Somaclonal variation: a morphogenetic and biochemical analysis of Mandevilla velutina cultured cells.

Cell cultures of Mandevilla velutina have proved to be an interesting production system for biomass and secondary metabolites able to inhibit the hypotensive activity of bradykinin, a nonapeptide generated in plasma during tissue trauma. The crude ethyl acetate extract of cultured cells contains about 31- to 79-fold more potent anti-bradykinin compounds (e.g.

Modification of the Interlayer Surface of Layered Copper(II) Hydroxide Acetate with Benzoate Groups: Submicrometer Fiber Generation.

We report on the functionalization of layered copper(II) hydroxide acetate with benzoic acid. The grafting of benzoate groups is characterized by thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The submicrometer fiber generation of the grafted material is clearly demonstrated through scanning electron microscopy.

Structural and ultrastructural description of the venom gland of Loxosceles intermedia (brown spider).

The brown spider, genus Loxosceles, is becoming of great medical importance, with envenomation (Loxoscelism) occurring throughout the world. The biological activities of the brown spider venom usually include dermonecrotic lesions at the bite site accompanied by hemolytic and haemorrhagic effects and also by renal failure. The objective of the present study was to describe the histology of the venom gland of L.