Polymorphism and Morphotype Transformations in the Rotifer(Brachionus calyciflorus)

The relationship of three Brachionus calyciflorus morphotypes （two short-spined, single-spined and spineless ones） was studied in the laboratory. Newly hatched females of each morphotype were cultured individually in an inorganic or Asplanchna-conditioned mediums, and the morphotype of their offspring were checked at 200 x magnification. Females of each morphotype, cultured in the inorganic medium, could produce offspring of these three morphotypes in a single generation. Females of all three morphotyes could respond to specific Asplanchna-substances when they were cultured in Asplanchna-conditioned medium. Moreover, we observed that these three morphotype females could coexist in the medium and had three types of egg-bearing females. Based on the above observations we suggest that B. calyciflorus was a morphotype complex and has three basic morphotypes.

Morphotype dependence of Globigerinoides ruber(white)and Trilobatus sacculifer Mg/Ca ratios in the western tropical Pacific:implications for reconstructing the mixed-layer depth

Planktonic foraminifer Globigerinoides ruber(white)and Trilobatus sacculifer are the most frequently used mixedlayer dwelling species for reconstructing past oceanic environments.Specifically,the Mg/Ca ratios of these two foraminiferal species have been used for reconstructing tropical/subtropical changes in sea surface temperature(SST).However,these two species have different morphotypes,of which the spatial and temporal differences in Mg/Ca ratios and their influencing factors are still unclear.Our objective is to investigate the potential differences between the Mg/Ca ratios of these different morphotypes of G.ruber(white)and T.sacculifer in the western Philippine Sea(WPS)and determine their implications for the reconstruction of SST and upper-ocean structure.Mg/Ca measurements are made on two basic morphotypes of G.ruber(white)[sensu stricto(s.s.)and sensu lato(s.l.)]and T.sacculifer[with(w)and without(w/o)a sac-like final chamber]on samples of Site MD06-3047B from the WPS.Our results reveal that Mg/Ca ratios of different G.ruber morphotypes show consistent differences;and those of T.sacculifer morphotypes show staged variations since MIS 3.It is suggested to select a single morphotype for reconstructing SST changes using the Mg/Ca ratios of G.ruber and T.sacculifer in the WPS.Furthermore,the Mg/Ca ratios between G.ruber s.s.and G.ruber s.l.[Δ(Mg/Ca)_(G.ruber s.s.-s.l.)]downcore MD06-3047B covaries with indexes of summer monsoon.Combining with the core-top results,showing regional variation of differences in theΔ(Mg/Ca)_(G.ruber s.s.-s.l.)over the western tropical Pacific,we propose thatΔ(Mg/Ca)_(G.ruber s.s.-s.l.)may tend to reflect summer mixed layer depth.

Phytochemical and anti-bacterial activity of epidermal glands extract of Christella parasitica (L.) H. Lev.

Objective:To study the morphology,biochemistry and bioactivity of the epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of Christella parasitica(C.parasitica)(L.) H.Lev.Methods: Morphological studies on epidermal glands were earned out by using light microscope and scanning electron microscope.To prepare the extract,the shade-dried fronds of glandular morphotype were soaked in acetone.For antibacterial studies paper disc method was followed by using various pathogenic bacteria.Results:Detailed micromorphological,phytochemical and bioactivity studies on a medicinal fern C.parasitica(L.) H.Lev.showed its inlraspecific variation in antibacterial activity.The presence or absence of the epidermal glands was the key factor for antibacterial activity in the morphovariants of this species.The epidermal glands were orange-coloured,stalked and elongated ones of about 84.2μm×45μm,and distributed on the undersurface of cosla,coslules and veins in croziers,young and mature leaves.Frequency of glands varied from 15/cm on costa in mature leaves to 140/cm on costules in croziers.The acetone extract of the glands showed antibacterial activities and also toxic effect against mosquito larvae and tadpoles of frog.Preliminary phytochemical analysis and HPLC studies of the gland extract showed the presence of various kinds of terpenoids,alkaloids,tannins,saponins and flavonoids in it.Conclusions:The present study shows that epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of C. parasitica(L.) H.Lev.have several bioactive compounds and such rare moiphovariant should be conserved in nature.The next step is to isolate the pure compounds and to screen the bioactivity of individual compounds of the epidermal glands.

Biostratigraphy and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Gurpi Formation at Deh Dasht Area, Zagros Basin, SW Iran

A rich assemblage of planktonic foraminifera has been studied from an outcrop of the Gurpi Formation, the hydrocarbon source rock in the southwest Iran, Deh Dasht area（Kuh-e Siah anticline）. Based on the distribution of the planktonic foraminifera, eight biozones have been recognized that included：Dicarinella concavata Interval Zone（Earliest Santonian）, Dicarinella asymetrica Total Range Zone（Santonian to Earliest Campanian）, Globotruncanita elevata Partial Range Zone（Early Campanian）, Globotruncana ventricosa Interval Zone（Middle to Late Campanian）, Radotruncana calcarata Total Range Zone（Late Campanian）, Globotruncanella havanensis Partial Range Zone（Late Campanian）, Globotruncana aegyptiaca Interval Zone（Late to latest Campanian）, Gansserina gansseri Interval Zone（Latest Campanian to Early Maastrichtian）. These biozones indicates that the Gurpi Formation deposited during the Early Santonian- Early Maastrichtian. These biozones are compared to the most standard biozones defined in Tethysian domain. Based on distribution of morphotype groups of planktonic foraminifera, planktonic to benthic ratio（P/B） and content of carbonate, nine third-order sequences are recognized.

Increase in Straight and Coiled Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Cyanobacteria) Populations under Conditions of Thermal De-Stratification in a Shallow Tropical Reservoir

In recent decades, there have been frequent occurrences of the cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii in northeastern Brazil. Little is known regarding the response of straight and coiled morphotypes to environmental conditions such as light intensity and water temperature. Samples were collected at the Mundaú reservoir (PE, Brazil) at six sampling depths in the dry and rainy season. Both morphotypes exhibited seasonal and vertical differences in densities. The reservoir was stratified in the dry season, with a predominance of the straight morphotype. The coiled morphotype exhibited greater densities in the lower strata and prove to be more susceptible to light. There was evident thermal de-stratification in the rainy season, with a predominance of the coiled morphotype in the surface layers. Thermal de-stratification favors an increase in both morphotypes by providing adequate conditions for growth, such as low light intensity and milder temperatures, which are characteristic of the winter season in the northeastern Brazil.

Differentiation of coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus) based on an analysis of morphology and complete mitochondrial DNA: Are cryptic species present?

Two morphotypes of Plectropomus leopardus have been identified; morphometric and meristic analyses show that there is no diagnostic difference between them. A difference in color pattern was the most ap- propriate phenotypic character with which to distinguish between the two morphotypes. Complete mito- chondrial DNA sequencing, however, indicated a clear difference between the two morphotypes. Barcoding analysis revealed no significant difference （P〉0.05） in CO1 or ND2 divergence among intramorphotypic individuals, even between geographically separated populations, whereas the intermorphotypic CO1 and ND2 divergences were large enough （averaging 0.95% for CO1 and 1.37% for ND2） to clearly discriminate between the two morphotypes. The color pattern difference, geographical distribution, together with the mtDNA and barcode sequencing data, suggest that the two morphotypes should be of two subspecies or even two species.

Morphology Diversity and Selection of Pinus sibirica

The development characteristics variation of the vegetative structure in the different morphotypes treescrowns are regarded as a result of the genetic differentiation and environment interaction. The morphohysiological characteristics and the evaluation of their function in meaning the morphogeny of different sex and position of crown shoots are used toreveal means of morphotype forming in Pinus sibirica. It has been found that the differences of activity and dircction waschanged of shoots grouth characteristics in ontogeny of trees with different growth and reproductive activity, and that the sizeof the individual meristematic layer in tl1e vegetative and generative apex differ and increase with its age. Transmission fromvegetative to the reproductive stage in contrast of age modification is correlated with the sudden increased of the medullar parenchyma size. Thus the intensification of mitotic activity in the medullar zone of the apex and the increase in apical size precedes the shoot feminization. The large activity of stem unit which correlated slightly with its unit stem change is inherent inthe male and asexual tree morphotyes.

Phenotypic Variation among and within Three Peppers Species(Capsicum)from Mexico

The phenotypic variation and its distribution among species,morphotypes,and among and within populations was estimated in 71 populations pertaining to 15 morphotypes of three domesticated species of Capsicum from Mexico.Collections were made in the states of Sinaloa,Nayarit,Oaxaca,Tabasco,and Yucatán in two agroecosystems:Backyard-garden and monoculture.Fifteen phenotypic characteristics were analyzed through one-way variance analysis and multivariate analyses of principal components analysis(PCA)and hierarchical clustering using Ward’s method.The study was performed in a uniform greenhouse experiment.A high variation was found among and within populations in all the measured characteristics.Of the total variation,13.0%was distributed among species,27.9%among morphotypes,8.1%among populations,and 51.0%within populations.Because plants grew in a uniform environment,these results indicate that the differences observed among and within species,morphotypes,and populations have a genetic basis.Univariate and multivariate analyses clearly differentiated morphotypes,suggesting that the category of morphotypes must be used to nominate the infraspecific variation in the domesticated Capsicum.The principal components analysis identified a total of 15 principal components that contributed to explain the total variation.The first two components explained 59.64%of the total variation and seven components explained more than 90%of the total variation.Among the measured characteristics,number of seed per fruit,weight of the fruit,width of the fruit,length of the fruit,stem diameter,days to flowering,and height of the plant contributed to component 1 variation,whereas width of the leaf,length of the leaf,and number of locules,number of fruits and number of seeds per plant contributed to component 2.The hierarchical clustering separated the populations and the morphotypes in two large different groups.One group consisted of populations collected in monoculture conditions and the other group corresponded to population collected from backyard-garden conditions.The monoculture populations were characterized mainly by their longer,wider,and higher weight fruits,plants were of less height,had smaller stem diameters,and lower number of fruits than the populations collected from the backyard-garden conditions.The backyard-garden populations of the Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens species,considered wild or semi-domesticated,constituted a non-differentiated phenotypic group that does not allow dividing them in different species.

Paleoceanography and Paleobiogeography Patterns of the Turonian-Campanian Foraminifers from the Abderaz Formation, North Eastern Iran

In this research, the Turonian-early Campanian sedimentary succession of the Abderaz Formation with 510 mthick (comprising: light grey shale and marls) was studied in the type section in eastern Kopeh-Dagh basin. The statistical analysis of the morphotype groups of the identified planktonic foraminifers shows that most of them are shallow water forms (SWF) and deep water forms (DWF). The high planktonic to benthic ratio indicates particular oligotrophic conditions and sedimentation in relatively deeper zones of a marine environment. The salinity of sea water during Coniacian was in the minimum level, whereas it reached maximum in Coniacian-Santonian boundary. Comparing Planktonic assemblages from the study formation with those from the Cretaceous biogeographical provinces reflects a close relationship between the identified species and the planktonic forms of the Tethyan provinces.

A Novel Cellular Autoaggregative Developmentally CRP Regulated Behaviour Generates Massively Chondrule-Like Formations over Surface of Old <i>Escherichia coli</i>K-12 Macrocolony Biofilms

How Escherichia coli bacteria develop a particular colonial, 3-D biofilm morphological pattern is still a poorly understood process. Recently, we reported a new E. coli K-12 morphotype exhibited by old macrocolonies described as volcano-like. The formative developmental process of this morphotype has been presented as a suitable experimental model for the study of 3D patterning in macrocolony biofilms. Here, we report the optical microscopy observations and genetic analysis that have unveiled the existence of a novel autoaggregative behaviour which generates massive lumpiness over the surface of the volcano-like macrocolonies. These lumpy formations are generated by the autoaggregation and strong interaction of tightly packed bacterial cells in structures with a chondrule-like appearance which give the colony’s surface its characteristic microscopic lumpy phenotype. Furthermore, they exhibit different levels of maturation from the edge to the center of the colony. Hence, its generation appears to follow a spatiotemporal program of development during the macrocolony’s morphogenesis. Interestingly, the agar’s hardness influences the morphology exhibited by these formations, with high agar concentration (1.5%, 15 g/L) suppressing its development. This new auto-aggregative E. coli’s behaviour does not require the activity of the biofilm master regulator CsgD, the adhesiveness of flagella, pili type 1, adhesin Ag43, β-1,6-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine polymer-PGA, cellulose or colanic acid, but it is under glucose repression and the control of cAMP receptor protein (CRP). The possible physiological role of these chondrule-like formations in the adaptability of the colony to different stressful environmental conditions is discussed.

A graph-based pan-genome of Brassica oleracea provides new insights into its domestication and morphotype diversification

The domestication of Brassica oleracea has resulted in diverse morphological types with distinct patterns of organ development.Here we report a graph-based pan-genome of B.oleracea constructed from high-quality genome assemblies of different morphotypes.The pan-genome harbors over 200 structural variant hotspot regions enriched in auxin-andflowering-related genes.Population genomic analyses revealed that early domestication of B.oleracea focused on leaf or stem development.Geneflows resulting from agricultural practices and variety improvement were detected among different morphotypes.Selective-sweep and pan-genome analyses identified an auxin-responsive small auxin up-regulated RNA gene and a CLAV-ATA3/ESR-RELATED family gene as crucial players in leaf–stem differentiation during the early stage of B.oleracea domestication and the BoKAN1 gene as instrumental in shaping the leafy heads of cabbage and Brussels sprouts.Our pan-genome and functional analyses further revealed that variations in the BoFLC2 gene play key roles in the divergence of vernalization andflowering characteristics among different morphotypes,and variations in thefirst intron of BoFLC3 are involved infine-tuning theflowering process in cauliflower.This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the pan-genome of B.oleracea and sheds light on the domestication and differential organ development of this globally important crop species.

Archaeal viruses-novel,diverse and enigmatic

Recent research has revealed a remarkable diversity of viruses in archaeal-rich environments where spindles, spheres, fila- ments and rods are common, together with other exceptional morphotypes never recorded previously. Moreover, their dou- ble-stranded DNA genomes carry very few genes exhibiting homology to those of bacterial and eukaryal viruses. Studies on viral life cycles are still at a preliminary stage but important insights are being gained especially from microarray analyses of viral transcripts for a few model virus-host systems. Recently, evidence has been presented for some exceptional archaeal- nspecific mechanisms for extra-cellular morphological development of virions and for their cellular extrusion. Here we sum- marise some of the recent developments in this rapidly developing and exciting research area.

Insights into the divergent evolution of the oceanic squid Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis(Cephalopoda:Ommastrephidae)from the Indian Ocean

Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis is known for its complex population structure with three major transoceanic forms(viz.middle-sized,dwarf,and giant forms)whose taxonomic status has been disputed for decades.This integrated taxonomic study examines these prevenient morphotypes gathered on cruises in the Indian Ocean to ascertain their status in the evolutionary history of the species.Molecular analyses employing mitochondrial(COI,ND2)and nuclear(H3)markers revealed four genetically distinct and novel lineages of the species in the Indian Ocean,representing three morphotypes from the Arabian Sea and one from the Southern Indian Ocean.The mitochondrial-based phylograms revealed two distinct clades in the species:“dwarf forms+giant form”and“middle-sized forms,”which further branch into geographically structured evolutionary units.Species delimitation analyses recovered five distinct clades,namely,the Arabian Sea giant and dwarf forms,Equatorial,Eastern Typical,and Other Middle-sized forms,representing the consensus molecular operational taxonomic units.H3 being heterozygous could not resolve the phylogeny.Haplotype network and AMOVA analysis of mtDNA genes indicated explicit phylogeographic structuring of haplotypes,whereas these outputs and PCA results were incongruent with the morphological grouping.Phenetic features distinguishing the morphotypes were sometimes plastic and mismatched with the genotypes.The giant form was genetically close to the dwarf forms,contradicting the earlier notion that it descended from the middle-sized form.It may be assumed that the dwarf form evolved following sympatric speciation and adaptation to warm equatorial waters,while the focal features of the Western Arabian Sea guide toward allopatric speciation of the giant form.

Is the ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) two species? Genetic analysis reveals within-species divergence associated with plain and spotted morphotype frequencies

The ballan wrasse(Labrus bergylta)is a marine fish belonging to the family Labridae characterized by 2 main morphotypes that occur in sympatry:spotty and plain.Previous studies have revealed differences in their life-history traits,such as growth and maturation;however,the genetic relationship between forms is present­ly unknown.Using 20 recently developed microsatellite markers,we conducted a genetic analysis of 41 and 48 spotty and plain ballan wrasse collected in Galicia(northwest Spain).The 2 morphotypes displayed highly sig­nificant genetic differences to each other(F_(ST)=0.018,P<0.0001).A similar degree of genetic differentiation(F_(ST)=0.025,P<0.0001)was shown using the STRUCTURE clustering approach with no priors at K=2.In this case,the frequency of spotty and plain morphotypes was significantly different(χ^(2)=9.46,P=0.002).It is con­cluded that there is significant genetic heterogeneity within this species,which appears to be highly associated with the spotty and plain forms,but not completely explained by them.Given the previously demonstrated bio­logical differences between morphotypes,and the present genetic analyses,we speculate about the convenience of a taxonomic re-evaluation of this species.

Heterotic Group Classification of 63 Inbred Lines and Hybrid Purity Identification by Using SSR Markers in Winter Cabbage(Brassica Oleracea L. var. capitata)

Winter cabbage is an important crop cultivated through winter in the region near the Yangtze River, enabling the supply of fresh cabbage there at that time of year. However, a problem has emerged regarding the newly developed parents of winter cabbage, which is completely different from spring and autumn cabbage, namely, how to combine these parents to breed an elite hybrid. To classify the heterotic groups and improve the efficiency of parent selection in winter cabbage breeding, 20 polymorphic SSR markers were selected to screen 63 winter cabbage inbred lines. Seventeen pairs among the 20 SSR markers amplified polymorphic bands. These primers amplified two to six bands,with an average of 2.8 bands per primer, and a total of 47 polymorphic bands were generated in the 63 inbred lines. These lines included flatheaded morphotype and round-headed morphotype, thus they were separately classified into heterotic groups based on the SSR markers. The flat-headed morphotype contained 21 inbred lines and was classified into three heterotic groups, named Hanchun 4, Jiali, and Dongsheng, in accordance with the representative germplasm contained in each group. The round-headed morphotype contained 42 inbred lines and was classified into five heterotic groups, named Parte, Bejo1039, YK-143, SCA002, and Golden B90. Meanwhile, parent analysis of 20 developed elite combinations showed that their parents were all distributed in different heterotic groups, indicating that the group classification was reasonable,which can provide a basis for further parent selection in winter cabbage breeding. Furthermore, polymorphic SSR primers were successfully used to identify the hybrid purity of three elite varieties.

Revision of the Conodont Mockina slovakensis and Its Paleogeographic Implications for the Upper Triassic Intraplatform Basins of the Alps

Mockina slovakensis,thought to have evolved from Epigondolella praeslovakensis,is an important species of the Norian(Upper Triassic),generally considered as the representative of the uppermost Alaunian to upper Sevatian in the Tethys.The previous description of M.slovakensis was incomplete,thus has led to some misidentifications.We thus update the description of M.slovakensis and discuss its comparisons and occurrence based on the new conodont investigations in Dolomia di Forni and the data from previous literatures.The conodont assemblage in the succession of Dolomia di Forni is dominated by M.slovakensis,along with rare M.postera and E.praeslovakensis.We described two morphotypes of M.slovakensis(morphotypes A and B),on the basis of shape of the lateral profile.These two morphotypes can also be observed in the E.praeslovakensis.Moreover,M.slovakensis is usually documented as almost monospecific conodont association in intraplatform basins,thus its paleogeographic implications are also discussed.