scholarly journals Metabolomic Profiling of Nicotiana Spp. Nectars Indicate That Pollinator Feeding Preference Is a Stronger Determinant Than Plant Phylogenetics in Shaping Nectar Diversity

Metabolites ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredy A. Silva ◽  
Elizabeth C. Chatt ◽  
Siti-Nabilla Mahalim ◽  
Adel Guirgis ◽  
Xingche Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Complex Mixture ◽  
Feeding Preference ◽  
Floral Nectar ◽  
Nicotiana Species ◽  
Plant Phylogeny ◽  
Metabolomic Profiling ◽  
Inorganic Acids ◽  
Nectar Composition ◽  
Plant Phylogenetics

Floral nectar is a rich secretion produced by the nectary gland and is offered as reward to attract pollinators leading to improved seed set. Nectars are composed of a complex mixture of sugars, amino acids, proteins, vitamins, lipids, organic and inorganic acids. This composition is influenced by several factors, including floral morphology, mechanism of nectar secretion, time of flowering, and visitation by pollinators. The objective of this study was to determine the contributions of flowering time, plant phylogeny, and pollinator selection on nectar composition in Nicotiana. The main classes of nectar metabolites (sugars and amino acids) were quantified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometric analytical platforms to identify differences among fifteen Nicotiana species representing day- and night-flowering plants from ten sections of the genus that are visited by five different primary pollinators. The nectar metabolomes of different Nicotiana species can predict the feeding preferences of the target pollinator(s) of each species, and the nectar sugars (i.e., glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are a distinguishing feature of Nicotiana species phylogeny. Moreover, comparative statistical analysis indicate that pollinators are a stronger determinant of nectar composition than plant phylogeny.

scholarly journals Nectar non-protein amino acids (NPAAs) do not change nectar palatability but enhance learning and memory in honey bees

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Carlesso ◽  
Stefania Smargiassi ◽  
Elisa Pasquini ◽  
Giacomo Bertelli ◽  
David Baracchi
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Feeding Preference ◽  
Memory Retention ◽  
Floral Nectar ◽  
Olfactory Conditioning ◽  
Specific Memory ◽  
Protein Amino Acids ◽  
Valuable Compounds

AbstractFloral nectar is a pivotal element of the intimate relationship between plants and pollinators. Nectars are composed of a plethora of nutritionally valuable compounds but also hundreds of secondary metabolites (SMs) whose function remains elusive. Here we performed a set of behavioural experiments to study whether five ubiquitous nectar non-protein amino acids (NPAAs: β-alanine, GABA, citrulline, ornithine and taurine) interact with gustation, feeding preference, and learning and memory in Apis mellifera. We showed that foragers were unable to discriminate NPAAs from water when only accessing antennal chemo-tactile information and that freely moving bees did not exhibit innate feeding preferences for NPAAs. Also, NPAAs did not alter food consumption or longevity in caged bees over 10 days. Taken together our data suggest that natural concentrations of NPAAs did not alter nectar palatability to bees. Olfactory conditioning assays showed that honey bees were more likely to learn a scent when it signalled a sucrose reward containing either β-alanine or GABA, and that GABA enhanced specific memory retention. Conversely, when ingested two hours prior to conditioning, GABA, β-alanine, and taurine weakened bees’ acquisition performances but not specific memory retention, which was enhanced in the case of β-alanine and taurine. Neither citrulline nor ornithine affected learning and memory. NPAAs in nectars may represent a cooperative strategy adopted by plants to attract beneficial pollinators.

scholarly journals Nectar non-protein amino acids (NPAAs) do not change nectar palatability but enhance learning and memory in honey bees

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Carlesso ◽  
Stefania Smargiassi ◽  
Elisa Pasquini ◽  
Giacomo Bertelli ◽  
David Baracchi
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Feeding Preference ◽  
Memory Retention ◽  
Floral Nectar ◽  
Olfactory Conditioning ◽  
Specific Memory ◽  
Protein Amino Acids ◽  
Valuable Compounds

AbstractFloral nectar is a pivotal element of the intimate relationship between plants and pollinators and its chemical composition is likely to have been shaped by strong selective pressures. Nectars are composed of a plethora of nutritionally valuable compounds but also hundreds of secondary metabolites (SMs) whose ecological role is still not completely understood. Here we performed a set of behavioural experiments to study whether five ubiquitous nectar non-protein amino acids (NPAAs: β-alanine, GABA, citrulline, ornithine and taurine) interact with gustation, feeding preference, and learning and memory in the pollinator Apis mellifera. We showed that harnessed foragers were unable to discriminate NPAAs from water when only accessing antennal chemo-tactile information and that freely moving bees did not exhibit innate feeding preferences for NPAA-laced sucrose solutions. Also, dietary consumption of NPAAs did not alter food consumption or longevity in caged bees over 10 days. Taken together our data suggest that ecologically relevant concentrations of NPAAs did not alter nectar palatability to bees. Olfactory conditioning assays showed that honey bees were more likely to learn a scent when it signalled a sucrose reward containing either β-alanine or GABA, and that GABA also enhanced specific memory retention. Conversely, when ingested two hours prior to conditioning, GABA, β-alanine, and taurine weakened bees’ acquisition performances but not specific memory retention, which was enhanced in the case of β-alanine and taurine. Neither citrulline nor ornithine affected learning and memory. Our study suggests that NPAAs in nectars may represent a cooperative strategy adopted by plants to attract beneficial pollinators, while simultaneously enhancing pollen transfer among conspecific flowers. Future work should validate these results in more ecological scenarios and extend the study to as many nectar SMs as possible, alone and in combination, as well as to other species of pollinators.

scholarly journals Metabolomic profiling in patients with metabolic syndrome

Kardiologiia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 37-43
Author(s):  
E. O. Korobkova ◽  
M. V. Kozhevnikova ◽  
I. S. Ilgisonis ◽  
G. A. Shakaryants ◽  
S. A. Appolonova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Amino Acids ◽  
High Performance Liquid Chromatography ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Metabolomic Profile ◽  
Additional Risk ◽  
Metabolomic Profiling

Objective. To identify biomarkers, which are most specific for patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) using metabolomic profiling.Materials and Methods. Metabolomic profiling of patients with MS and comparison of their profile with the profile of volunteers was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass-spectrometry.Results. The metabolomic profile of MS patients differed in several amino acids, including choline, cysteine, and serine and in the acylcarnitine group (р<0.05 for all comparisons).Conclusion. The metabolites most specific for MS patients were identified. Increased concentrations of a combination of amino acids and carnitines can be considered as possible additional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

scholarly journals Targeted Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Association Between Altered Amino Acids and Poor Functional Recovery After Stroke

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Wang ◽  
Tao Liu ◽  
Haixin Song ◽  
Shaoyang Cui ◽  
Gang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Functional Recovery ◽  
Metabolomic Profiling

Gas Chromatographic Analysis of Amino Acids as the jV-Heptafluorobutyryl Isobutyl Esters

1987 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel L MacKenzie
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Capillary Column ◽  
Packed Column ◽  
Complex Mixture ◽  
Amino Acid Profile ◽  
Reaction Sequence ◽  
Maximum Resolution ◽  
Acid Catalyzed ◽  
Derivatives Of ◽  
Heptafluorobutyric Anhydride

Abstract The N-heptafluoroburyryl isobutyl derivatives of proteic amino acids are well resolved by gas chromatography and form the basis of a convenient, rapid assay. The derivatives are prepared by acid-catalyzed esterification at 120°C for 20 min in 3N HCl-isobutanol followed by acylation with heptafluorobutyric anhydride at 150°C for 10 min. The reaction sequence is performed without any transfers or extractions and thus is compatible with microscale analysis. A complete proteic amino acid profile can be completed in less than 20 min by using a packed column or less than 10 min by using a capillary column in combination with an elevated oven temperature program rate. Physiological sample matrixes, which frequently contain a complex mixture of components, and thus require maximum resolution, can be assayed in less than 1 h using a program rate of 4°C/min. A capillary column is recommended for this application. Capillary column chromatography, in combination with a nitrogenspecific detector, is useful for identifying and assaying nonproteic amino acids in physiological sample matrixes. Frequently, a prior cleanup of the sample can be avoided.

scholarly journals Diversity of nectar amino acids in the Fritillaria (Liliaceae) genus: ecological and evolutionary implications

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Roguz ◽  
Andrzej Bajguz ◽  
Magdalena Chmur ◽  
Agnieszka Gołębiewska ◽  
Agata Roguz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Food Reward ◽  
Passerine Bird ◽  
Ecological Research ◽  
Ecological Context ◽  
Floral Nectar ◽  
Pollen Vectors ◽  
Protein Amino Acids ◽  
First Time ◽  
Nectar Amino Acids

Abstract Nectar is considered to be a primary food reward for most pollinators. It mostly contains sugars, but also has amino acids. The significance of the concentration and composition of amino acids in nectar is often less understood than that of its volume, sugar concentration and composition. However, there is a trend towards a broader approach in ecological research, which helps to understand nectar properties in an ecological context. The genus Fritillaria, exhibiting great diversity in flower morphology, nectar composition, and dominant pollinators, allows for the possibility to study some of the above. We studied the concentration and composition of amino acids in the nectar of 38 Fritillaria species attracting different groups of pollen vectors (bees, flies, passerines, and hummingbirds). The flowers of fritillaries produced nectar with a varying composition and concentration of amino acids. These differences were mostly associated with the pollinator type. The nectar of passerine bird-pollinated species was rich in amino acids, whereas humming bird-pollinated produced low amino acid nectar. Contrary to previous reports nectar of the insect-pollinated species did not contain a higher amount of proline. Two non-protein amino acids, sarcosine and norvaline, were detected in the floral nectar for the first time.

scholarly journals Plasma metabolomic profiling of amino acids and polar lipids in Iranian obese adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Minoo Bagheri ◽  
Abolghasem Djazayery ◽  
Farshad Farzadfar ◽  
Lu Qi ◽  
Mir Saeed Yekaninejad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Polar Lipids ◽  
Obese Adults ◽  
Metabolomic Profiling

scholarly journals Longitudinal Metabolomic Profiling of Amino Acids and Lipids across Healthy Pregnancy

PLoS ONE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e0145794 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen L. Lindsay ◽  
Christian Hellmuth ◽  
Olaf Uhl ◽  
Claudia Buss ◽  
Pathik D. Wadhwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Healthy Pregnancy ◽  
Metabolomic Profiling

Amino acids and protein profile in floral nectar: Much more than a simple reward

Flora ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 207 (7) ◽  
pp. 475-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Nepi ◽  
Chiara Soligo ◽  
Daniele Nocentini ◽  
Mariangela Abate ◽  
Massimo Guarnieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Protein Profile ◽  
Floral Nectar

The study of plant phylogeny using amino acid sequences of Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate carboxylase. I. Patterns of variability

1983 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 395 ◽  
Author(s):  
PG Martin ◽  
AC Jennings
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Large Subunit ◽  
Small Subunit ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Protein Sequencing ◽  
Ribulose Bisphosphate Carboxylase ◽  
Bisphosphate Carboxylase ◽  
Plant Phylogeny ◽  
Variable Site ◽  
N Terminus

Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase has been prepared from 50 species of angiosperms from 16 diverse families. In 35 preparations, well known 'bland leaf' methods were used but 15 species had 'pungent leaves' and for these a new preparative method is described. Automatic methods have been used to obtain N-terminal sequences (40 amino acids) of the small subunit (SSU) from all 50 species and the pattern of variability is discussed: 26 of 40 positions are variable to a degree similar to that found in plastocyanin and plant cytochrome c, i.e, an average of 3.7 different amino acids per variable site. These results, and the fact that sufficient protein can be obtained from 100 g of leaves, make a widespread phylogenetic survey of angiosperm SSU feasible and it is claimed that the method is at least as practicable as nucleic acid sequencing. A limited amount of sequencing has been carried out on the large subunit (LSU) but its low variability discourages a protein sequencing survey. Implications for gene structure and function are discussed and evidence is given that active LSU is derived from a precursor with 14 additional amino acids at the N-terminus. In SSU, variability of the two N- terminal amino acids suggests that they are not involved in the signals for removal of either the transit peptide or, in the RNA, of the intron, excision of one end of which depends on the codons for the invariable amino acids at positions 3 and 4. Evidence is also given that if the N-terminus of SSU is methionine, as is common, then it is modified and associated with a 'frayed' N-terminus.

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