A Chance to Live

2021 ◽  
pp. 211-224
Author(s):  
Andrew C. A. Elliott
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Material ◽  
Genetic Determinism

This chapter explores the role of randomness in genetics and evolution. We are each a blend of genetic determinism and chance. Through the process of meiosis, genetic material from father and mother are shuffled through recombination to provide the DNA for new individuals, each of whom is unique, but who nonetheless retain links to their genetic heritage. Some probabilistic aspects of evolution are explored: how does a process fuelled by chance nonetheless result in viable organisms? What are the chances of us being here, now?

scholarly journals Horizontal Gene Transfer Involving Chloroplasts

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4484
Author(s):  
Ewa Filip ◽  
Lidia Skuza
Keyword(s):  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Horizontal Gene Transfer ◽  
Driving Force ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Adaptive Significance ◽  
Chloroplast Genomes ◽  
Organelle Genomes ◽  
Number Of Genes ◽  
Cellular Compartments

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT)- is defined as the acquisition of genetic material from another organism. However, recent findings indicate a possible role of HGT in the acquisition of traits with adaptive significance, suggesting that HGT is an important driving force in the evolution of eukaryotes as well as prokaryotes. It has been noted that, in eukaryotes, HGT is more prevalent than originally thought. Mitochondria and chloroplasts lost a large number of genes after their respective endosymbiotic events occurred. Even after this major content loss, organelle genomes still continue to lose their own genes. Many of these are subsequently acquired by intracellular gene transfer from the original plastid. The aim of our review was to elucidate the role of chloroplasts in the transfer of genes. This review also explores gene transfer involving mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, though recent studies indicate that chloroplast genomes are far more active in HGT as compared to these other two DNA-containing cellular compartments.

scholarly journals Sperm Cryopreservation in American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus Ruber): Influence of Cryoprotectants and Seminal Plasma Removal

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 203
Author(s):  
María Gemma Millán de la Blanca ◽  
Eva Martínez-Nevado ◽  
Cristina Castaño ◽  
Juncal García ◽  
Berenice Bernal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
First Year ◽  
Sperm Cryopreservation ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
The Family ◽  
Second Year ◽  
American Flamingo ◽  
Phoenicopterus Ruber

The American flamingo is a useful model for the development of successful semen cryopreservation procedures to be applied to threatened related species from the family Phoenicopteridae, and to permit genetic material banking. Current study sought to develop effective sperm cryopreservation protocols through examining the influences of two permeating cryoprotectants and the seminal plasma removal. During two consecutive years (April), semen samples were collected and frozen from American flamingos. In the first year, the effect of two permeating cryoprotectants, DMA (dimethylacetamide) (6%) or Me2SO (dimethylsulphoxide) (8%), on frozen–thawed sperm variables were compared in 21 males. No differences were seen between DMA and Me2SO for sperm motility, sperm viability, and DNA fragmentation after thawing. In the second year, the role of seminal plasma on sperm cryoresistance was investigated in 31 flamingos. Sperm samples were cryopreserved with and without seminal plasma, using Me2SO (8%) as a cryoprotectant. The results showed that samples with seminal plasma had higher values than samples without seminal plasma for the following sperm variables: Straight line velocity (22.40 µm/s vs. 16.64 µm/s), wobble (75.83% vs. 69.40%), (p < 0.05), linearity (62.73% vs. 52.01%) and straightness (82.38% vs. 73.79%) (p < 0.01); but acrosome integrity was lower (55.56% vs. 66.88%) (p < 0.05). The cryoresistance ratio (CR) was greater in samples frozen with seminal plasma than without seminal plasma for CR-progressive motility (138.72 vs. 54.59), CR-curvilinear velocity (105.98 vs. 89.32), CR-straight line velocity (152.77 vs. 112.58), CR-average path velocity (122.48 vs. 98.12), CR-wobble (111.75 vs. 102.04) (p < 0.05), CR-linearity (139.41 vs. 113.18), and CR-straightness (124.02 vs. 109.97) (p < 0.01). This research demonstrated that there were not differences between Me2SO and DMA to successful freezing sperm of flamingos; seminal plasma removal did not provide a benefit for sperm cryopreservation.

Platelets in cancer development and diagnosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 1517-1527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annalisa Contursi ◽  
Rosalia Grande ◽  
Melania Dovizio ◽  
Annalisa Bruno ◽  
Rosa Fullone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Detection ◽  
Immune Escape ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Antiplatelet Agents ◽  
Therapeutic Drug ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Tumor Immune Escape ◽  
New Strategy ◽  
Tumor Drugs

Platelets are involved in the development and progression of cancer through several mechanisms. Platelet activation at the site of tissue damage contributes to the initiation of a cascade of events which promote tumorigenesis. In fact, platelets release a wide array of proteins, including growth and angiogenic factors, lipids and extracellular vesicles rich in genetic material, which can mediate the induction of phenotypic changes in target cells, such as immune, stromal and tumor cells, and promote carcinogenesis and metastasis formation. Importantly, the role of platelets in tumor immune escape has been described. These lines of evidence open the way to novel strategies to fight cancer based on the use of antiplatelet agents. In addition to their ability to release factors, platelets are able of up-taking proteins and genetic material present in the bloodstream. Platelets are like ‘sentinels’ of the disease state. The evaluation of proteomics and transcriptomics signature of platelets and platelet-derived microparticles could represent a new strategy for the development of biomarkers for early cancer detection and/or therapeutic drug monitoring in cancer chemotherapy. Owing to the ability of platelets to interact with cancer cells and to deliver their cargo, platelets have been proposed as a ‘biomimetic drug delivery system’ for anti-tumor drugs to prevent the occurrence of off-target adverse events associated with the use of traditional chemotherapy.

scholarly journals The Role Of Perennial Grasses In The Protection Of Soil Resources Of Erosive Ecosystems With Active Development Of Linear Erosion

2021 ◽  
Vol 901 (1) ◽  
pp. 012007
Author(s):  
V M Kosolapov ◽  
V I Cherniavskih ◽  
E V Dumacheva ◽  
M N Marinich ◽  
L D Sajfutdinova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
Trifolium Pratense ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Steppe Zone ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Perennial Legume ◽  
The Stability

Abstract We evaluated the stability of perennial legume and cereal grass species in artificial plant communities on permanent anti-erosion watercourses in the agroecosystems of the Belgorod region with active development of linear soil erosion. In the conditions of steppe and forest-steppe zones of the Belgorod region on permanently grassed watercourses in 2017-2019. varieties of perennial leguminous and cereal grasses: ‘Krasnoyaruzhskaya 1’ and ‘Krasnoyaruzhskaya 2’ (Medicago varia), ‘Kazatsky’ (Trifolium pratense), ‘Olshanka’ and ‘Ivica’ (Festuca arundinacea), ‘Streletsky’ and ‘Stepnyak’ (Lolium perenne)) obtained using local genetic material were studied. All varieties showed their resistance in agro-ecosystems with active development of linear erosion in the forest-steppe and steppe zones. Projective cover on watercourses in the steppe zone in all variants of experience was on average 83,4 %, in the forest-steppe zone - 86,3 %. In the third year of the tests on permanently irrigated watercourses in the steppe zone, the share of cereal and legume grass species was quite high and varied from 88 % in the variant M. varia + Onobrychis arenaria to 92 % in the variants M. varia + Bromopsis inermis and O. arenaria. In the forest-steppe zone, the share of cereal and legume grass species varied from 86 % in the variant L. perenne to 94 % in the variant L. perenne + B. inermis.

scholarly journals Precancerous niche (PCN), a product of fibrosis with remodeling by incessant chronic inflammation

4open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Björn L.D.M. Brücher ◽  
Ijaz S. Jamall
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Chronic Inflammation ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Complex Signaling ◽  
Different Cell Types ◽  
Multiple Signaling ◽  
Extracellular Environment

Fibroblasts are actively involved in the creation of the stroma and the extracellular matrix which are important for cell adhesion, cell–cell communication, and tissue metabolism. The role of fibrosis in carcinogenesis can be examined by analogy to tissues of various cancers. The orchestration of letters in the interplay of manifold components with signaling and crosstalk is incompletely understood but available evidence suggests a hitherto underappreciated role for fibrosis in carcinogenesis. Complex signaling and crosstalk by pathogenic stimuli evoke persistent subclinical inflammation, which in turn, results in a cascade of different cell types, ubiquitous proteins and their corresponding enzymes, cytokine releases, and multiple signaling pathways promoting the onset of fibrosis. There is considerable evidence that the body's attempt to resolve such a modified extracellular environment leads to further disruption of homeostasis and the genesis of the precancerous niche as part of the six-step process that describes carcinogenesis. The precancerous niche is formed and can be understood to develop as a result of (1) pathogenic stimulus, (2) chronic inflammation, and (3) fibrosis with alterations of the extracellular matrix, stromal rigidity, and mechano-transduction. This is why carcinogenesis is not just a process of aberrant cell growth with damaged genetic material but the role of the PCN in its entirety reveals how carcinogenesis can occur without invoking the need for somatic mutations.

scholarly journals Addressing the Role of Landraces in the Sustainability of Mediterranean Agroecosystems

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (21) ◽  
pp. 6029 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guiomar Carranza-Gallego ◽  
Gloria I. Guzmán ◽  
Roberto Garcia-Ruíz ◽  
Manuel González de Molina ◽  
Eduardo Aguilera
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Grain Protein Content ◽  
Wheat Varieties ◽  
Conventional Agriculture ◽  
Organic Farm ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Rainfed Conditions ◽  
Wheat Landraces

Wheat yields are predicted to decrease over the next decades due to climate change (CC). Mediterranean regions are characterized by low soil fertility and stressful conditions that limit the effect of technological improvements on increasing yield gains, while worsening the negative CC impacts. Additionally, organic farming (OF) lacks specifically adapted genetic material. Accordingly, there is a need to search for varieties adapted to these conditions and whose cultivation may help semi-arid agroecosystems sustainability, focusing on specific agronomic and functional traits. To this purpose, wheat landraces and modern wheat varieties were evaluated under Mediterranean rainfed conditions during three growing seasons under contrasting situations: A conventional farm and an organic farm. Results regarding straw production, weed biomass and biodiversity, and grain N concentration suggest that the cultivation of landraces under Mediterranean rainfed conditions can enhance agroecosystem sustainability through positive effects on ecosystem services such as soil quality, functional biodiversity, or grain protein content, without significant reductions in grain yield. Results highlight the relevant role of wheat landraces as genetic resources for the development of cultivars adapted to Mediterranean agroecosystems conditions, especially for organic farming, but also for conventional agriculture.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles Derived fromAcholeplasma laidlawiiPG8

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 1120-1130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladislav M. Chernov ◽  
Olga A. Chernova ◽  
Alexey A. Mouzykantov ◽  
Irina R. Efimova ◽  
Gulnara F. Shaymardanova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Human Peripheral Blood ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Extracellular Vesicle ◽  
Ultrastructural Organization ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
The Common ◽  
Intensive Formation

Extracellular vesicle production is believed to be a ubiquitous process in bacteria, but the data on such a process in Mollicutes are absent. We report the isolation of ultramicroforms – extracellular vesicles from supernatants ofAcholeplasma laidlawiiPG8 (ubiquitous mycoplasma; the main contaminant of cell culture). Considering sizes, morphology, and ultrastructural organization, the ultramicroforms ofA. laidlawiiPG8 are similar to membrane vesicles of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We demonstrate thatA. laidlawiiPG8 vesicles contain genetic material and proteins, and are mutagenic to lymphocytes of human peripheral blood. We show thatMycoplasma gallisepticumS6, the other mycoplasma, also produce similar structures, which suggests that shedding of the vesicles might be the common phenomenon in Mollicutes. We found that the action of stress conditions results in the intensive formation of ultramicroforms in mycoplasmas. The role of vesicular formation in mycoplasmas remains to be studied.

Genotype×environment interactions and some considerations of their implications for wheat breeding in Australia This review is one of a series commissioned by the Advisory Committee of the Journal.

1998 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 153 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. E. Basford ◽  
M. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Material ◽  
Wheat Breeding ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Specific Adaptation ◽  
New Concepts ◽  
Statistical Studies ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Level Of Understanding ◽  
The Impact

Genotype×environment (G×E) interactions complicate selection forbroad adaptation, while their nature and causes need to be understood toutilise and exploit them in selection for specific adaptation. This invitedreview combines an assessment of the literature with the experience we havegained from involvement in wheat breeding and associated research programs toassess (1) the implications of G×E interactions for wheat breeding inAustralia, (2) the impact that research into G E interactions has had onbreeding strategy, and (3) the evidence for impact from this research efforton genetic improvement of crop adaptation. The role of analytical methodologyin this process is considered and some important issues are discussed.There are sufficient examples drawn from wheat breeding in Australia tosuggest that progress in dealing with G×E interactions can be made andseveral of these are presented. They show that impact in plant breedingfollows from achieving an appropriate level of understanding of theenvironmental and genetic factors causing the interactions as well as anassessment of their importance in the target genotype-environment system. Anaccurate definition of the environmental factor(s) contributing to theG×E interactions has been particularly important in determining therelevance of observed differences in plant adaptation to the target populationof environments. From the combination of biological and statistical studies, amore comprehensive understanding of G×E interactions has emerged andcontributed to new concepts and procedures for dealing with them.Distinguishing between what are repeatable and non-repeatable interactions isa key step. Genuine cases of positive specific adaptation observed inmulti-environment trials (METs) can be exploited by appropriately targetedselection strategies, while non-repeatable interactions are accommodated byselection for broad adaptation.The investigation of G×E interactions for grain yield of wheat inAustralia has matured to the point where an understanding of some of theircauses has enabled wheat breeders to exploit positive components of specificadaptation. The experience that has been gained in achieving these advancesindicates the importance of establishing a MET system that is relevant to thetarget population of environments of the breeding program. The investment ofadequate resources into effective design, conduct, analysis, andinterpretation of METs remains critical to continued progress from selectionin complex genotype-environment systems that present large G× Einteractions. Wheat breeders who understand their genetic material and thetarget population of environments can then use the generated information baseto achieve impact from their breeding programs.

scholarly journals Emerging role of extracellular vesicles in the regulation of skeletal muscle adaptation

2019 ◽  
Vol 127 (2) ◽  
pp. 645-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan J. Vechetti
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Intercellular Communication ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Mass ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Muscle Adaptation ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Isolation Methods

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were initially characterized as “garbage bags” with the purpose of removing unwanted material from cells. It is now becoming clear that EVs mediate intercellular communication between distant cells through a transfer of genetic material, a process important to the systemic adaptation in physiological and pathological conditions. Although speculative, it has been suggested that the majority of EVs that make it into the bloodstream would be coming from skeletal muscle, since it is one of the largest organs in the human body. Although it is well established that skeletal muscle secretes peptides (currently known as myokines) into the bloodstream, the notion that skeletal muscle releases EVs is in its infancy. Besides intercellular communication and systemic adaptation, EV release could represent the mechanism by which muscle adapts to certain stimuli. This review summarizes the current understanding of EV biology and biogenesis and current isolation methods and briefly discusses the possible role EVs have in regulating skeletal muscle mass.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document