Evolution of Lecythidaceae with an emphasis on the circumscription of neotropical genera: information from combined ndhF and trnL-F sequence data.

The Lecythidaceae comprise a pantropical family best known for the edible seeds of the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) and the cannon-ball tree (Couroupita guianensis), which is planted as a botanical curiosity in subtropical and tropical gardens. In addition, species of the family are often among the most common in neotropical forests, especially in the Amazon Basin. The Brazil nut family is diverse and abundant in the Amazon and is considered to be an indicator of undisturbed or scarcely disturbed lowland forests; thus, what is learned about its evolution, ecology, and biogeography may suggest similar patterns for other Amazonian tree families.

Gene cloning and characterization of a soybean (Glycine max L.) LEA protein, GmPM16.

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, present in abundance in seeds during the late stages of development, are associated with desiccation tolerance. In the present work, we characterize a soybean LEA protein, GmPM16, with low molecular weight, high pI value, and an unusual amino acid residue distribution along the protein. The transcripts were detected in cotyledon mesophyll cells but not in the vascular system of mature or pod-dried soybean seeds.