Role of conserved cysteines in the alphavirus E3 protein.

Alphavirus particles are covered by 80 glycoprotein spikes that are essential for viral entry. Spikes consist of the E2 receptor binding protein and the E1 fusion protein. Spike assembly occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum, where E1 associates with pE2, a precursor containing E3 and E2 proteins.

Bioactivity of anacardic acid against colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) larvae.

Anacardic acid (2-hydroxy-6-alkylbenzoic acid) produced and secreted from glandular trichomes of zonal geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum; Geraniaceae family) provides resistance to small pests (aphids and spider mites). To assess the potential bioactivity of anacardic acid against larger insect pests and to determine if an alternate mode of application (ingestion rather than the topical application) could impart resistance to pests, the effects of anacardic acid consumption on the development of Colorado potato beetle larvae were tested. Analysis of dose-response curves indicated a significant effect on weight gain and mortality.