A gene encoding a germin-like protein, identified by a cDNA-AFLP approach, is specifically expressed during germination of Phaseolus vulgaris.

In order to identify markers of germination in Phaseolus vulgaris L., a cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) approach was conducted on mRNAs from embryo axes and from cotyledons. Among changes observed throughout the germination process, a cDNA fragment not detected 9 h after imbibition (HAI) but present specifically in axes 24 HAI was further studied.

Structure and level of genetic diversity in various bean types evidenced with microsatellite markers isolated from a genomic enriched library.

We have constructed a common bean genomic library enriched for microsatellite motifs (ATA), (CA), (CAC) and (GA). After screening, 60% of the clones selected from the library enriched for the (ATA) repeat contained microsatellites versus 21% of the clones from the library enriched for (GA) (CA) and (CAC) repeats. Fifteen primer pairs have been developed allowing for the amplification of SSR loci.

Genetic transformation ofPelargonium X hortorum.

TransgenicPelargonium X hortorum have been producedvia Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. The regeneration protocol used provided a regeneration frequency approximately to 95 percent. Clumps of regenerants, from cotyledons and hypocotyls ofPelargonium X hortorum seedlings, were inoculated with the disarmed strain EHA101 ofAgrobacterium tumefaciens.

The NAD kinase: a phosphoryltransferase displaying an oxido-reductase activity--an electrophoretic study.

The search for a valuable technique for rapid detection, after electrophoresis, of the activity of various NAD kinase isoforms possibly present in different plant materials, has revealed interesting peculiarities of this enzyme (EC 2.7.1.

Replication timing of the H4 histone genes in Physarum polycephalum.

The time of replication of the two H4 histone genes (H41 and H42) was determined during the naturally synchronous mitotic cycle of Physarum polycephalum. 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine labeling and density gradient centrifugation was used to isolate newly synthesized DNA from defined periods of S phase. The DNA was analyzed by Southern hybridization with a cloned probe containing one of the H4 histone genes of Physarum.

Histone H4 gene is transcribed in S phase but also late in G(2) phase in Physarum polycephalum.

The myxomycete Physarum polycephalum contains two types of H4 histone genes. Southern blotting of restriction endonuclease fragments of P. polycephalum DNA and hybridization to a cloned probe labelled by nick-translation indicate that there are only one or two copies of each H4 gene per haploid genome.

Physical relationship between replicons and transcription units in Physarum polycephalum.

Electron microscope spread preparations of nuclear chromatin derived from early S-phase of Physarum reveal 'beads on a string' for nonreplicated and a portion of newly replicated chromatin. Many of the early replicons contain transcription units as visualized by nascent transcripts. They are, in most cases, arranged in continuous length gradients on both newly replicated strands of chromatin, the putative origin of replication being within the transcription unit.

Multiple effects of 5 mM sodium butyrate on Physarum polycephalum macroplasmodia.

In a Physarum polycephalum macroplasmodium, nuclei naturally divide synchronously. Thus, it offers an opportunity to study growth and mitosis within a true organism. The effects of 5 mM sodium-butyrate on these processes have been examined.

Kinetics of nuclease digestion of Physarum polycephalum nuclei at different stages of the cell cycle.

The kinetics of nuclease digestion of Physarum polycephalum nuclei by staphylococcal nuclease and DNase I has been studied at different stages of the cell cycle. Significant differences in the digestion behaviour of nuclei from metaphase and interphase have been detected with DNase I but not with staphylococcal nuclease. Furthermore the structure of newly replicated DNA in S phase differs from the bulk in that it is more easily degraded to acid-soluble products by either staphylococcal nuclease or by DNAase I.

[Studies of nucleic acids and protein metabolism during initiation of adventitious roots].

Changes in the metabolism of nucleic acids and proteins were followed during the initiation of adventitious roots of Cicer arietinum. During the first 24 h, several phases of activation of the metabolism were found. The use of inhibitors of RNA synthesis showed that an early phase of incorporation of precursors into RNA is essential for the initiation phenomena.