Bioactive Components, Volatile Profile and In Vitro Antioxidative Properties of Taxus baccata L. Red Arils

This study aimed at assessing the composition of bioactive compounds, including ascorbic acid, carotenoids and polyphenols, the volatile compound profile and the antioxidant activity of red arils (RAs) of Taxus baccata L. grown in diverse locations in Poland. Among the carotenoids assayed in high quantities (3.3–5.42 μg/g), the lycopene content (2.55–4.1 μg/g) was remarkably higher than that in many cultivated fruits. Samples collected from three sites were distinguished by higher amounts of ascorbic acid (125 mg/100 g, on average) than those found in many cultivated berries. Phenylpropanoids quantitatively dominated among the four groups of phenolic compounds. Chromatographic separation enabled the detection of two phenylpropanoid acids: ferulic and p-coumaric. Irrespectively of the growth site, RAs contained substantial amounts of (-)-epicatechin (1080 μg/100 g, on average). A higher ability to scavenge DPPH● and ABTS●+ radicals was found in the hydrophilic fraction of RAs from two sites (Warsaw and Koszalin) compared with the other two sites. The volatile compound profile of RAs was dominated by alcohols, followed by ketones, esters and aldehydes. The presence of some volatiles was exclusively related to the specific growth site, which may be regarded as a valuable indicator. The combination of bioactive and volatile compounds and the fairly good antioxidant potential of RAs render them an attractive source for preparing functional foods.

Phosphorylated Gβ is a directional cue during yeast gradient tracking

Budding yeast cells interpret shallow pheromone gradients from cells of the opposite mating type, polarize their growth toward the pheromone source, and fuse at the chemotropic growth site. We previously proposed a deterministic, gradient-sensing model that explains how yeast cells switch from the intrinsically positioned default polarity site (DS) to the gradient-aligned chemotropic site (CS) at the plasma membrane. Because phosphorylation of the mating-specific Gβ subunit is thought to be important for this process, we developed a biosensor that bound to phosphorylated but not unphosphorylated Gβ and monitored its spatiotemporal dynamics to test key predictions of our gradient-sensing model. In mating cells, the biosensor colocalized with both Gβ and receptor reporters at the DS and then tracked with them to the CS. The biosensor concentrated on the leading side of the tracking Gβ and receptor peaks and was the first to arrive and stop tracking at the CS. Our data showed that the concentrated localization of phosphorylated Gβ correlated with the tracking direction and final position of the G protein and receptor, consistent with the idea that gradient-regulated phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of Gβ contributes to gradient sensing. Cells expressing a nonphosphorylatable mutant form of Gβ exhibited defects in gradient tracking, orientation toward mating partners, and mating efficiency.

Next Chapter in the Legend of Silphion: Preliminary Morphological, Chemical, Biological and Pharmacological Evaluations, Initial Conservation Studies, and Reassessment of the Regional Extinction Event

Silphion was an ancient medicinal gum-resin; most likely obtained from a Ferula species growing in the Cyrene region of Libya ca. 2500 years ago. Due to its therapeutic properties and culinary value, silphion became the main economic commodity of the Cyrene region. It is generally believed that the source of silphion became extinct in the first century AD. However, there are a few references in the literature about the cultivated silphion plant and its existence up to the fifth century. Recently, a rare and endemic Ferula species that produces a pleasant-smelling gum-resin was found in three locations near formerly Greek villages in Anatolia. Morphologic features of this species closely resemble silphion, as it appears in the numismatic figures of antique Cyrenaic coins, and conform to descriptions by ancient authors. Initial chemical and pharmacological investigations of this species have confirmed the medicinal and spice-like quality of its gum-resin supporting a connection with the long-lost silphion. A preliminary conservation study has been initiated at the growth site of this rare endemic Ferula species. The results of this study and their implications on the regional extinction event, and future development of this species will be discussed.

The population of Aconitum lasiostomum RCHB. (Ranunculaceae) in the right bank of the Middle Dnieper region: state and argumentation of protection

ntroduction. Aconitum lasiostomum has a sporadic distribution in Ukraine and is a rare species for most European countries. In terms of systematics, it belongs within the number of numerous morphologically and phytocenotically similar species of a section Lycoctonum DC. or is considered as part of an aggregate species Aconitum lycoctonum agg., which is nominal for the species of this section of the genus. Populations are scanty and susceptible to a range of ecological provide enough protection and require the reconsideration and systematization of the efforts aimed for Purpose. To assess the modern state of the population of Aconitum lasiostomum in the right bank of the Middle Dnieper region and to reason the raising of its protection status. 202187Methods. We identified and studied the new growth site of Aconitum lasiostomum in May-July 2020 inThe districts with an area of 10 x 10 m were planted within the natural borders of the phytocoenoses in the habitats of Aconitum lasiostomum. The habitResults. The previously unknown population of the endemic of Eastern Europe -Aconitum lasiostomum was described. The inclination of localities to the moderately illuminated growth sites -type was elucidated. The parameters of the Aconitum lasiostomum population were described. Total number about 100 specimens. Arrangement in clusters of 7-35 specimens of various ages. Percentage of generative individuals 38.4%. Under the intense shading, the percentage of generativeindividuals decreases to 3-4%. Maximum height of generative specimens at the beginning of flowering 62-120 cm. It has been found that Aconitum lasiostomum has a rare character of distribution in the right bank of the Middle Dnieper and other regions ofUkraine. The populations are organized in the conjunction with moist and fresh, middle-and rich edaphotopes under the broadleaf forests (alliances Alnion incana Pawlowski et al.1928 & Carpinion betuli Issler 1931). Obvious is the rather narrow range of coenotical conditions, which are sufficient for its growth and for the reproduction of the populations within the floral aggregations of the class Carpino-Fagetea sylvaticae Jakucs ex Passarge 1968. Originality. The first description of the population of Aconitum lasiostonum in the right bank and the main risks for the populations were determined. The increase of the sozological status of the species in Ukraine was justified. Conclusion. The previously unknown habitat of Aconitum lasiostonum within the communities, which are protected by the Resolution 4 of the Bern Convention, was elucidated. These communities are proposed to be protected within the Emeraldtall-It was determined, that the population of Aconitum lasiostonum is comparably numerous and diverse in age. Most of the loci with a high number of specimens are inclined to better illuminated growth sites. Aconitum lasiostonum allows us to claim the necessity of increasing the nature-preserving status of the species and including it in the Red Book of Ukraine. Keywords: Aconitum lasiostomum; population; nature preserving status; regionally rare species; rare biotopes

Mating yeast cells use an intrinsic polarity site to assemble a pheromone-gradient tracking machine

The mating of budding yeast depends on chemotropism, a fundamental cellular process. The two yeast mating types secrete peptide pheromones that bind to GPCRs on cells of the opposite type. Cells find and contact a partner by determining the direction of the pheromone source and polarizing their growth toward it. Actin-directed secretion to the chemotropic growth site (CS) generates a mating projection. When pheromone-stimulated cells are unable to sense a gradient, they form mating projections where they would have budded in the next cell cycle, at a position called the default polarity site (DS). Numerous models have been proposed to explain yeast gradient sensing, but none address how cells reliably switch from the intrinsically determined DS to the gradient-aligned CS, despite a weak spatial signal. Here we demonstrate that, in mating cells, the initially uniform receptor and G protein first polarize to the DS, then redistribute along the plasma membrane until they reach the CS. Our data indicate that signaling, polarity, and trafficking proteins localize to the DS during assembly of what we call the gradient tracking machine (GTM). Differential activation of the receptor triggers feedback mechanisms that bias exocytosis upgradient and endocytosis downgradient, thus enabling redistribution of the GTM toward the pheromone source. The GTM stabilizes when the receptor peak centers at the CS and the endocytic machinery surrounds it. A computational model simulates GTM tracking and stabilization and correctly predicts that its assembly at a single site contributes to mating fidelity.

EKOLOGI TEMPAT TUMBUH SARANG SEMUT PADA TAMAN WISATA ALAM GUNUNG MEJA MANOKWARI

The ant-plant Sarang Semut is one of the medicinal antimicrobial plants that is very beneficial to human health. As such the plant has widely been exploited in their natural habitat. The silviculture of this plant is not available due to limited knowledge about the existence in nature. Therefore, it is imperative to undertake the ecological study on the growth site of this plant in nature to collect the basic information for the culture and cultivation of this plant. The method used in this research was the descriptive method with the survey technique in Gunung Meja Nature Tourism Park, Manokwari. The research showed that one species of ant-plant was found namely Myrmecodia cf. schlechteri Valeton. The plant is epifit to selective host plants such as Garcinia picrorrhiza, Sterculia macrophylla, Intsia bijuga, Pometia coreacea, and Antiaris toxicaria. The ideal growth zone of this plant is in Zone 2 and 3.

Studi Ekologi dan Pemanfaatan Tumbuhan Famili Solanaceae di Kecamatan Tugumulyo

The purpose of this study is to determine the ecological factors in the growth site of the Solanaceae family and the plant species of the Solanaceae family that can and can not be consumed in Tugumulyo District.The type of this research is descriptive exploration. Technique of taking data with observation and interview. The work done is direct observation to the field. Data obtained from the research are analyzed descriptively qualitative. The result of this research is ecological factor at the growth site of Solanaceae family in Tugumulyo District ranges between temperature 27-33oC, humidity is 69 - 92%, and acidity degree (pH) 6,2 - 6,8. A total of 9 species that can be consumed and made into spices and vegetables are Capsicum annum, Capsicum, frutescens, Physalis angulata, Solanum indicum, Solanum lycopersicum, Solanum melongena, Solanum nigrum, Solanum torvum, Solanum tuberosum. And 2 species that can not be consumed by the public and toxic are Cestrum nocturnum and Datura metel which is an ornamental plant.

Growth-site Quality Assessment of Nypa fruticans using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Images: A case study in Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan Province

<p><span lang="EN">The growth-site quality is one of the essential information needed to support sustainable forest management particularly in forestry planning. This paper describes the development of a site-quality class of Nypa vegetation by considering the biological and physical factors. The main objective of this study is to develop a discriminant model and to find out major factors that may be used to predict the quality of Nypa growth-sites.</span><span lang="EN">The model was developed using variables either measured on UAV images or from field measurement, namely soil texture (X₁), water salinity (X₂), water pH (X₃), crown closure (X₄) and stand density (N) measured on the UAV image (X₅). The study found that the site quality of Nypa could be indicated by the variation of its biomass content. Then, it was concluded that the major factors that affect the site quality are the soil texture (X₁),</span><span lang="EN">water salinity (X₂),</span><span lang="EN">and water pH (X₃</span>) <span lang="EN">with 78.3% of overall accuracy.</span></p>