Wu Zhengyi,a master in science and a giant in botany,was born in Jiujiang,Jiangxi province,China 100 years ago and passed away on June 20,2013 in Kunming,China.He was an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,...Wu Zhengyi,a master in science and a giant in botany,was born in Jiujiang,Jiangxi province,China 100 years ago and passed away on June 20,2013 in Kunming,China.He was an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,Professor and Director Emeritus of Kunming Institute of Botany,Chinese Academy of Sciences。展开更多
IN the late 1970s, biochemical analysis and electron microscopy of isolated, histone-depleted mitotic chromosomes demonstrated the existence of a central scaffold consisting mainly of nonhistone proteins (NHPs) in met...IN the late 1970s, biochemical analysis and electron microscopy of isolated, histone-depleted mitotic chromosomes demonstrated the existence of a central scaffold consisting mainly of nonhistone proteins (NHPs) in metaphase chromosomes. Subsequently, by using silver impregnation techniques and light microscopy, Howell et al. showed the presence of an axial chromatid core in relatively intact chromosomes of mammals; this core is believed to be展开更多
As a quick, convenient and effective means of analysis, the biochemical marker systemhas expanded rapidly in wheat genetic study in recent years. Biochemical markers, whichinclude isozymes and storage proteins, can be...As a quick, convenient and effective means of analysis, the biochemical marker systemhas expanded rapidly in wheat genetic study in recent years. Biochemical markers, whichinclude isozymes and storage proteins, can be used to study the homology of chromosomeswithin the tribe Triticeae, to characterize wheat chromosome constitution, and to detect展开更多
Background:The use of image analysis to understand the structure of chromosome and chromatin is critical to the study of genetic evolution and diversification.Furthermore,a detailed chromosome map and the structure of...Background:The use of image analysis to understand the structure of chromosome and chromatin is critical to the study of genetic evolution and diversification.Furthermore,a detailed chromosome map and the structure of chromatin in the nucleus may contribute to the plant breeding and the study of fundamental biology and genetics in organisms.Results:In plants with a fully annotated genome project,such as the Leguminosae species,the integration of genetic information,including DNA sequence data,a linkage map,and the cytological quantitative chromosome map could further improve their genetic value.The numerical parameters of chromocenters in 3D can provide useful genetic information for phylogenetic studies of plant diversity and heterochromatic markers whose epigenetic changes may explain the developmental and environmental changes in the plant genome.Extended DNA fibers combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed the highest spatial resolution of the obtained genome structure.Moreover,image analysis at the nano-scale level using a helium ion microscope revealed the surface structure of chromatin,which consists of chromatin fibers compacted into plant chromosomes.Conclusions:The studies described in this review sought to measure and evaluate chromosome and chromatin using the image analysis method,which may reduce measurement time and improve resolution.Further,we discussed the development of an effective image analysis to evaluate the structure of chromosome and chromatin.An effective application study of cell biology and the genetics of plants using image analysis methods is expected to be a major propeller in the development of new applications.展开更多
A bacterial artificial chromosome （BAC） library is an invaluable resource tool to initiate tea plant genomics research, and the preparation of high molecular weight （HMW） genomic DNA is a crucial first step for co...A bacterial artificial chromosome （BAC） library is an invaluable resource tool to initiate tea plant genomics research, and the preparation of high molecular weight （HMW） genomic DNA is a crucial first step for constructing a BAC Library. In order to construct a BAC library for enhancing tea plant genomics research, a new method for the preparation of tea pant high molecular weight （HMW） genomic DNA must be developed due to young tea plant leaves and shoots are notably rich in both tea polyphenols and tea polysaccharides. In this paper, a modified method for preparing high quality tea plant HMW genomi~ DNA was optimized, and the quality of tea plant genomic DNA was evaluated. The results were as follows： Critical indicators of HMW DNA preparation were the appearance of the smooth nuclei in solution （as opposed to sticky-gummy） before agarose plug solidification, non-dark colored nuclei plugs after lysis with an SDS/proteinase K solution, and the quality and quantity of HMW DNA fragments after restriction enzyme digestion. Importantly, 1% dissolved PVP-40 and 1% un-dissolved PVP-40 during the nuclei extraction steps, in conjunction with the removal of PVP-40 from the plug washing and nuclei lysis steps, were critical for achieving HWM tea plant DNA suitable for BAC library construction. Additionally, a third PFGE fraction selection step to eliminate contaminating small DNA fragments. The modifications provided parameters that may have prevented deleterious interactions from tea polyphenols and tea polysaccharides. The HMW genomic DNA produced by this new modified method has been used to successfully construct a large-insert tea plant BAC library, and thus may be suitable for BAC library construction from other plant species that contain similarly interfering compounds.展开更多
As the basal group of Polypodiales, the specific taxonomy of Dicksoniaceae is still being debated. As aquantitative analysis method, numerical taxonomy has been applied to the taxonomic study of many plant families an...As the basal group of Polypodiales, the specific taxonomy of Dicksoniaceae is still being debated. As aquantitative analysis method, numerical taxonomy has been applied to the taxonomic study of many plant families andgenera in recent years due to its simplicity and high accuracy. However, the numerical analysis of the Dicksoniaceae fossilshas not been reported at present. In the present study, the pinnule morphological data of 42 Mesozoic fossil species of theDicksoniaceae were analyzed using cluster analysis, principal component analysis and correlation analysis. The resultsrevealed that 42 taxonomic units could be divided into six representative groups, which are consistent with the traditionaltaxonomy. After screening, an identification key on 28 fossil species of four genera with a definite taxonomic position wasestablished. According to the quantitative analysis, a Bayes discriminant model was established for the selected species.Lastly, the model was tested using the morphological data of the fossil pinnules in Dicksoniaceae from the YaojieFormation, suggesting that the discriminant model is accurate to a certain extent. As a result, the numerical taxonomy canbe applied to the classification of the Dicksoniaceae fossils.展开更多
The development of new taxonomical theories and approaches, particularly molecular phylogenetics, has led to the expansion of traditional morphology-based taxonomy into the concept of "integrative taxonomy."...The development of new taxonomical theories and approaches, particularly molecular phylogenetics, has led to the expansion of traditional morphology-based taxonomy into the concept of "integrative taxonomy." Taxonomic knowledge has assumed greater significance in recent years, particularly because of growing concerns over the looming biodiversity crisis. Since its establishment in 1938, the Kunming Institute of Botany(KIB), which is located in Yunnan province in Southwest China, has focused attention on the taxonomy and conservation of the flora of China. For the forthcoming 80 th anniversary of KIB, we review the achievements of researchers at KIB and their associates with respect to the taxonomy of land plants, fungi, and lichen. Major taxonomic advances are summarized for families of Calymperaceae,Cryphaeaceae, Lembophyllaceae, Neckeraceae, Polytrichaceae and Pottiaceae of mosses, Pteridaceae and Polypodiaceae of ferns, Taxaceae and Cycadaceae of gymnosperms, Asteraceae, Begoniaceae, Ericaceae,Euphorbiaceae, Gesneriaceae, Lamiaceae, Orchidaceae, Orobanchaceae, Poaceae, Theaceae and Urticaceae of angiosperms, Agaricaceae, Amanitaceae, Boletaceae, Cantharellaceae, Physalacriaceae Russulaceae, Suillaceae and Tuberaceae of fungi, and Ophioparmaceae and Parmeliaceae of lichens. Regarding the future development of taxonomy at KIB, we recommend that taxonomists continue to explore the biodiversity of China, integrate new theories and technologies with traditional taxonomic approaches,and engage in creative monographic work, with support from institutions, funding agencies, and the public.展开更多
Information on species composition of an urban forest is essential for its management.However,to obtain this information becomes increasingly difficult due to limited taxonomic expertise.In this study,we tested the po...Information on species composition of an urban forest is essential for its management.However,to obtain this information becomes increasingly difficult due to limited taxonomic expertise.In this study,we tested the possibility of using plant identification applications running on mobile platforms to fill this vacuum.Five plant identification apps were compared for their potential in identifying urban tree species in China.An online survey was conducted to determine the features of apps that contributed to users’satisfaction.The results show that identification accuracy varied significantly among the apps.The best performer achieved an accuracy of 74.6%at the species level,which is comparable to the accuracy by professionals in field surveys.Among the features of apps,accuracy of identification was the most important factor that contributed to users’satisfaction.However,plant identification apps did not perform well when used on rare species or outside of the regions where they have been developed.Results indicate that plant identification apps have great potential in urban forest studies and management,but users need to be cautious when deciding which one to use.展开更多
文摘Wu Zhengyi,a master in science and a giant in botany,was born in Jiujiang,Jiangxi province,China 100 years ago and passed away on June 20,2013 in Kunming,China.He was an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,Professor and Director Emeritus of Kunming Institute of Botany,Chinese Academy of Sciences。
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Grant No.30670146the National Infrastructure of Natural Resources for Science and Technology,Grant No.2005DKA21403.
文摘IN the late 1970s, biochemical analysis and electron microscopy of isolated, histone-depleted mitotic chromosomes demonstrated the existence of a central scaffold consisting mainly of nonhistone proteins (NHPs) in metaphase chromosomes. Subsequently, by using silver impregnation techniques and light microscopy, Howell et al. showed the presence of an axial chromatid core in relatively intact chromosomes of mammals; this core is believed to be
文摘As a quick, convenient and effective means of analysis, the biochemical marker systemhas expanded rapidly in wheat genetic study in recent years. Biochemical markers, whichinclude isozymes and storage proteins, can be used to study the homology of chromosomeswithin the tribe Triticeae, to characterize wheat chromosome constitution, and to detect
基金This work was supported by“e-ASIA Joint Research Program”,“Development of nano-visualization for structural analyses of genetic materials and early infection process for further innovation of functional bio-nanotechnology”from SICORP,and the Mobility Plus Project(No.JPJSBP 120203507)(to NO)This work was also supported by“The 51st Research Grants in the Natural Sciences”from The Mitsubishi Foundation and Nanotechnology Platform of MEXT(No.JPMXP09F20OS0004)(to NO)。
文摘Background:The use of image analysis to understand the structure of chromosome and chromatin is critical to the study of genetic evolution and diversification.Furthermore,a detailed chromosome map and the structure of chromatin in the nucleus may contribute to the plant breeding and the study of fundamental biology and genetics in organisms.Results:In plants with a fully annotated genome project,such as the Leguminosae species,the integration of genetic information,including DNA sequence data,a linkage map,and the cytological quantitative chromosome map could further improve their genetic value.The numerical parameters of chromocenters in 3D can provide useful genetic information for phylogenetic studies of plant diversity and heterochromatic markers whose epigenetic changes may explain the developmental and environmental changes in the plant genome.Extended DNA fibers combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed the highest spatial resolution of the obtained genome structure.Moreover,image analysis at the nano-scale level using a helium ion microscope revealed the surface structure of chromatin,which consists of chromatin fibers compacted into plant chromosomes.Conclusions:The studies described in this review sought to measure and evaluate chromosome and chromatin using the image analysis method,which may reduce measurement time and improve resolution.Further,we discussed the development of an effective image analysis to evaluate the structure of chromosome and chromatin.An effective application study of cell biology and the genetics of plants using image analysis methods is expected to be a major propeller in the development of new applications.
文摘A bacterial artificial chromosome （BAC） library is an invaluable resource tool to initiate tea plant genomics research, and the preparation of high molecular weight （HMW） genomic DNA is a crucial first step for constructing a BAC Library. In order to construct a BAC library for enhancing tea plant genomics research, a new method for the preparation of tea pant high molecular weight （HMW） genomic DNA must be developed due to young tea plant leaves and shoots are notably rich in both tea polyphenols and tea polysaccharides. In this paper, a modified method for preparing high quality tea plant HMW genomi~ DNA was optimized, and the quality of tea plant genomic DNA was evaluated. The results were as follows： Critical indicators of HMW DNA preparation were the appearance of the smooth nuclei in solution （as opposed to sticky-gummy） before agarose plug solidification, non-dark colored nuclei plugs after lysis with an SDS/proteinase K solution, and the quality and quantity of HMW DNA fragments after restriction enzyme digestion. Importantly, 1% dissolved PVP-40 and 1% un-dissolved PVP-40 during the nuclei extraction steps, in conjunction with the removal of PVP-40 from the plug washing and nuclei lysis steps, were critical for achieving HWM tea plant DNA suitable for BAC library construction. Additionally, a third PFGE fraction selection step to eliminate contaminating small DNA fragments. The modifications provided parameters that may have prevented deleterious interactions from tea polyphenols and tea polysaccharides. The HMW genomic DNA produced by this new modified method has been used to successfully construct a large-insert tea plant BAC library, and thus may be suitable for BAC library construction from other plant species that contain similarly interfering compounds.
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No41262001)the Science and Technology Support Fund of Gansu Province(Grant No.1104FKCA116)
文摘As the basal group of Polypodiales, the specific taxonomy of Dicksoniaceae is still being debated. As aquantitative analysis method, numerical taxonomy has been applied to the taxonomic study of many plant families andgenera in recent years due to its simplicity and high accuracy. However, the numerical analysis of the Dicksoniaceae fossilshas not been reported at present. In the present study, the pinnule morphological data of 42 Mesozoic fossil species of theDicksoniaceae were analyzed using cluster analysis, principal component analysis and correlation analysis. The resultsrevealed that 42 taxonomic units could be divided into six representative groups, which are consistent with the traditionaltaxonomy. After screening, an identification key on 28 fossil species of four genera with a definite taxonomic position wasestablished. According to the quantitative analysis, a Bayes discriminant model was established for the selected species.Lastly, the model was tested using the morphological data of the fossil pinnules in Dicksoniaceae from the YaojieFormation, suggesting that the discriminant model is accurate to a certain extent. As a result, the numerical taxonomy canbe applied to the classification of the Dicksoniaceae fossils.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31700182)
文摘The development of new taxonomical theories and approaches, particularly molecular phylogenetics, has led to the expansion of traditional morphology-based taxonomy into the concept of "integrative taxonomy." Taxonomic knowledge has assumed greater significance in recent years, particularly because of growing concerns over the looming biodiversity crisis. Since its establishment in 1938, the Kunming Institute of Botany(KIB), which is located in Yunnan province in Southwest China, has focused attention on the taxonomy and conservation of the flora of China. For the forthcoming 80 th anniversary of KIB, we review the achievements of researchers at KIB and their associates with respect to the taxonomy of land plants, fungi, and lichen. Major taxonomic advances are summarized for families of Calymperaceae,Cryphaeaceae, Lembophyllaceae, Neckeraceae, Polytrichaceae and Pottiaceae of mosses, Pteridaceae and Polypodiaceae of ferns, Taxaceae and Cycadaceae of gymnosperms, Asteraceae, Begoniaceae, Ericaceae,Euphorbiaceae, Gesneriaceae, Lamiaceae, Orchidaceae, Orobanchaceae, Poaceae, Theaceae and Urticaceae of angiosperms, Agaricaceae, Amanitaceae, Boletaceae, Cantharellaceae, Physalacriaceae Russulaceae, Suillaceae and Tuberaceae of fungi, and Ophioparmaceae and Parmeliaceae of lichens. Regarding the future development of taxonomy at KIB, we recommend that taxonomists continue to explore the biodiversity of China, integrate new theories and technologies with traditional taxonomic approaches,and engage in creative monographic work, with support from institutions, funding agencies, and the public.
基金supported financially by China National Natural Science Foundation(grant number 31570458)Microsoft Research Lab-Asia(grant number 041902008).
文摘Information on species composition of an urban forest is essential for its management.However,to obtain this information becomes increasingly difficult due to limited taxonomic expertise.In this study,we tested the possibility of using plant identification applications running on mobile platforms to fill this vacuum.Five plant identification apps were compared for their potential in identifying urban tree species in China.An online survey was conducted to determine the features of apps that contributed to users’satisfaction.The results show that identification accuracy varied significantly among the apps.The best performer achieved an accuracy of 74.6%at the species level,which is comparable to the accuracy by professionals in field surveys.Among the features of apps,accuracy of identification was the most important factor that contributed to users’satisfaction.However,plant identification apps did not perform well when used on rare species or outside of the regions where they have been developed.Results indicate that plant identification apps have great potential in urban forest studies and management,but users need to be cautious when deciding which one to use.
