Tool for genomic selection and breeding to evolutionary adaptation: Development of a 100K single nucleotide polymorphism array for the honey bee.

High-throughput high-density genotyping arrays continue to be a fast, accurate, and cost-effective method for genotyping thousands of polymorphisms in high numbers of individuals. Here, we have developed a new high-density SNP genotyping array (103,270 SNPs) for honey bees, one of the most ecologically and economically important pollinators worldwide. SNPs were detected by conducting whole-genome resequencing of 61 honey bee drones (haploid males) from throughout Europe.

Efficient Biomimetic Hydroxylation Catalysis with a Bis(pyrazolyl)imidazolylmethane Copper Peroxide Complex.

Bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands are excellent components of model complexes used to investigate the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase. Combining the N donors 3-tert-butylpyrazole and 1-methylimidazole results in a ligand that is capable of stabilising a (μ-η(2) :η(2) )-dicopper(II) core that resembles the active centre of tyrosinase. UV/Vis spectroscopy shows blueshifted UV bands in comparison to other known peroxo complexes, due to donor competition from different ligand substituents.

Comparative analysis of benzoxazinoid biosynthesis in monocots and dicots: independent recruitment of stabilization and activation functions.

Benzoxazinoids represent preformed protective and allelophatic compounds that are found in a multitude of species of the family Poaceae (Gramineae) and occur sporadically in single species of phylogenetically unrelated dicots. Stabilization by glucosylation and activation by hydrolysis is essential for the function of these plant defense compounds. We isolated and functionally characterized from the dicot larkspur (Consolida orientalis) the benzoxazinoid-specific UDP-glucosyltransferase and β-glucosidase that catalyze the enzymatic functions required to avoid autotoxicity and allow activation upon challenge by herbivore and pathogen attack.

Benzoxazinoid biosynthesis, a model for evolution of secondary metabolic pathways in plants.

Benzoxazinoids are secondary metabolites that are effective in defence and allelopathy. They are synthesised in two subfamilies of the Poaceae and sporadically found in single species of the dicots. The biosynthesis is fully elucidated in maize; here the genes encoding the enzymes of the pathway are in physical proximity.

Benzoxazinoid biosynthesis in dicot plants.

Benzoxazinoids are common defence compounds of the grasses and are sporadically found in single species of two unrelated orders of the dicots. In the three dicotyledonous species Aphelandra squarrosa, Consolida orientalis and Lamium galeobdolon the main benzoxazinoid aglucon is 2,4-dihydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIBOA). While benzoxazinoids in Aphelandra squarrosa are restricted to the root, in Consolida orientalis and Lamium galeobdolon DIBOA is found in all above ground organs of the adult plant in concentrations as high as in the seedling of maize.