit types in both choice and no-choice tests, but showed stronger preference for guava and peach in the choice tests irrespective of the species of fly larvae within the fruit. The wasp did not respond to uninfested fruit. The offspring performance measures differed in a non-consistent fashion between the fruit types, but generally wasp offspring performed better in guava, peach and orange. The offspring sex ratio, except for one fruit/fly combination (B. jarvisi in apple), was always female biased. The combined results suggest that of the five fruits tested, guava and peach are the best fruit substrates for D. krausii. Field sampling indicated a non-random use of available, fruit fly infested fruit by D. kraussii. Fruit fly maggots within two fruit species, Plachonia careya and Terminalia catappa, had disproportionately higher levels of D. krausii parasitism than would be expected based on the proportion of different infested fruit species sampled, or levels of fruit fly infestation within those fruit.

Insect induced bud fall in cultivated hibiscus and aspects of the biology of Macroura concolor (Macleay) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

The influence of insect attack on bud fall and subsequent poor flowering in cultivated hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) was studied in cages and in the field in southern Queensland. Three species of Hemiptera (most importantly Aulacosternum nigrorubrum but also Nezara viridula and Tectocoris diophthalmus) caused some bud fall in 2 plantations studied. Adults of Macroura concolor suppressed flowering for long periods in spring and summer. Data from white funnel traps and counts in flowers showed that M. concolor was most active in these seasons. Methiocarb (0.75 g a.i./litre) reduced beetle numbers and increased flowering. When 15 or more adults of M. concolor occurred per bud (or flower) most buds fell and few flowers were produced, but when beetles declined to 10 or fewer many buds survived and widespread flowering occurred. Larvae fed in fallen buds and flowers and the mean duration of development of the combined immature stages was 14 days at 26 deg C. The preference of adults of M. concolor for pale coloured flowers was examined. Hibiscus plants produced most buds from December to June with lower numbers in winter and spring (July to November). Bud production in spring and early summer (September-December) varied greatly and probably contributed to poor flowering, however, even when large numbers of buds occurred very few flowers were produced because of the activities of M. concolor.

Host Susceptibility of Citrus Cultivars to Queensland Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Citrus crops are considered to be relatively poor hosts for Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), as for other tephritid species. Australian citrus growers and crop consultants have reported observable differences in susceptibility of different citrus cultivars under commercial growing conditions. In this study we conducted laboratory tests and field surveys to determine susceptibility to B. tryoni of six citrus cultivars [(Eureka lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck); Navel and Valencia oranges (C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck); and Imperial, Ellendale, and Murcott mandarins (C. reticulata Blanco)]. The host susceptibility of these citrus cultivars was quantified by a Host Susceptibility Index, which is defined as the number of adult flies produced per gram of fruit infested at a calculated rate of one egg per gram of fruit. The HSI was ranked as Murcott (0.083) > Imperial (0.052) ≥ Navel (0.026) ≥ Ellendale (0.020) > Valencia (0.008) ≥ Eureka (yellow) (0.002) > Eureka (green) (0). Results of the laboratory study were in agreement with the level of field infestation in the four citrus cultivars (Eureka lemon, Imperial, Ellendale, and Murcott mandarins) that were surveyed from commercial orchards under baiting treatments against fruit flies in the Central Burnett district of Queensland. Field surveys of citrus hosts from the habitats not subject to fruit fly management showed that the numbers of fruit flies produced per gram of fruit were much lower, compared with the more susceptible noncitrus hosts, such as guava (Psidium guajava L.), cherry guava (P. littorale Raddi), mulberry (Morus nigra L.), loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.), and pear (Pyrus communis L.). Therefore, the major citrus crops commercially cultivated in Australia have a relatively low susceptibility to B. tryoni, with Eureka lemons being a particularly poor host for this tephritid fruit fly.

Climate change and crop yields in the Indian Cardamom Hills, 1978-2007 CE

In this study we analyzed climate and crop yields data from Indian cardamom hills for the period 1978-2007 to investigate whether there were significant changes in weather elements, and if such changes have had significant impact on the production of spices and plantation crops. Spatial and temporal variations in air temperatures (maximum and minimum), rainfall and relative humidity are evident across stations. The mean air temperature increased significantly during the last 30 years; the greatest increase and the largest significant upward trend was observed in the daily temperature. The highest increase in minimum temperature was registered for June (0.37A degrees C/18 years) at the Myladumpara station. December and January showed greater warming across the stations. Rainfall during the main monsoon months (June-September) showed a downward trend. Relative humidity showed increasing and decreasing trends, respectively, at the cardamom and tea growing tracts. The warming trend coupled with frequent wet and dry spells during the summer is likely to have a favorable effect on insect pests and disease causing organisms thereby pesticide consumption can go up both during excess rainfall and drought years. The incidence of many minor pest insects and disease pathogens has increased in the recent years of our study along with warming. Significant and slight increases in the yield of small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum M.) and coffee (Coffea arabica), respectively, were noticed in the recent years.; however the improvement of yield in tea (Thea sinensis) and black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) has not been seen in our analysis.

Determinación de la relación sólidos solubles/acidez total en muestras de frutos de cuatro especies de cítricos

Este trabajo fue realizado en el laboratorio químico de la Estación Experimental Agropecuaria La Calera en la terminación del año de 1964 y principios de 1965 con las especies: naraja dulce (Citrus sinensis); grape fruit (Citrus paradisi); mandarina (Citrus reticulata) y limón agrio (Citrus limonum). El objeto del trabajo fue el investigar la relación sólidos totales solubles sobre acidez total en base a un tamaño promedio del fruto (los cuales están especificados para cada especie en el cuadro V) y comparar estos resultados con los encontrados en otros países que consideran a esta relación como indice para la cosecha en la industrialización de los cítricos. Se utilizaron tras arboles de naranja dulce criolla, identificados en este trabajo como : No. 28, 29 y 30; dos variedades de grape fruit: DUNCAN y FOSTER, dos variedades de mandarina; variedad carazo, cascara roja y variedad criolla, cascara amarilla y dos variedades de limón agrio: Criollo y Bear's Seedless. Los valores obtenidos de la relación sólidos totales solubles sobre acidez total son: naranja dulce del 9.2:1 a 9.3:1 (cuadro No. I), para la grape fruit FOSTER fue de 3.78:1, para la DUNCAN 6.6:1 (cuadro No. II); para la mandarina se obtuvo una relación de 21.1:1 a 18.6:1 (cuadro No. III) y para el limón ácido un porcentaje de ácido cítrico de 6.81 a 6.89 (cuadro No. IV). Estos resultados coinciden con los encontrados por Chandler (2) haciendo mención que en la naranja dulce, la relación sólidos/ácidos de este ensayo es mayor que la relación 8:1 encontrada en los Estados Unidos, debido quizás al mayor periodo cálido en que se desarrollan nuestros cítricos. Con respecto a la mandarina, la relación mencionada es mayor en la variedad Carazo, de color de cascara mas intenso. Este resultado coincide con el encontrado por Chandler (2). Esta relación no se encontró con la grape fruit. Con respecto al limon agrio, el porcentaje de ácido cítrico fue menor que el promedio de los resultados de FELIU (4), pudiendo deberse la diferencia al factor climático, tal como se explico con la naranja dulce. Finalmente se recomienda que estos resultados sean acompañados con un estudio de la palatabilidad de las frutas.

Influência do chá verde sobre a reatividade vascular em mulheres obesas

O Chá Verde, derivado das folhas da planta Camellia sinensis, rico em flavonóides, cuja maior concentração é de Epigalocatequina gallato (EGCG), possui efeito termogênico, além de promover a oxidação da gordura corporal, tendo potencial interesse para o tratamento da obesidade, que atinge prevalência alarmante em diversos países no mundo. O objetivo deste estudo foi a avaliação de parâmetros bioquímicos e investigação da função endotelial em mulheres com Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) entre 30kg/m2 e 40kg/m2, na faixa de 30 e 50 anos, antes e após 03 meses de consumo de chá verde (600mL/dia, equivalente a 114,42mg de EGCG). Todas as 60 pacientes voluntárias foram submetidas à análise das medidas antropométricas (Peso, Altura, Índice de Massa Corporal, Circunferência de Cintura, Circunferência de Quadril, Relação Cintura-Quadril, Pressão Arterial, à análise da bioquímica de rotina (Glicemia e Insulina de jejum, Triglicerídeos, Colesterol Total, HDL-Colesterol, LDL-Colesterol, Teste Oral de Tolerância à Glicose, Hemograma Completo, Proteína C-Reativa), à análise da bioquímica específica para estresse oxidativo e inflamação (Interleucinas 1 e 6, Fator de Necrose Tumoral Alfa, LDL-Oxidado, VCAM Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule, ICAM Intercellular Adhesion Molecule, e E-Selectina) e à Pletismografia de Oclusão Venosa (variação de fluxo médio máximo durante a Hiperemia Reativa/Fluxo Basal 1 (VQ Hiper) e fluxo após administração de 0,4mg de Nitroglicerina Sublingual/Fluxo Basal 2 (VQ Nitro)). Após os 3 meses (3M) de tratamento houve redução no peso corporal (86,35[83,00-94,25] vs 3M = 86,00[81,50-92,00] Kg, P < 0,05); no IMC (34,02[32,05-35,62] vs 3M = 33,13[32,28-35,05] kg/m2, P < 0,05); na circunferência de cintura (99[93-107] vs 3M = 98[91-105]cm, P < 0,001); na circunferência de quadril (115[110-119] vs 3M = 114[110-117] cm, P < 0,001); na relação cintura-quadril (0,89[0,84-0,93] vs 3M = 0,88[0,83-0,93], P < 0,001); e, na pressão arterial diastólica (75[73-82] vs 3M = 69[67-72] mmHg, P < 0,001); e, melhora significativa no fluxo sanguíneo da VQ Hiper (4,57[3,54-5,01] vs 3M = 5,83[4,46-6,56], P < 0,001); e da VQ Nitro (1,26[1,13-1,38] vs 3M = 1,41[1,25-1,50], P < 0,001). Com o uso do chá verde, 600mL/dia, contendo 114,42mg de EGCG, durante 3 meses observamos a redução de 3% no IMC e a redução da circunferência de cintura e de circunferência de quadril em 1cm; a não modificação do padrão bioquímico, incluindo os marcadores de inflamação e de estresse oxidativo; e, o aumento das vasodilatações endotélio-dependente e endotélio-independente, visualizadas por Pletismografia de Oclusão Venosa Não-Invasiva.

Avaliação do efeito do chá verde sobre a pressão arterial, função endotelial, perfil metabólico, atividade inflamatória e adiposidade corporal em mulheres pré-hipertensas obesas

As doenças cardiovasculares são a principal causa de morte nos países ocidentais. Alguns estudos sugerem que o chá verde tem efeito benéfico sobre diferentes fatores de risco cardiovascular. No entanto, outros estudos não mostraram essa associação. Objetiva avaliar em mulheres pré-hipertensas obesas o efeito do consumo de chá verde sobre: a pressão arterial, a função endotelial, o perfil metabólico, a atividade inflamatória e a adiposidade corporal. Estudos clínico, randomizado, cruzado, duplo-cego e placebo-controlado. Durante 4 semanas as mulheres foram orientadas a ingerir 3 cápsulas de extrato de chá verde por dia (500mg extrato chá verde/cápsula) passando por 2 semanas de washout e posteriormente ingeriam por mais 4 semanas o placebo. As mulheres que iniciaram o estudo tomando placebo posteriormente utilizaram o chá verde. Ou seja, todas as pacientes receberam chá verde e placebo por um mesmo período. No início e final de cada tratamento foram analisadas as variáveis. Foram avaliadas 20 mulheres pré-hipertensas, obesidade grau I e II, idade entre 25 e 59 anos. O local do estudo foi o Laboratório da Disciplina de Fisiopatologia Clínica e Experimental Clinex. Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. As variáveis estudadas foram a pressão arterial, índice de hipertemia reativa (avaliada com Endo-PAT2000), proteína C reativa, interleucina-6, fator de necrose tumoral-α, molécula de adesão intercelular e molécula de adesão vascular celular, inibidor de ativador do plasminogênio, fator de crescimento endotelial vascular, E-selectina, adiponectina, colesterol total, LDL-colesterol, HDL-colesterol, triglicérides, glicemia, insulina, HOMA, índice de massa corporal, circunferência de cintura, circunferência de quadril, relação cintura quadril e percentual de gordura corporal. Como resultados, na avaliação da pressão arterial pela monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial, observou-se redução significativa da pressão arterial sistólica de 24 horas (pré 130,31,7 mmHg vs. pós 127,02,0 mmHg; p= 0,02), pressão arterial sistólica diurna (pré 134,01,7 mmHg vs. pós 130,72,0 mmHg; p= 0,04) e pressão arterial sistólica noturna (pré 122,21,8 mmHg vs. pós 118,42,2 mmHg; p= 0,02), após o consumo do chá verde, em comparação ao uso do placebo. Após o consumo do chá verde foi observado aumento, embora estatisticamente não significativo, no índice de hiperemia reativa (pré 1,980,10 vs. pós 2,220,14), além de redução expressiva na concentração da molécula de adesão intercelular (pré 91,88,0 ng/ml vs. pós 85,85,6 ng/ml) e do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (pré 195,846,2 pg/ml vs. pós 158,638,7 pg/ml), porém sem significância estatística. As demais variáveis avaliadas não se modificaram de forma significativa após o consumo do chá verde, em comparação ao placebo. Foi observada forte correlação entre redução de pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica de 24hs, avaliada pela monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial, e o aumento do índice de hipertemia reativa (r= -0,47; r= -0,50, respectivamente). Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que o chá verde tem efeito benéfico sobre a pressão arterial e possivelmente sobre a função endotelial.

低等金缕梅类的系统学：分子和发育学证据

传统的低等金缕梅类包含7个科，即领春木科（Eupteleaceae）、昆栏树科（Trochodendraceae）、水青树科（Tetracentraceae）、连香树科（Cercidiphyllaceae）、折扇叶科（Myrothamnaceae）、悬铃木科（Platanaceae）和金缕梅科（Hamamelidaceae）。这些科之间的谱系关系以及金缕梅科内部的谱系关系是研究被子植物系统和进化的主要问题之一。本研究的目的在于通过对现有的和本研究中产生的分子和发育学资料的分析来对这些谱系问题进行探讨，希望使我们对这些类群的认识提高到了一个新的水平。 本研究测定了包括连香树科、领春木科、悬铃木科、水青树科和金缕梅科内所有亚科代表共计14个种的rbcL基因，matK基因和18S-26S核核糖体（nrDNA）内转录间隔区（ITS）的序列，并结合原有资料对所有低等金缕梅类（除非洲分布的折扇叶科）及其相近类群进行了分支分析。主要结论包括;传统低等金缕梅类是一个复系类群;金缕梅科也是一个复系类群;ITS序列分析支持将连香树科包含在金缕梅科内，但是，rbcL资料和matK资料不支持将连香树科包含在金缕梅科内。本研究支持金缕梅科内6个亚科的分类系统，即将其分为阿丁枫亚科（Altingioideae）、红花荷亚科（Rhodoleioideae）、马蹄荷亚科（Exbucklandioideae）、壳菜果亚科（Mytilarioideae）、双花木亚科（Disanthoideae）和金缕梅亚科（Hamamelidoideae），但壳菜果亚科的山桐柴属（Chunia）应置于马蹄荷亚科内。 本研究首次描述和报道了金缕梅科5个亚科6个种的花的形态发生。通过对本研究发现的新证据和文献中记载的资料分析表明金缕梅科的花发育的特征无明显的共同式样。从本研究提供的花发育资料得出的值得注意的结论是红花荷属在金缕梅科中的亚科地位得到支持。对牛鼻栓（Fortunearia sinensis Rehd. et Wils.）的花发育研究表明其花性分化在发育晚期才出现。 本文首次对显脉红荷（Rhodoleia henryi Tong）的胚胎学进行了研究。尽管红花荷属是金缕梅科内适应鸟传粉的特化类群，但其胚胎学的特征与金缕梅科其它植物并无明显区别。因此，本研究不支持红花荷属独立成科而支持其在金缕梅科内的亚科地位。

稻属Oryza officinalis复合体基因组研究－兼论基因组原位杂交的原理和方法

稻属（Oryza L.）属于禾本科稻族（Oryzeae Dumortier）。本属包括AA，BB，BBCC，CC，CCDD，EE，FF，GG，HHJJ和HHKK十个基因组，二十余种。其中Oryza officinalis复合体包括BB，BBCC，CC，CCDD和EE五个基因组，九个种。众多的学者对该复合体进行了广泛深入的研究，为后续研究奠定了坚实的基础。然而，迄今为止，多倍体物种形成问题许多没有解决，基因组间的关系尚未完全阐明，甚至有些多倍体物种的基因组组成仍未确认。 本文评述了Oryza officinalis复合体中基因组研究的历史和现状，用基因组原位杂位（GISH）的方法，对该复合体四倍体物种的基因组组成作了验证;对B，C，D和E四个基因组间的关系进行了研究。同时对基因组原位杂交的方法，原位杂交鉴定多倍体基因组的组成以及研究基因组间关系的方法作了一些探讨。其主要研究结果如下： 一. 原杂交方法的研究：1）染色体制片：比较研究了不同的制片方法，发现压片法适用于大染色体的材料;将酶解/空气干燥法（Fukui et al., 1992）加以改进后，特别适宜于小染色体植物材料的制片。2）根尖储存时间和条件对原位杂交的影响：发现在-20 ℃的酒精（70%）中储存8个月以内的根尖材料，可用于原位杂交;而在-20 ℃的固定液中储藏18个月的根尖，DNA降解严重，不能用于GISH。3）探针标记：比较了随机引物法、缺口平移法和两步标记法（先用随机引物标记后，再用缺口平移法进行标记的方法）的优缺点。结果显示两步标记法是最佳标记方法。 二. GISH鉴定异源多倍体的方法：用两个异源四倍体Oryza minuta和Scilla sinensis (2n = 34)做染色体制片，进行原位杂交实验，结果表明：1）用二倍体亲本基因组之一做探针而不用封阻DNA， 可以鉴别Oryza minuta而不能鉴别Scilla sinensis中的基因组。2）用一个二倍体亲本做探针而用另一个做封阻，能够区分Scilla sinensis的两个基因组;但过量的封阻DNA将可以造成一些实验假象。3）同时用两个亲本的DNA做探针，不仅能够有效分辨不同的基因组，还能够根据交叉杂交程度推测基因组间的分化程度，是鉴别异源多倍体最有效的方法。 三. GISH鉴定稻属四倍体的基因组组成：1）Oryza minuta, O. punctata和O. malampuzhaensis的基因组的组成都为BBCC。2）Oryza minuta中B基因组和二倍体O. punctata中的B基因组之间存在着明显的基因组内分化。3）O. alta是一个异源多倍体，其基因组组成为CCDD。但C和D之间的分化不彻底，可以认为它不是一个严格意义上的异源多倍体。 四. GISH研究B，C，D和E基因组间的关系：1）B基因组和C基因组之间的关系最远;E和C之间的分化同E和B之间的分化程度接近，但E和C之间的分化比E和D之间的分化要小一些;C和D之间的分化不彻底，关系最近。

毛乌素沙地两种蜜源植物羊柴和角蒿的传粉生物学研究

本论文从传粉生物学的角度出发，运用野外观察、室内测定和生物统计学方法，对毛乌素沙地的两种蜜源植物羊柴（Hedysarum leave）和角蒿（Incarvillea sinensis var. sinensis）的开花物候、花生物学特性、传粉昆虫行为以及繁育系统进行了研究，得出如下结论： 1．在自然居群中，存在着开白色花和紫红色花的两种羊柴植株，其中白色花植株仅占5.5±1.56%左右。白色花和紫红色花植株的花期存在明显的重叠，白色花植株的花期集中在8月中旬到9月上旬，而紫红色花植株的花期从7月中旬持续到9月中旬。在整个花期内，单个白色花植株的生产的总花数为125±11.33朵，明显少于紫红色花植株的372±30.38朵，两者存在极显著差异。 2． 羊柴白色花和紫红色花的单花花粉量、胚珠数和P/O值都存在显著差异。在单花开放的整个过程中，白色花的花蜜分泌量显著地高于紫红色花，但白色花和紫红色花的花蜜糖分浓度变化趋势相似，即都具有两个花蜜浓度高峰值。 3. 羊柴白色花植株稳定且访花频率较高的传粉者是散熊蜂、白脸条蜂和意大利蜂，而紫红色花植株稳定且访花频率较高的传粉者有散熊蜂、白脸条蜂、意大利蜂和海切叶蜂。传粉昆虫在白色花上的单花停留时间比紫红色花的稍长，两者存在显著差异。 4. 羊柴白色花植株和紫红色花植株自花授粉的结实率（白色花：4.31±0.34%;紫红色花：4.58±0.53%），相对于人工异花授粉的结实率（白色花：19.77±2.31%;紫红色花：21.03±3.02%）较低。自然结实率（白色花：25.93±2.30%;紫红色花：25.24±1.61%）没有显著性差异（F=0.25;P=0.80）。此外，羊柴不存在无融合生殖现象。 5. 角蒿花期从7月中旬持续到9月初，单花开放时间为5-9h;单花花粉量为18816.27±326.70、在花开放后3-4h时，花粉活力达到最大值71.98±1.23%，胚珠数为180.80±5.30，P/O值为104.7。在花开放后3-4h时，花蜜量达到最大值1.41±0.35ul。角蒿的传粉昆虫仅有散熊蜂和四条无垫蜂。在花开放过程中，花粉活力动态和花蜜分泌动态都与传粉昆虫的行为不吻合。 6. 角蒿自花授粉和人工异花授粉的结实率和结籽率均无显著差异。自然结实率为85.93±1.63%，显著地低于自花授粉和人工异花授粉，但是，自花授粉、人工异花授粉及自然对照的结籽率无显著差异。在开放传粉的情况下，被去雄的花结实率仅为48.90±5.37%，说明昆虫传粉仅贡献一部分结实率。角蒿不存在无融合生殖。

青蒿开花与青蒿素生物合成相关性的研究-金丝桃和百金花二苯甲酮合酶基因的克隆，异源表达及功能分析

第一部分：青蒿开花与青蒿素生物合成相关性的研究 青蒿素是从中药青蒿中分离出的倍半萜内酯化合物，目前是世界上唯一有效的治疗脑型疟疾和抗氯喹恶性疟疾的药物。青蒿植株中青蒿素含量在开花期最高，但是目前尚不清楚开花与青蒿素生物合成的关系。为此，我们用光周期（短日照）诱导青蒿提前开花，不仅同时获得了开花与不开花的青蒿植株，而且还成功地在同一植株上诱导部分分枝开花，另一部分分枝保持营养生长状态。这一实验体系为研究青蒿开花与青蒿素生物合成的相关性奠定了基础。实验结果表明，开花与不开花青蒿植株青蒿素含量有明显差异。开花植株的青蒿素含量在前2周内逐渐提高，第三周（开花期）达到最高，并保持一周左右，在随后的2周内下降。青蒿植株开花后，叶片便开始老化变黄，逐渐死亡。未开花青蒿植株的青蒿素含量动态在前三周内与开花植株类似，但是这种高青蒿素含量状态能保持较长时间，至少在随后的2周内没有下降。未开花植株的叶片依然保持绿色。这一结果表明，开花不是导致青蒿素含量提高的直接原因。 扫描电镜观察结果表明，幼嫩叶片上的毛状腺体( trichrome)结构是完整的，而在老化的叶片上，则观察到了相当比例(40-50%)破损的腺体。这可能是导致青蒿素含量下降的直接原因。 不同生态型青蒿对光周期的反应是不同的。在北京地区，本地青蒿在8月初便开始开花，而来自四川武陵的青蒿则要到9月份才能开花。根据这一特性，采用“南蒿北栽”的方法，能够使青蒿保持较长时间的营养生长状态，延长适于采收的时间。 第二部分：金丝桃和百金花二苯甲酮合酶基因的克隆，异源表达及功能分析 植物次生代谢物山屯酮( Xanthones)仅存在于龙胆科和藤黄科植物中。它们具有抑制单胺氧化酶，细胞毒素及抗肿瘤活性。 含有1 3个碳原子的二苯甲酮是山屯酮生物合成的中间产物，是由二苯甲酮合酶催化合成的，这一反应是山屯酮生物合成的关键步骤。二苯甲酮合酶已经在金丝桃和百金花细胞悬浮培养系统中检测到，并进行了细致的生化水平上的研究。本研究是在上述研究的基础上，进一步克隆该酶的基因，并进行异源表达及功能分析工作，以便更好地了解和调控山屯酮的生物合成。 用PCR和RT-PCR技术，从金丝桃cDNA文库和逆转录产物中分别克隆到一个基因HBPS1和HBPS2，从百金花cDNA文库中克隆到一个基因CBPS1。HBPS1含有1402个碱基，其开放阅读框架编码390个氨基酸，分子量为42.7 kDa，等电点为6.55。HBPS2含有1398个碱基，其开放阅读框架编码395个氨基酸，分子量为42.8 kDa，等电点为5.78。CBPS1含有1383个碱基，其开放阅读框架编码389个氨基酸，分子量为42.7 kDa，等电点为7.88。与GenBank中序列同源性比较结果表明：在氨基酸水平上，HBPS1与茶（Camellia sinensis）查尔酮合酶的同源性高达92%，HBPS2与萝卜（Raphanus sativus）查尔酮合酶的同源性为64%，CBPS1与茶（Camellia sinensis）查尔酮合酶的同源性为71%。HBPS1与HBPS2的同源性仅为62%。 将三个新克隆的基因的ORF整合到载体pGEX-G上的谷胱甘肽还原酶S基因下游，构建成转化质粒，并在大肠杆菌中诱导表达。结果表明，这三个基因的ORF片段均能被表达成约68 kDa的产物，这与期望的结果一致。 活性检测结果表明，HBPS1是查尔酮合成酶，其底物为香豆酰辅酶A和丙二酸单酰辅酶A，对这两种底物的亲和性KM分别为：香豆酰辅酶A 2.8μM，丙二酸单酰辅酶A，11.2μM。最适反应条件是350C，pH7.0，DTT浓度10 μM。 HBPS2是二苯甲酮合酶，其底物是苯甲丙氨酰辅酶A，和丙二酸单酰辅酶A，对这两种底物的亲和性KM分别为：苯甲丙氨酰辅酶A 2.4 μM，丙二酸单酰辅酶A 9.6μM。最适反应条件是350C，pH 6.5，DTT浓度50 μM。而CBPS1则没有检测到任何活性。从同一种植物中同时获得了查尔酮合酶和二苯甲酮合酶，对研究这两种十分相近的酶的差异表达，酶促反应机制等问题将非常有利。