Fine Structure of Scorpion Pectines for Odor Capture

The paper revealed the fine structure of the scorpion （Mesobuthus martensii） pectines and showed how the fine structure of the pecten influences odor flow. The first step of our investigation was to prove that scorpion pectines work as olfactory and this was done via experiments utilizing paraffin coverage. Subsequently, the location, morphology, section structure, and arrange- ment of the pectines were studied via stereomicroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy （SEM）. The fine structure of pecten comprises a comb-like structure with 24-30 knife-like teeth and thousands of micron bowl-like pecten sensilla in staggered arrangement on the surface of the tooth. Computational Fluid Dynamics （CFD） was applied to predict odor flow around the pecten via the relevant Reynolds numbers. The comb-like structure amplified the odor flow velocity similar to an amplifier, transporting the odor flow of increased velocity to the micron pecten sensilla, improving transport efficiency of the odor flow. The staggered arrangement of the pecten sensilla generated a vortex, improving contact duration between pecten sensilla and odorant molecules. Thus, the pecten fine structure was likely acting as an effective comb with non-smooth teeth for the transport and capture of odorant molecules.

Pectin methylesterase inhibitors GhPMEI53 and AtPMEI19 improve seed germination by modulating cell wall plasticity in cotton and Arabidopsis

The germination process of seeds is influenced by the interplay between two opposing factors,pectin methylesterase(PME)and pectin methylesterase inhibitor(PMEI),which collectively regulate patterns of pectin methylesterification.Despite the recognized importance of pectin methylesterification in seed germination,the specific mechanisms that govern this process remain unclear.In this study,we demonstrated that the overexpression of GhPMEI53is associated with a decrease in PME activity and an increase in pectin methylesterification.This leads to seed cell wall softening,which positively regulates cotton seed germination.AtPMEI19,the homologue in Arabidopsis thaliana,plays a similar role in seed germination to GhPMEI53,indicating a conserved function and mechanism of PMEI in seed germination regulation.Further studies revealed that GhPMEI53 and AtPMEI19 directly contribute to promoting radicle protrusion and seed germination by inducing cell wall softening and reducing mechanical strength.Additionally,the pathways of abscicic acid(ABA)and gibberellin(GA)in the transgenic materials showed significant changes,suggesting that GhPMEI53/AtPMEI19-mediated pectin methylesterification serves as a regulatory signal for the related phytohormones involved in seed germination.In summary,GhPMEI53 and its homologs alter the mechanical properties of cell walls,which influence the mechanical resistance of the endosperm or testa.Moreover,they impact cellular phytohormone pathways(e.g.,ABA and GA)to regulate seed germination.These findings enhance our understanding of pectin methylesterification in cellular morphological dynamics and signaling transduction,and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the PME/PMEI gene superfamily in plants.

Bulked Segregant RNA-Seq Analysis of Pollinated Pistils Reveals Genes Influencing Spikelet Fertility in Rice

Prezygotic isolation is important for successful fertilization in rice, significantly affecting yield. This study focused on F_(5:6) generation plants derived from inter-subspecific crosses(Nipponbare × KDML105) with low(LS) and high seed-setting rates(HS), in which normal pollen fertility was observed. However, LS plants showed a reduced number of pollen grains adhering to the stigma and fewer pollen tubes reaching the ovules at 4-5 h post-pollination, compared with HS plants. Bulked segregant RNA-Seq analysis of pollinated pistils from the HS and LS groups revealed 249 and 473 differentially expressed genes(DEGs), respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis of the HS and LS-specific DEGs indicated enrichment in metabolic pathways, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, and flavonoid biosynthesis. Several of these DEGs exhibited co-expression with pollen development genes and formed extensive clusters of co-expression networks. Compared with LS pistils, enzyme genes controlling pectin degradation, such as OsPME35 and OsPLL9, showed similar expression patterns, with higher levels in HS pistils pre-pollination. Os02g0467600, similar to cinnamate 4-hydroxylase gene(CYP73), involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, displayed higher expression in HS pistils post-pollination. Our findings suggest that OsPME35, OsPLL9, and Os02g0467600 contribute to prezygotic isolation by potentially modifying the stigma cell wall(OsPME35 and OsPLL9) and controlling later processes such as pollen-stigma adhesion(Os02g0467600) genes. Furthermore, several DEGs specific to HS and LS were co-localized with QTLs and functional genes associated with spikelet fertility. These findings provide valuable insights for further research on rice spikelet fertility, ultimately contributing to the development of high-yielding rice varieties.

Study on Processing of Clear Banana Juice Using Hot Water Extraction Method

In this study, the effects of hot water temperature on clarity, total soluble solids, polyphenol oxidase （PPO） and color of banana juice during hot water ex-traction were discussed based on the theory in which heat treatment might induce the pectin and protein in banana pulp to form insoluble products. The results showed the hot water temperature had a significant effect on the formation of insol-uble polymers in banana pulp from pectin and protein. In 75 ℃ water, the pectin and protein in banana pulp were most inclined to form insoluble products. Under this condition, the clarity of banana juice was also highest. The light transmittance at 660 nm was close to 90%. In the banana juice, extracted by 75 ℃ water, the pectin and protein contents were lowest, and they were lower than 7.3 mg/100 ml and 12.9 mg/100 ml respectively. The 75 ℃ water could not inactivate completely the pectin in banana pulp due to its high heat resistance, Therefore, 0.05% L-cys-teine or ascorbic acid needed to be added into banana pulp to inhibit the browning of juice induced by residual PPO.

Physio-Biochemical Changes in Jujube Fruits(Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Lingwuchangzao) at Mature Stage

The changes of physiological and biochemical indices in jujube fruits during the late development were investigated from 6-year-old jujube trees （Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Lingwuchangzao）. The results showed that the flesh firmness decreased slowly from white-green stage to full-red stage, being significantly related with the developmental maturity of jujube fruits negatively, the correlation coefficient reached -0.980 3^＊＊. The contents of ascorbic acid and titratable acid in jujube fruits were significantly related with the developmental process of jujube fruits negatively or positively, the correlation coef- ficients were -0. 973 1^＊＊and ＋ 0. 974 6^ ＊ ＊ , respectively. The contents of soluble solids, total sugar, and sucrose increased with jujube ripening, while the relative sweetness of jujube fruits showed the same variation pattern, the correlation coefficients were 0. 996 6 ^＊ ＊ , 0. 988 0^＊＊ , and 0. 982 8 ^＊ ＊ , respectively. Before white-green stage during fruit development, the accumulation of monosaccharide was predominant in jujube fruits, following a fast accumulation of sucrose, indicating that the main component of sugars is sucrose at the crisp-ripe stage. Furthermore, the starch content of the flesh reached the peak at about thirty percentage of jujube maturity, being 51,54 mg/100 g.FW. The respiratory rates varied between 10 mg/（ kg.h） and CO2 26 mg/（ kg.h） after fruit turning red and before softening, indicating a non-climacteric respiratory type.

Optimization of the biphasic release of indomethacin from HPMC/pectin/calcium chloride matrix tablet by response surface methodology

We studied the effect of two independent variables, the pectin/calcium chloride weight ratio and the overall matrix weight in HPMC/pectin/calcium matrix tablet, on the release of indomethacin. A two-factor 5-level central composite experimental design was employed. Responses of the Peppas correlation parameters n and K and the 10% release time （T0.1） were optimized by response surface methodology. Significant effect of the independent variables on the biphasic release parameters, n and K, was observed. N, K and T0.1 were well fitted with the second-order quadratic equations rather than linear equations. Moreover, the mathematic fitting and the response surfaces showed significant cross-interaction between the pectin/calcium chloride ratio and the overall matrix weight. The optimal formulation with larger n, longer T0.1 and smaller K consisted of medium pectin/calcium chloride ratio around 1.0 and medium matrix weight around 200 mg. Validation studies on the optimal formulations showed good predictability of the n, K and T0.1 values with biases within the range of-7.33% and 6.26%. Our results support that central composite design can be used to optimize drug release from HPMC/pectin/calcium matrix tablet with high predictability.

Inhibitory effect of modified citrus pectin on liver metastases in a mouse colon cancer model

AIM: To discuss the expression of glactin-3 in liver metastasis of colon cancer and its inhibition by modi- fied citrus pectin (MCP) in mice. METHODS: Seventy-five Balb/c mice were randomly di- vided into negative control group (n = 15), positive con- trol group (n = 15), low MCP concentration group (n = 15), middle MCP concentration group (n = 15) and high MCP concentration group (n = 15). CT26 colon cancer cells were injected into the subcapsule of mouse spleen in positive control group, low, middle and high MCP concentrations groups, except in negative control, to set up a colon cancer liver metastasis model. The concen- tration of MCP in drinking water was 0.0%, 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0% (wt/vol), respectively. Liver metastasis of colon cancer was observed after 3 wk. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the concentration of galectin-3 in serum. Expression of ga- lectin-3 in liver metastasis was detected by immunohis- tochemistry. RESULTS: Except for the negative group, the percent- age of liver metastasis in the other 4 groups was 100%, 80%, 73.3% and 60%, respectively. The number of liver metastases in high MCP concentration group was significantly less than that in positive control group (P = 0.008). Except for the negative group, the median volume of implanted spleen tumor in the other 4 groups was 1.51 cm3, 0.93 cm3, 0.77 cm3 and 0.70 cm3, respec- tively. The volume of implanted tumor in middle and high MCP concentration groups was significantly smaller than that in positive control group (P = 0.019; P = 0.003). The concentration of serum galectin-3 in positive control and MCP treatment groups was significantly higher than that in the negative control group. However, there was no significant difference between them. Except for the negative control group, the expression of galectin-3 in liver metastases of the other 4 groups showed no sig- nificant difference. CONCLUSION: Expression of galetin-3 increases sig- nificantly in liver metastasis of colon cancer, which can be effectively inhibited by MCP.

Standard triple, bismuth pectin quadruple and sequential therapies for Helicobacter pylori eradication

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of standard triple, bismuth pectin quadruple and sequential therapies for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ) eradication in a randomized, double-blinded, comparative clinical trial in China. METHODS: A total of 215 H. pylori -positive patients were enrolled in the study and randomly allocated into three groups: group A (n = 72) received a 10-d bismuth pectin quadruple therapy (20 mg rabeprazole bid , 1000 mg amoxicillin bid , 100 mg bismuth pectin qid , and 500 mg levofloxacin qd ); group B (n = 72) received the sequential therapy (20 mg omeprazole bid , 1000 mg amoxicillin bid , in 5 d, followed by 20 mg omeprazole bid , 500 mg tinidazole bid , 500 mg clarithromycin bid , for another 5 d); group C (n = 71) received a standard 1-wk triple therapy (20 mg omeprazole bid , 1000 mg amoxicillin bid , 500 mg clarithromycin bid ). After all these treatments, 20 mg omeprazole bid was administrated for 3 wk. H. pylori status was assessed by histology, 13C-urea breath test and rapid urease test at baseline and 4-6 wk after completion of treatment. Ulcer cicatrization was assessed by gastroscopy. χ 2 test (P < 0.05) was used to compare the eradication rates and ulcer cicatrisation rates among the three groups. RESULTS: The eradication rate was 83.33% (60/72) in group A, 88.89% (64/72) in group B, and 80.56% (58/71) in group C. The ulcer cicatrisation rate was 86.44% (51/59) in group A, 90.16% (55/61) in group B, and 84.91% (45/53) in group C. The sequential therapy yielded a higher eradication rate and ulcer cicatrisation rate than the standard triple and bismuth pectin quadruple therapies. Statistically, the eradication rate of group B was significantly different from groups A and C (P < 0.05), but the difference of ulcer cicatrisation rate and side effects was not statistically significant among the three groups (P > 0.05). The three protocols were generally well tolerated. CONCLUSION: The sequential therapy has achieved a significantly higher eradication rate, and is a more suitable first-line alternative protocol for anti-H. pylori infection compared with the standard triple and bismuth pectin quadruple therapies.

Novel modified pectin for heavy metal adsorption

Modified pectin cross-linked with adipic acid, was synthesized and used for heavy metal removal from wastewater. SEM and FTIR were used to investigate its structure and morphology. The modified pectin had a rough, porous phase covered with carboxy groups, resulting a high adsorption capacity. And at the room temperature, the saturated loading capacity for Pb^2＋, Cu^2＋ and Zn^2＋ reached 1.82 retool/g, 1.794 mmol/g and 0.964 retool/g, respectively. The results proved its potential application to remove of the heavy metal.

Preventive effect of a pectic polysaccharide of the common cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccos L. on acetic acid-induced colitis in mice

AIM： To study isolation and chemical characterization of pectin derived from the common cranberry Vaccin/um oxycoccos L. （oxycoccusan OP） and the testing of its preventive effect on experimental colitis. METHODS： Mice were administrated orally with OP two days prior to a rectal injection of 5% acetic acid and examined for colonic damage 24 h later. Colonic inflammation was characterized by macroscopical injury and enhanced levels of myeloperoxidase activity measured spectrophotometrically with o-phenylene diamine as the substrate. The mucus contents of the colon were determined by the Alcian blue dye binding method. Vascular permeability was estimated using 4% Evans blue passage after i.p. injection of 0.05 mol/L acetic acid. RESULTS： In the mice treated with OP, colonic macroscopic scores （1.1 ± 0.4 vs 2.7, P 〈 0.01） and the total square area of damage （10 ± 2 vs 21 ± 7, P 〈 0.01） were significantly reduced when compared with the vehicle-treated colitis group. OP was shown to decrease the tissue myeloperoxidase activity in colons （42 ± 11 vs 112 ± 40, P 〈 0.01） and enhance the amount of mucus of colitis mice （0.9 ± 0.1 vs 0.4 ± 0.1, P 〈 0.01）. The level of colonic malondialdehyde was noted to decrease in OP-pretreated mice （3.6 ± 0.7 vs 5.1 ± 0.8, P 〈 0.01）. OP was found to decrease the inflammatory status of mice as was determined by reduction of vascular permeability （161 ± 34 vs 241 ± 21, P 〈 0.01）. Adhesion of peritoneal neutrophils and macrophages was also shown to decrease after administration of OP （141 ± 50 vs 235 ± 37, P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Thus, a preventive effect of pectin from the common cranberry, namely oxycoccusan OP, on acetic acid-induced colitis in mice was detected. A reduction of neutrophil infiltration and antioxidant action may be implicated in the protective effect of oxycoccusan.

Effect of high-pressure homogenization on stability of emulsions containing zein and pectin

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high-pressure homogenization on the droplet size and physical stability of different formulations of pectin–zein stabilized rice bran oil emulsions. The obtained emulsions, both before and after passing through highpressure homogenizer, were subjected to stability test under environmental stress conditions,that is, temperature cycling at 4 °C/40 °C for 6 cycles and centrifugal test at 3000 rpm for 10 min. Applying high-pressure homogenization after mechanical homogenization caused only a small additional decrease in emulsion droplet size. The droplet size of emulsions was influenced by the type of pectin used;emulsions using high methoxy pectin(HMP) were smaller than that using low methoxy pectin(LMP). This is due to a greater emulsifying property of HMP than LMP. The emulsions stabilized by HMP–zein showed good physical stability with lower percent creaming index than those using LMP, both before and after passing through high-pressure homogenizer. The stability of emulsions after passing through high-pressure homogenizer was slightly higher when using higher zein concentration, resulting from stronger pectin–zein complexes that could rearrange and adsorb onto the emulsion droplets.

Characterization and in vitro release studies of oral microbeads containing thiolated pectin–doxorubicin conjugates for colorectal cancer treatment

Novel oral microbeads were developed based on a biopolymer–drug conjugate of doxorubicin(DOX) conjugated with thiolated pectin via reducible disulfide bonds. The microbeads were fabricated by ionotropic gelation with cations such as Al3+, Ca2+ and Zn2+. The results showed that using zinc acetate can produce the strongest microbeads with spherical shape.However, the microbeads prepared from thiolated pectin–DOX conjugate were very soft and irregular in shape. To produce more spherical microbeads with suitable strength, the native pectin was then added to the formulations. The particle size of the microbeads ranged from 0.87 to 1.14 mm. The morphology of the microbeads was characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. DOX was still in crystalline form when used in preparing the microbeads, as confirmed by powder X-ray diffractometry. Drug release profiles showed that the microbeads containing thiolated pectin–DOX conjugate exhibited reduction-responsive character;in reducing environments, the thiolated pectin–DOX conjugate could uncouple resulting from a cleavage of the disulfide linkers and consequently release the DOX. The best-fit release kinetics of the microbeads containing thiolated pectin–DOX conjugate, in the medium without reducing agent, fit the Korsmeyer–Peppas model while those in the medium with reducing agent fit a zero-order release model. These results suggested that the microbeads containing thiolated pectin–DOX conjugate may be a promising platform for cancer-targeted delivery of DOX, exploiting the reducing environment typically found in tumors.

Optimization of pectin extraction and antioxidant activities from Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke is an economic crop widely planted in saline-alkaline soil. The use of Jerusalem artichoke is of great significance. In this study, the response surface method was employed to optimize the effects of processing variables （extraction temperature, pH, extraction time, and liquid-to- solid ratio） on the yield of Jerusalem artichoke pectin. Under the optimal extraction conditions： pHl .52, 63.62 min, 100℃ and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 44.4 mL/g, the maximum pectin yield was predicted to be 18.76%. Experiments were conducted under these optimal conditions and a pectin yield of 18.52＋0.90% was obtained, which validated the model prediction. The effects of different drying methods （freeze drying, spray drying and vacuum drying） on the properties of Jerusalem artichoke pectin were evaluated and they were compared with apple pectin. FTIR spectral analysis showed no major structural differences in Jerusalem artichoke pectin samples produced by various drying treatments. The antioxidant activities of pectin dried by different methods were investigated using in vitro hydroxyl and DPPH radical scavenging systems. The results revealed that the activities of spray dried pectin （SDP） and apple pectin （AP） were stronger than those of vacuum oven dried pectin （ODP） and vacuum freeze dried pectin （FDP）. Therefore compared with the other two drying methods, the spray drying method was the best.

Identification and fermentation optimization of protopectinase-overproducing strain Aspergillus niger CD-01 for pectin production

In order to solve the citrus peel resource waste problem protopectinase-overproducing strain CD-01 for pectin production and minimize the drawbacks of chemical extraction of pectin, a was isolated from a pit soil dumped with perished orange in Changde City, Hunan Province of China. The strain CD-01 had the same morphology and 28S rRNA gene sequence （FJ184995） as that of Aspergillus niger （ATCC 64028）. It was thus identified and named as Aspergillus niger CD-01. The fermentation condition was optimized based on L9（34） orthogonal experimental design and the variances analyses. The results show that the optimal condition for producing pectin is as follows： time 36 h, temperature 35 ℃, pH 5, and urea as the nitrogen source. Under this condition, the pectin yield can reach up to 24.5%. This shows a great potential of Aspergillus niger CD-01 in pectin extraction from citrus.

Pectin modulates intestinal immunity in a pig model via regulating the gut microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolite-AhR-IL22 pathway

Background Pectin is a heteropolysaccharide that acts as an intestinal immunomodulator,promoting intestinal development and regulating intestinal flora in the gut.However,the relevant mechanisms remain obscure.In this study,pigs were fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet supplemented with either 5%microcrystalline cellulose(MCC)or 5%pectin for 3 weeks,to investigate the metabolites and anti-inflammatory properties of the jejunum.Result The results showed that dietary pectin supplementation improved intestinal integrity(Claudin-1,Occludin)and inflammatory response[interleukin(IL)-10],and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines(IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α)was down-regulated in the jejunum.Moreover,pectin supplementation altered the jejunal microbiome and tryptophan-related metabolites in piglets.Pectin specifically increased the abundance of Lactococcus,Enterococcus,and the microbiota-derived metabolites(skatole(ST),3-indoleacetic acid(IAA),3-indolepropionic acid(IPA),5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid(HIAA),and tryptamine(Tpm)),which activated the aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR)pathway.AhR activation modulates IL-22 and its downstream pathways.Correlation analysis revealed the potential relationship between metabolites and intestinal morphology,intestinal gene expression,and cytokine levels.Conclusion In conclusion,these results indicated that pectin inhibits the inflammatory response by enhancing the AhR-IL22-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway,which is activated through tryptophan metabolites.

Role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,citrus pectin,and milk-derived exosomes on intestinal barrier integrity and immunity in animals

The gastrointestinal tract of livestock and poultry is prone to challenge by feedborne antigens,pathogens,and other stress factors in the farm environment.Excessive physiological inflammation and oxidative stress that arises firstly disrupts the intestinal epithelial barrier followed by other components of the gastrointestinal tract.In the present review,the interrelationship between intestinal barrier inflammation and oxidative stress that contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease was described.Further,the role of naturally existing immunomodulatory nutrients such as the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,citrus pectin,and milk-derived exosomes in preventing intestinal barrier inflammation was discussed.Based on the existing evidence,the possible molecular mechanism of these bioactive nutrients in the intestinal barrier was outlined for application in animal diets.

Characteristics, Enzymatic Extraction of Pectin from Shaddock

Pectins had been extracted from shaddock raw material with 0.01 mol·L^-1 HCI and with three enzymic preparations including cellulase from aspergillus oryzaei.β -glucosidase from almonds and protopectinases-T, a protopectin-solubilizing enzyme, which did not degrade polygalacturonic acid, The effects of enzymic and acid soluhilization of pectin from shaddock materials were compared, The yield of pectin preparations, degree of acetylation, gelling strength, molecular weight and viscosity were determined. Enzymic methods of extraction gave much bigger yields of pectic substances. Compared with the pectin extracted with hydrochloric acid, all the samples derived from shaddock raw material with enzymic preparations had a significant lower D-galacturonic acid content.

Chicory(Cichorium intybus L.) and cereals differently affect gut development in broiler chickens and young pigs

Dietary fiber, resistant to host-mediated digestion in the small intestine due to lack of endogenous enzymes, impacts many facets of animal health and is associated with gut development especially in young monogastrics. Furthermore, it can be used as in-feed antibiotic alternative. Chicory （Cichorium intybus L.） forage with high content of pectin （uronic acids as building blocks） is a novel class of dietary fiber that is chemically different from cereal grains （with high content of arabinoxylans）. In the present study, we investigated effects of dietary inclusion of chicory forage on digestibility, gut morphology and microbiota in broilers and young pigs. In the chicken experiment, 160 1-d old broiler chicks were fed 3 nutritionally balanced diets for 30 d including a cereal-based diet and 2 diets with part of the cereals substituted with 60 and 120 g/k9 chicory forage （CF60 and CF120], whereas in the pig experiment, 18 seven-wk old Yorkshire pigs were fed 3 diets for 18 d including a cereal-based diet and 2 diets with 80 and 160 g/kg chicory forage inclusion （CF80 and CF160）. Our results showed that young pigs were capable to utilize chicory forage well with higher total tract apparent digestibility （TTAD） of all fiber fractions, particularly uronic acid, compared with the control （P 〈 0.01）. In contrast, a decreased TTAD of all fiber fractions was observed in chickens fed on diet CF120 （P 〈 0.05）. Moreover, diet induced changes in gut morphology were observed in the large intestine of chickens. The alteration of cecal mucosal thickness was further positively correlated with TTAD of non-starch polysaccharides （NSP） and its constituent sugars （P 〈 0.05）. In addition, in pigs, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism （T-RFLP） analysis of intestinal microbiota revealed substantial dietary effects （cereal control diet vs. chicory forage inclusion） on the relative abundance of 2 dominant bacterial phylotypes （Prevotella sp. vs. Roseburia sp.） respectively （P 〈 0.05）. In conclusion, our data showed that chicory forage （Cichorium intybus L.）, a novel dietary fiber source in animal nutrition, have potential beneficial properties as fiber ingredient in diets for both pigs and chickens.

Expression of an Antisense BcMF3 Affects Microsporogenesis and Pollen Tube Growth in Arabidopsis

In an effort to provide some information relevant to the molecular mechanism of genic male sterility in plants, BcMF3 gene that encodes a pectin methylesterase was isolated from the fertile B line of Chinese cabbage-pak-choi （Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis, syn. B. campestris ssp. chinensis）. In the present paper, a 455-bp antisense cDNA fragment of BcMF3 was introduced to binary vector pB1121, and then was mobilized into Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404. The A. tumefaciens harboring the BcMF3 antisense fragment was transformed to Arabidopsis thaliana by floral dip. Scanning electronic microscopy examination demonstrated that 47.8% of BcMF3 antisense pollen grains exhibited abnormal shape, which might lead to decreased germination of pollens, suggesting that the product of BcMF3 gene plays an important role during microsporogenesis. The evidence on burst of 45.7% of BcMF3 antisense pollen tubes in vitro and a majority of BcMF3 antisense pollens restricted within the stigmatic tissue revealed that BcMF3 is involved in aiding the growth of pollen tubes. The results suggest that BcMF3 acts at both stages of microsporogensis and pollen tube growth.

Production of Pectinolytic Enzymes by Two Bacillus spp. Strains and Their Application in Flax Degumming

This study demonstrated that Bacillus licheniformis HDYM-03 and Bacillus megaterium HDYM-09, isolated from a liquid sample of fl ax retting pool, were able to produce pectinolytic enzymes using polysaccharides as substrates. Bacillus megaterium HDYM-09 produced pectin lyase that exhibited the highest activity of 2116.71 ± 11.55 U/mL. Bacillus licheniformis HDYM-03 produced pectate lyase that exhibited the highest activity of 611.21 ± 14.54 U/mL. Based on these fi ndings, we constructed four retting systems to degrade the pectin substance. The results showed that the content of galacturonic acid in the mixed system was 529.21 μg/mL, the content of reducing sugar was 98.14 mg/mL, and the weight loss ratio of cells reached 19.49%, which were signifi cantly higher than those in other systems. The mixed system has more advantages, and the utilization rate of degumming was higher, which further ensured that the degumming can be carried out effi ciently and quickly. The mixed system exhibits feasible applications in the fi ber and textile industry.