Water Transport Properties of the Grape Pedicel during Fruit Development: Insights into Xylem Anatomy and Function Using Microtomography.

Xylem flow of water into fruits declines during fruit development, and the literature indicates a corresponding increase in hydraulic resistance in the pedicel. However, it is unknown how pedicel hydraulics change developmentally in relation to xylem anatomy and function. In this study on grape (Vitis vinifera), we determined pedicel hydraulic conductivity (kh) from pressure-flow relationships using hydrostatic and osmotic forces and investigated xylem anatomy and function using fluorescent light microscopy and x-ray computed microtomography.

Polarity of water transport across epidermal cell membranes in Tradescantia virginiana.

Using the automated cell pressure probe, small and highly reproducible hydrostatic pressure clamp (PC) and pressure relaxation (PR) tests (typically, applied step change in pressure = 0.02 MPa and overall change in volume = 30 pL, respectively) were applied to individual Tradescantia virginiana epidermal cells to determine both exosmotic and endosmotic hydraulic conductivity (L(p)(OUT) and L(p)(IN), respectively). Within-cell reproducibility of measured hydraulic parameters depended on the method used, with the PR method giving a lower average coefficient of variation (15.

Water uptake along the length of grapevine fine roots: developmental anatomy, tissue-specific aquaporin expression, and pathways of water transport.

To better understand water uptake patterns in root systems of woody perennial crops, we detailed the developmental anatomy and hydraulic physiology along the length of grapevine (Vitis berlandieri × Vitis rupestris) fine roots from the tip to secondary growth zones. Our characterization included the localization of suberized structures and aquaporin gene expression and the determination of hydraulic conductivity (Lpr) and aquaporin protein activity (via chemical inhibition) in different root zones under both osmotic and hydrostatic pressure gradients. Tissue-specific messenger RNA levels of the plasma membrane aquaporin isogenes (VvPIPs) were quantified using laser-capture microdissection and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Comprehensive developmental profiles of gene activity in regions and subregions of the Arabidopsis seed.

Seeds are complex structures that consist of the embryo, endosperm, and seed-coat regions that are of different ontogenetic origins, and each region can be further divided into morphologically distinct subregions. Despite the importance of seeds for food, fiber, and fuel globally, little is known of the cellular processes that characterize each subregion or how these processes are integrated to permit the coordinated development of the seed. We profiled gene activity genome-wide in every organ, tissue, and cell type of Arabidopsis seeds from fertilization through maturity.

Genomic cloning and characterization of a PPA gene encoding a mannose-binding lectin from Pinellia pedatisecta.

A gene encoding a mannose-binding lectin, Pinellia pedatisecta agglutinin (PPA), was isolated from leaves of Pinellia pedatisecta using genomic walker technology. The ppa contained an 1140-bp 5'-upstream region, a 771-bp open reading frame (ORF) and an 829-bp 3'-downstream region. The ORF encoded a precursor polypeptide of 256 amino acid residues with a 24-amino acid signal peptide.

A novel pathogenesis-related protein (SsPR10) from Solanum surattense with ribonucleolytic and antimicrobial activity is stress- and pathogen-inducible.

A cDNA clone (designated as SsPR10, GenBank Accession Number AY660753 ) encoding a PR10 protein from yellow-fruit nightshade (Solanum surattense) was isolated and characterized. SsPR10 encoded a 160-amino-acid polypeptide with a predicted molecular mass of 17.58 kDa and pI of 5.

Cloning and characterization of an agglutinin gene from Arisaema lobatum.

A novel agglutinin gene was cloned from Arisaema lobatum using SMART RACE-PCR technology. The full-length cDNA of Arisaema lobatum agglutinin (ala) was 1078 bp and contained a 774 bp open reading frame encoding a lectin precursor (proproprotein) of 258 amino acid residues with a 23 aa signal peptide. ALA contained three mannose-binding sites (QXDXNXVXY) with two-conserved domains of 45% identity, ALA-DOM1 and ALA-DOM2.

Genomic cloning and characterization of a Pto-like gene SsPto-2 from Solanum surattense.

A Pto-like gene (designated as SsPto-2) was isolated from Solanum surattense by using genomic walker technology which encoded a cytoplasmically localized serine-threonine protein kinase. Analysis of the 2365 bp segment revealed a gene including a 905 bp 5' flanking region, a 924 bp open reading frame (ORF) and a 536 bp 3' flanking region. The deduced amino acid sequence of the SsPto-2 gene shared high homology with other known Ptos.

An efficient method for rapid amplification of Arisaema heterophyllum agglutinin gene using a genomic walking technique.

The genomic sequence of Arisaema heterophyllum agglutinin (AHA), a mannose-binding lectin (MBL), was cloned through a novel genomic walking technique. Adaptor ligation reactions and subsequent amplifications with adaptor primer and multiple specific primers were used to generate specificity in this method. The method allowed for the amplification of over 1 kb of genomic DNA sequence immediately upstream and downstream from the 5' and 3' ends of full-length cDNAs.

Isolation and characterization of an IAA-responsive gene from Gossypium barbadense L.

The full-length cDNA of an IAA-responsive gene was cloned from Gossypium barbadense L. (designated as Gbiaa-Re) by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Gbiaa-Re gene was 1043-bp long and contained a 573-bp open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 190 amino acid residues.

CDNA cloning and characterization of the Ve homologue gene StVe from Solanum torvum Swartz.

Verticillium wilt is a disastrous disease causing significant yield losses of many crops. Isolation of verticillium wilt resistance gene is a fundamental work for controlling this disease through genetic engineering. In this report, we describe the cloning and characterization of a Ve like gene (StVe) from Solanum torvum Swartz.

Isolation and characterization of a serine/threonine protein kinase SOS2 gene from Brassica napus.

A full-length cDNA of a new serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinase gene, designated as BnSOS2 (GenBank Acc. No.AY310413), was cloned from Brassica napus by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE).

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel lectin gene from Zephyranthes candida.

A new lectin gene was cloned from Zephyranthes candida by using RACE-PCR. The full-length cDNA of Zephyranthes candida agglutinin (ZCA) was 647 bp and contained a 477 bp open reading frame encoding a 159 amino acid protein. Zephyranthes candida lectin gene was found to encode a precursor lectin with signal peptide and had extensive homology with those of other plant lectins.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel mannose-binding lectin gene from Amorphophallus konjac.

A new lectin gene was cloned from Amorphophallus konjac. The full-length cDNA of Amorphophallus konjac agglutinin (aka) was 736 bp and contained a 474 bp open reading frame encoding a 158 amino acid protein. Homology analysis revealed that the lectin from this Araceae species belonged to the superfamily of monocot mannose-binding proteins.