The subcellular concentration of ions and elements in thin cryosections of onion root meristem cells. An electron-probe EDS study

1984 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 295-306
Author(s):  
I.L. Cameron ◽  
K.E. Hunter ◽  
N.K. Smith

Quantitative electron-probe energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis has, for the first time, been accomplished at a subcellular level in plant tissue using cryofixed and thin freeze-dried cryosections. The subcellular concentrations of Na+, Cl-, K+, P, S, Mg2+ and Ca2+ were measured in mol/kg dry weight in two types of root meristematic cells of the onion, Allium cepa. The cell wall of the meristematic cells had much higher concentrations of K+ and Ca2+ than was found in the intracellular compartments. Storage granules in the protoderm cells were about 6–12 times lower in P and were about four times higher in S as compared to other intracellular compartments. Comparison between the concentrations of ions and other elements in meristematic plant cells and in mouse cardiac myocytes confirms that major differences in cytoplasmic Na+ and Cl- concentrations do indeed exist between these cell types.

Author(s):  
E. Yu Mitrenina ◽  
A. S. Erst

We have conducted comparative study of karyotypes for nine Eranthis Salisb. species: E. bulgarica (Stef.)Stef., E. hyemalis (L.) Salisb., E. longistipitata Regel (section Eranthis), E. byunsanensis B. Y. Sun, E. lobulata W. T.Wang, E. pinnatifida Maxim., E. sibirica DC., E. stellata Maxim., and E. tanhoensis Erst (section Shibateranthis). Thespecies-specifity of karyotypes was established for all species investigated. The chromosomes of each species weremedium or large in size (4–12 µm). Besides E. sibirica and E. tanhoensis, all the investigated specimens had diploidcytotypes with 2n = 16 and the basic chromosome number x = 8. Plants from five E. sibirica populations were tetraploidand hexaploid with x = 7, 2n = 28 and 2n = 42 respectively. Plants from seven E. tanhoensis populations were diploid withx = 7 and 2n = 14. Diploid karyotypes of Eranthis included 4–5 pairs of large equal-armed (metacentric) chromosomes,and 2–4 pairs of unequal-armed chromosomes belonging to different morphological types (submetacentric, subtelocentric,and acrocentric ones). We have revealed B chromosomes in root meristematic cells of E. lobulata and E. tanhoensis forthe first time. We suppose that the key developments in Eranthis karyotype`s evolution were pericentric inversions,polyploidy, and probably translocations.


Author(s):  
J. Chakraborty ◽  
A. P. Sinha Hikim ◽  
J. S. Jhunjhunwala

Although the presence of annulate lamellae was noted in many cell types, including the rat spermatogenic cells, this structure was never reported in the Sertoli cells of any rodent species. The present report is based on a part of our project on the effect of torsion of the spermatic cord to the contralateral testis. This paper describes for the first time, the fine structural details of the annulate lamellae in the Sertoli cells of damaged testis from guinea pigs.One side of the spermatic cord of each of six Hartly strain adult guinea pigs was surgically twisted (540°) under pentobarbital anesthesia (1). Four months after induction of torsion, animals were sacrificed, testes were excised and processed for the light and electron microscopic investigations. In the damaged testis, the majority of seminiferous tubule contained a layer of Sertoli cells with occasional spermatogonia (Fig. 1). Nuclei of these Sertoli cells were highly pleomorphic and contained small chromatinic clumps adjacent to the inner aspect of the nuclear envelope (Fig. 2).


Author(s):  
A. LeFurgey ◽  
P. Ingram ◽  
L.J. Mandel

For quantitative determination of subcellular Ca distribution by electron probe x-ray microanalysis, decreasing (and/or eliminating) the K content of the cell maximizes the ability to accurately separate the overlapping K Kß and Ca Kα peaks in the x-ray spectra. For example, rubidium has been effectively substituted for potassium in smooth muscle cells, thus giving an improvement in calcium measurements. Ouabain, a cardiac glycoside widely used in experimental and clinical applications, inhibits Na-K ATPase at the cell membrane and thus alters the cytoplasmic ion (Na,K) content of target cells. In epithelial cells primarily involved in active transport, such as the proximal tubule of the rabbit kidney, ouabain rapidly (t1/2= 2 mins) causes a decrease2 in intracellular K, but does not change intracellular total or free Ca for up to 30 mins. In the present study we have taken advantage of this effect of ouabain to determine the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic Ca content in freeze-dried cryosections of kidney proximal tubule by electron probe x-ray microanalysis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vihang S. Thite ◽  
Anuradha S. Nerurkar

Abstract After chemical pretreatment, improved amenability of agrowaste biomass for enzymatic saccharification needs an understanding of the effect exerted by pretreatments on biomass for enzymatic deconstruction. In present studies, NaOH, NH4OH and H2SO4 pretreatments effectively changed visible morphology imparting distinct fibrous appearance to sugarcane bagasse (SCB). Filtrate analysis after NaOH, NH4OH and H2SO4 pretreatments yielded release of soluble reducing sugars (SRS) in range of ~0.17–0.44%, ~0.38–0.75% and ~2.9–8.4% respectively. Gravimetric analysis of pretreated SCB (PSCB) biomass also revealed dry weight loss in range of ~25.8–44.8%, ~11.1–16.0% and ~28.3–38.0% by the three pretreatments in the same order. Release of soluble components other than SRS, majorly reported to be soluble lignins, were observed highest for NaOH followed by H2SO4 and NH4OH pretreatments. Decrease or absence of peaks attributed to lignin and loosened fibrous appearance of biomass during FTIR and SEM studies respectively further corroborated with our observations of lignin removal. Application of commercial cellulase increased raw SCB saccharification from 1.93% to 38.84%, 25.56% and 9.61% after NaOH, H2SO4 and NH4OH pretreatments. Structural changes brought by cell wall degrading enzymes were first time shown visually confirming the cell wall disintegration under brightfield, darkfield and fluorescence microscopy. The microscopic evidence and saccharification results proved that the chemical treatment valorized the SCB by making it amenable for enzymatic saccharification.


2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 767-781
Author(s):  
Vanessa Pinatto Gaspar ◽  
Anelise Cardoso Ramos ◽  
Philippe Cloutier ◽  
José Renato Pattaro Junior ◽  
Francisco Ferreira Duarte Junior ◽  
...  

KIN (Kin17) protein is overexpressed in a number of cancerous cell lines, and is therefore considered a possible cancer biomarker. It is a well-conserved protein across eukaryotes and is ubiquitously expressed in all cell types studied, suggesting an important role in the maintenance of basic cellular function which is yet to be well determined. Early studies on KIN suggested that this nuclear protein plays a role in cellular mechanisms such as DNA replication and/or repair; however, its association with chromatin depends on its methylation state. In order to provide a better understanding of the cellular role of this protein, we investigated its interactome by proximity-dependent biotin identification coupled to mass spectrometry (BioID-MS), used for identification of protein–protein interactions. Our analyses detected interaction with a novel set of proteins and reinforced previous observations linking KIN to factors involved in RNA processing, notably pre-mRNA splicing and ribosome biogenesis. However, little evidence supports that this protein is directly coupled to DNA replication and/or repair processes, as previously suggested. Furthermore, a novel interaction was observed with PRMT7 (protein arginine methyltransferase 7) and we demonstrated that KIN is modified by this enzyme. This interactome analysis indicates that KIN is associated with several cell metabolism functions, and shows for the first time an association with ribosome biogenesis, suggesting that KIN is likely a moonlight protein.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1105
Author(s):  
Fernanda Erpel ◽  
María Salomé Mariotti-Celis ◽  
Javier Parada ◽  
Franco Pedreschi ◽  
José Ricardo Pérez-Correa

Brown seaweed phlorotannins have shown the potential to promote several health benefits. Durvillaea incurvata and Lessonia spicata—species that are widely distributed in central and southern Chile—were investigated to obtain phlorotannin extracts with antioxidant and antihyperglycemic potential. The use of an environmentally friendly and food-grade glycerol-based pressurized hot liquid extraction (PHLE) process (15% v/v glycerol water) was assessed for the first time to obtain phlorotannins. Multiple effects were analyzed, including the effect of the species, harvesting area (Las Cruces and Niebla), and anatomical part (holdfast, stipe, and frond) on the extracts’ polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (AC), and carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzyme—α-glucosidase and α-amylase—inhibitory activity. Contaminants, such as mannitol, heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, Hg, and Sn), and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), were also determined. The anatomical part used demonstrated a significant impact on the extracts’ TPC and AC, with holdfasts showing the highest values (TPC: 95 ± 24 mg phloroglucinol equivalents/g dry extract; DPPH: 400 ± 140 μmol Trolox equivalents/g dry extract; ORAC: 560 ± 130 μmol TE/g dry extract). Accordingly, holdfast extracts presented the most potent α-glucosidase inhibition, with D. incurvata from Niebla showing an activity equivalent to fifteen times that of acarbose. Only one frond and stipe extract showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity. No α-amylase inhibition was found in any extract. Although no HMF was detected, potentially hazardous cadmium levels (over the French limit) and substantial mannitol concentrations—reaching up to 50% of the extract dry weight—were found in most seaweed samples and extracts. Therefore, further purification steps are suggested if food or pharmaceutical applications are intended for the seaweed PHLE extracts obtained in this study.


Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 640
Author(s):  
Natalia R. Moyetta ◽  
Fabián O. Ramos ◽  
Jimena Leyria ◽  
Lilián E. Canavoso ◽  
Leonardo L. Fruttero

Hemocytes, the cells present in the hemolymph of insects and other invertebrates, perform several physiological functions, including innate immunity. The current classification of hemocyte types is based mostly on morphological features; however, divergences have emerged among specialists in triatomines, the insect vectors of Chagas’ disease (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Here, we have combined technical approaches in order to characterize the hemocytes from fifth instar nymphs of the triatomine Dipetalogaster maxima. Moreover, in this work we describe, for the first time, the ultrastructural features of D. maxima hemocytes. Using phase contrast microscopy of fresh preparations, five hemocyte populations were identified and further characterized by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy. The plasmatocytes and the granulocytes were the most abundant cell types, although prohemocytes, adipohemocytes and oenocytes were also found. This work sheds light on a controversial aspect of triatomine cell biology and physiology setting the basis for future in-depth studies directed to address hemocyte classification using non-microscopy-based markers.


Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 503
Author(s):  
Malika Tassoult ◽  
Djamel Edine Kati ◽  
María África Fernández-Prior ◽  
Alejandra Bermúdez-Oria ◽  
Juan Fernandez-Bolanos ◽  
...  

The study investigated the phenols, sugar and the antioxidant capacities of date fruit extracts obtained by organic solvents and by hydrothermal treatment from six different Algerian cultivars at two ripening stages for the first time. The analyzed cultivars exhibited potent antioxidant properties (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging capacities) and different phenols regardless of the solvents and the maturity stages. About 18 phenols were identified and quantified, mainly in the hydrothermal extracts. The earlier stages were characterized by high amounts of o-coumaric acid, cinnamic acid and luteolin, with a noticeable absence of quercetin. The tamr stage presented the highest sugar content (78.15–86.85 mg/100 mg dry weight (DW)) with an abundance of glucose. Galactose was present only in some cultivars from the kimri stage (tamjouhert). Uronic acids were mostly detected at the tamr stage (4.02–8.82 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 mg dried weight). The obtained results highlight the potential of using date fruit extracts as natural antioxidants, especially at industrial scales that tend use hydrothermal extraction.


1989 ◽  
Vol 262 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
K J Föhr ◽  
J Scott ◽  
G Ahnert-Hilger ◽  
M Gratzl

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive Ca2+ compartment of endocrine cells was studied with alpha-toxin- and digitonin-permeabilized rat insulinoma (RINA2) and rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. The Ca2+ uptake was ATP-dependent, and submicromolar concentrations of IP3 specifically released the stored Ca2+. Half-maximal Ca2+ release was observed with 0.25-0.5 mumol of IP3/l, and the amount of Ca2+ released due to IP3 could be enhanced by additional loading of the Ca2+ compartment. Consecutive additions of the same concentration of IP3 for 1-2 h always released the same amount of Ca2+ without desensitization, providing an ideal basis to further characterize the IP3-induced Ca2+ release. Here we describe for the first time a reversible inhibitory effect of decavanadate on the IP3-induced Ca2+ release. Among the vanadium species tested (decavanadate, oligovanadate and monovanadate), only decavanadate was inhibitory, with a half-maximal effect at 5 mumol/l in both cell types. The effect of decavanadate could be overcome by increasing the amount of sequestered Ca2+ or added IP3. Decavanadate did not affect the ATP-driven Ca2+ uptake but oligovanadate was inhibitory on Ca2+ uptake. p-Hydroxymercuribenzoate (pHMB) at concentrations between 10 and 30 mumol/l also inhibited the Ca2+ release due to IP3. Thiol compounds such as dithiothreitol (DTT; 1 mmol/l) added before pHMB removed all its inhibitory effect on the IP3-induced Ca2+ release, whereas the inhibition caused by decavanadate was unaffected by DTT. Thus, the decavanadate-dependent inhibition functions by a distinctly different mechanism than pHMB and could serve as a specific tool to analyse various aspects of the IP3-induced Ca2+ release within endocrine cells.


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