Cleome Species Research Articles

Pollen and Seed Morphology of Cleome Species (Cleomaceae) in Vietnam

Cleomaceae is a family that includes 18 genera distributed worldwide in tropical and temperate regions. Cleome L. is the largest genus having 207 species, widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions (POWO 2019). In Vietnam, the genus is represented by four species Cleome rutidosperma DC., C. houtteanaSchltdl., C. viscosaL. and C. gynandraL. The present study documents the pollen and seed characteristics of all four species of Cleome in Vietnam, and the data obtained using light microscope and scanning electron microscope are analyzed considering their importance in taxonomic delimitation and understanding their phylogenetic relationship. The results indicated a close relationship between different pollen and aperture types. The striking differences between the pollen shapes among different species of Cleome could be useful in taxonomic and evolutionary studies. Similarly, seed shape and surface characters provided important clues for their delimitation. Based on the pollen and seed morphological characteristics, a taxonomic key has been provided for easy identification of the Cleome species in Vietnam.

Isolation and characterization of phytochemical Constituents of cleome rutidosperma leaf methanol extract and its cytotoxicity against MCF-7 Cells

Natural resources like medicinal plants have been used traditionally to treat or manage various diseases and disorders. Cleome species possess to have major bioactive compounds with clinical significance. The present study was carried out to exploit the Cleome rutidosperma for its phytoconstituents and to isolate major bioactive compounds and their efficacy as cytotoxic agent against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The isolated compound was characterized with GC-MS spectroscopy and the structure was elucidated using spectral data analysis which revealed the presence of a cardiac glycosides derivative that was isolated for the first time from Cleome rutidosperma namely Acetic acid 3, 14-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-(6-oxo-6H-pyran-3-yl)-hexadecahydro-cyclopenta[α]phenanthren-16-yl ester (Bufotalin). The crude and isolated Bufotalin possess to have potential anticancer activity with an IC50 value of 22.86 µg/ml and 3.895µg/ml respectively, against the breast cancer cell lines. The plant-mediated isolated cardiac glycoside bufotalin will be a potential agent for the control of the proliferation of cancer cells.

Significance of floral axis and staminal features in tracing phylogeny of Cleome species

Taxonomic delimitation, phylogeny of Cleome L. species and relative closeness between three allied families, Capparaceae, Cleomaceae and Brassicaceae, are enigmatic and yet to be resolved comprehensively. The genus Cleome of Cleomaceae represents a cosmopolitan assemblage of species with wide variability in morphological features sharing morphological similarity with both Capparaceae and Brassicaceae. In the present study, floral-axis and staminal features, along with habit and leaf characters, were employed in tracing the phylogeny of Cleome species not explored earlier. The parameters proved unique in solving the phylogenetic puzzle of Cleome, allowing to speculate on the origin of woody and non-woody herbaceous species of Cleome from two separate species aggregates of Capparaceae (palmate-leaved Crateva aggregate and simple-leaved Capparis aggregate, respectively), also to establish phylogenetic linkage between three families, Capparaceae, Cleomaceae and Brassicaceae. Evolutionary changes were directed towards the gradual shortening and suppression of elongated floral axis to discoid thalamus, gradual reduction in the number and size of stamens, and flower size with habitual transformations from shrubby to herbaceous form. Cleome appeared as a connecting link between Capparaceae and Brassicaceae, and the interpretations derived showed significant concomitance with APG IV classification system.

Complete chloroplast genome of the medicinal plant Cleome paradoxa R.Br. Ex DC: Comparative analysis, and phylogenetic relationships among the members of Cleomaceae

The cleome species of the Cleomaceae family have several medical uses, including applications such as antioxidants and insecticides. In the present study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome (cp genome) of Cleome paradoxa. The chloroplast genome is 159,393 bp long, with a typical four-region structure: a large single copy (LSC) region of 88,191 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,620 bp, and inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb) of 26,291 bp each. The proportion of GC content was 35.79 %. The chloroplast genome of C. paradoxa contains 133 genes, 81 of which encode proteins, 29 encode tRNA, and 4 encode rRNA. We noticed a divergence in the location and number of certain genes at the IR-LSC and IR-SSC boundaries. The phylogenetic tree constructed from the complete chloroplast genome data broadly supported the taxonomic situation of Cleome paradoxa as belonging to the Cleomaceae family and Cleome species. The cp genome of C. paradoxa was rich in single sequence repeats (SSRs), with a total of 314 SSRs. Additionally, several genes were under positive selection. These results could be useful for determining the genetic variations and resolving conflicting relationships among Cleomaceae species.

Identification and reconstruction of phylogeny among three species of Cleome using nrDNA-ITS sequence

Three species of genus Cleome, C. arabica, C. ramosissima and C. amblyocarpa were identified using nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer sequence (nrDNA-ITS). The phylogenetic tree was made using different methods viz., neighbor-joining (NJ), maximum parsimony (MP), and maximum likelihood for accuracy of the results, and congruence finding in phylogeny. Cleome ramosissima and C. amblyocarpa were found to be clustered in one group according to the sequence similarity. However, C. arabica clustered in a separate clade. The nrDNA-ITS marker clearly differentiated and showed phylogenetic relationships among the three species. Thus, nrDNA-ITS marker could be effectively used for other species of Cleome for their identification and phylogenetic studies.

Respiratory and C4-photosynthetic NAD-malic enzyme coexist in bundle sheath cell mitochondria and evolved via association of differentially adapted subunits.

In plant mitochondria, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-malic enzyme (NAD-ME) has a housekeeping function in malate respiration. In different plant lineages, NAD-ME was independently co-opted in C4 photosynthesis. In the C4 Cleome species, Gynandropsis gynandra and Cleome angustifolia, all NAD-ME genes (NAD-MEα, NAD-MEβ1, and NAD-MEβ2) were affected by C4 evolution and are expressed at higher levels than their orthologs in the C3 species Tarenaya hassleriana. In T. hassleriana, the NAD-ME housekeeping function is performed by two heteromers, NAD-MEα/β1 and NAD-MEα/β2, with similar biochemical properties. In both C4 species, this role is restricted to NAD-MEα/β2. In the C4 species, NAD-MEα/β1 is exclusively present in the leaves, where it accounts for most of the enzymatic activity. Gynandropsis gynandra NAD-MEα/β1 (GgNAD-MEα/β1) exhibits high catalytic efficiency and is differentially activated by the C4 intermediate aspartate, confirming its role as the C4-decarboxylase. During C4 evolution, NAD-MEβ1 lost its catalytic activity; its contribution to the enzymatic activity results from a stabilizing effect on the associated α-subunit and the acquisition of regulatory properties. We conclude that in bundle sheath cell mitochondria of C4 species, the functions of NAD-ME as C4 photosynthetic decarboxylase and as a housekeeping enzyme coexist and are performed by isoforms that combine the same α-subunit with differentially adapted β-subunits.

Hepatoprotection and Phytochemistry of the Vietnamese Herbs Cleome chelidonii and Cleome viscosa Stems

The study aims to determine the hepatoprotective effect of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of the leaves and stems of two Cleome species against carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced liver toxicity both in vitro using human hepatoma (HepG2) cells and in vivo in rats as well as the hepatoprotective property of all isolated compounds on HepG2. After 72 h of treatment, at the concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL, the methanol of C. chelidonii stems (CCSM) ranged from 18.6% to 20.8%, whereas the methanol of C. chelidonii stems (CVSM) increased from 12.3% to 17.2% cell viability. The results show that CCSM and CVSM significantly expressed in vitro hepaprotective activity on HepG2. Therefore, the animals were daily treated with these extracts at the doses of 15, 30, and 45 mg/kg body weight for 5 days, and CCl4 was injected (2 ml/kg body weight, i.p.) on the 2nd and 3rd days. Levels of aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) and alanine aminotransferase (AST) in the blood were measured and compared to the silymarin control. The treatments with CCSM and CVSM (30, and 45 mg/kg) possessed significant hepatoprotection and were comparable with the activity of silymarin. Further, phytochemical studies of these ones were conducted and led to the identification of eight flavonoids: visconoside A (1), visconoside B (2), quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (3), kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (4), cleomeside A (5), cleomeside B (6), cleomeside C (7), and quercetin-3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1⟶2)]-α-L-rhamnopyranoside 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (8). Two major flavonoids (1 and 4) displayed significant hepatoprotective property (at the concentration of 100 μM, the prevention percentage values were 66.5% and 74.2%, respectively, compared to the quercetin control, with value of 80.3%).

Leaves of Cleome amblyocarpa Barr. And Murb. And Cleome arabica L.: Assessment of nutritional composition and chemical profile (LC-ESI-MS/MS), anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of their extracts

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe Cleomaceae family is known for its richness in secondary metabolites and different Cleome species are used in folk medicine. Cleome amblyocarpa and Cleome arabica are medicinal herbs used in Tunisia and other North Africa countries to treat various diseases such as diabetes, rheumatism, colic, pain and digestive disorders. Aim of the studyTo our knowledge, few data are available about the nutritional value, phytochemical components and biological effects of C. arabica and C. amblyocarpa cultivated in Tunisia. For this reason, the present survey aimed to determine the nutritional value, bioactive compounds and pharmacological properties of the leaves of these two species of Cleome. Materials and methodsTo characterize and determine the bioactive compounds in both extracts of leaves of Cleome species, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was used. The various nutritional parameters were analyzed, in particular the amounts of protein, carbohydrates, ash, fiber, and total lipids. Vitamin E and fatty acid profiles were also evaluated by HPLC-DAD-FLD and GC-FID, respectively. The acute toxic effects of leaf extracts in mice at concentrations of 100, 500 and 800 mg/kg body weight have been investigated. The anti-inflammatory effect of leaves extracts was examined by means of the in vitro and in vivo models. The in vivo anti-inflammatory test was assessed by means of the carrageenan induced paw edema in rats. For the in vitro anti-inflammatory assay, the red blood cells membrane stabilization and protein denaturation methods were employed. The analgesic effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of leaves was also assessed by acetic acid induced writhing model in mice. ResultsThe phytochemical composition and the nutritional values of the leaves of C. amblyocarpa and C. arabica were determined. Our results revealed that the leaves of C. amblyocarpa are rich in flavonoids and glucosinolates. On the other hand, these latter metabolites are not present in the C. arabica extract and the leaves are characterized by the presence of flavones, methoxyflavones and their glycosides. Our findings revealed that the leaves of the two species contain a potential quantity of vitamins; proteins, carbohydrates and dietary fiber, and their hydroalcoholic extracts indicated substantial anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in all the tests. Additionally, the data from the acute toxicity test proved that the leaf extracts did not cause any mortality or signs of toxicity in animals at doses up to 800 mg/kg ConclusionsThe results obtained in this investigation demonstrated that the leaves of C. arabica and C. amblyocarpa are a valuable source of nutrients and active substances. Our observations support the traditional utilize of these two Cleome species for the treatment of painful diseases and as a source of natural anti-inflammatory agents.

Biological activity and investigation of some active constituents with molecular docking from two Cleome species

Objective Cleome genus belonging to Cleomeaceae family is used as an antidiabetic agent in Egyptian folk medicine. The current study aimed to isolated and identify the active constitutes of two species, Cleome africana and Cleome droserifolia, and to study the biological activities, such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective.Materials and methods The lipid constituents of two plant species, C. africana and C. droserifolia, were extracted with petroleum ether and fractionated to acetone-insoluble fraction and acetone-soluble fraction. Molecular docking studies were carried out in isolated compounds. Antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities of the promising compounds were investigated.Results and conclusion The fatty alcohols and hydrocarbons were identified from the acetone-insoluble fraction. C. africana comprises four fatty alcohols, in which tetratetracontanol is the main one, whereas C. droserifolia consists of two fatty alcohols, in which dotriacontanol is the main one. The hydrocarbons include seven compounds, with tritriacontane as the main one in both species. The acetone-soluble fraction was saponified to afford the unsaponifiable fraction, which contains in C. africana a series of n-alkanes from n-C14 to n-C31, representing 93.66%, with n-C22 as the main one, in addition to a sterol fraction, forming 5.13%, in which β-sitosterol is the main compound, and the fraction of C. droserifolia was found to contain a series of n-alkanes from n-C18 to n-C30, representing 60.46%, in which n-C30 is the main compound, besides sterols, representing about 39.54%, with campesterol as a major compound (12.46%), and finally, a triterpene fraction consisting of α-amyrin and β-amyrin. In addition, fatty acids as a mixture of eight acids (saturated and unsaturated) were found in both species; the major two acids are linoleic acid (38.99%) and palmitic acid (33.05%). Extraction of the glucosinolate (GL) constituents from the methanolic extract of C. africana led to isolation and identification of one compound (G), identified as 3-ethylsulfonyl-2,3-dimethoxypropyl GLs. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the total GLs allowed us to identify eight isothiocyanate and two thione compounds. Molecular docking of compound G with glucosidase enzyme using C-DOCKER protocol resulted in having higher docking scores relative to the lead molecule and the ligand (Glimepiride). Accordingly, molecular docking studies proved that the molecule of G compound has a promising active hits and can be used as antidiabetic through glucosidase inhibitor and also different extracts exhibited an anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity.

A systematic revision of Capparaceae and Cleomaceae in Egypt: an evaluation of the generic delimitations of Capparis and Cleome using ecological and genetic diversity

BackgroundThe Capparaceae family is commonly recognized as a caper, while Cleomaceae represents one of small flowering family within the order Brassicales. Earlier, Cleomaceae was included in the family Capparaceae; then, it was moved to a distinct family after DNA evidence. Variation in habits and a bewildering array of floral and fruit forms contributed to making Capparaceae a “trash-basket” family in which many unrelated plants were placed. Indeed, family Capparaceae and Cleomaceae are in clear need of more detailed systematic revision. ResultsHere, in the present study, the morphological characteristics and the ecological distribution as well as the genetic diversity analysis among the twelve species of both Capparaceae and Cleomaceae have been determined. The genetic analysis has been checked using 15 ISSR, 30 SRAP, and 18 ISTR to assess the systematic knots between the two families. In order to detect the molecular phylogeny, a comparative analysis of the three markers was performed based on the exposure of discriminating capacity, efficiency, and phylogenetic heatmap. Our results indicated that there is a morphological and ecological variation between the two families. Moreover, the molecular analysis confirmed that ISTR followed by SRAP markers has superior discriminating capacity for describing the genetic diversity and is able to simultaneously distinguish many polymorphic markers per reaction. Indeed, both the PCA and HCA data have drawn a successful annotation relationship in Capparaceae and Cleome species to evaluate whether the specific group sort individual or overlap groups. ConclusionThe outcomes of the morphological and ecological characterization along with the genetic diversity indicated an insight solution thorny interspecies in Cleome and Gynandropsis genera as a distinct family (Cleomaceae) and the other genera (Capparis, Cadaba, Boscia, and Maerua) as Capparaceae. Finally, we recommended further studies to elucidate the systematic position of Dipterygium glaucum.

<p><strong>Generic reorganization and nomenclatural synopsis of the Andean Clade (Cleomaceae)</strong></p>

The Andean clade of Cleomaceae is a well-recognized and supported clade in phylogenetic studies, but it is in need of nomenclatural updates. Multiple species have yet to have combinations made for modern generic placement within the clade, particularly those of Cleome species. Here we recognize four genera in the Andean Clade: Andinocleome, Cochranella, Podandrogyne, and Pterocleome. The species Cleome anomala, C. chilensis, C. glandulosa, C. limoneolens, C. longifolia, C. mathewsii, and C. moritziana are considered to belong to Andinocleome. The species Andinocleome pilosa is moved to the monotypic genus Cochranella, and Cleome stylosa is placed in the monotypic genus Pterocleome. We provide nomenclatural updates of genera and species, a key to, and morphological circumscriptions of, the recognized genera, and illustrations of crucial morphological distinctions. A synonymy is included for all species in the three genera treated, excluding Podandrogyne. In total, we treat 11 species and 46 names. Seventeen lectotypes are designated here.

New distributional records of Cleome chelidonii L.f. and Cleome rutidosperma DC. (Cleomaceae) in Madura Island

Calcareous soil and dry climate are characteristic of Madura Island, located on the east coast of Java, Indonesia. The group of flowering plants that adapted to these conditions is the genus Cleome L. (Cleomaceae). In 1963, Backer and Bakhuizen van den Brink Jr. only listed three species of Cleome from Madura, i.e., C. aspera J.König ex DC., C. gynandra L., and C. viscosa L. Since then, the updated data on the genus Cleome of Madura is not provided yet. Therefore, this study aimed to provide updated information on the genus in Madura island. The botanical exploration was conducted at Bangkalan, Sampang, Pamekasan, and Sumenep in December 2019 to January 2020. The two additional species, namely C. chelidonii L.f. and C. rutidosperma DC., were reported for the first time in Madura. Both species were considered as the newly distributional record for the island. Cleome chelidonii was found in Gapura Tengah (Sumenep Regency), and C. rutidosperma was collected from Kamal (Bangkalan Regency). The botanical information on both species is presented, including the updated key to the Cleome of Madura Island. This study provides updated information on genus Cleome in Madura and reporting the existence of Cleome chelidonii and Clome rutidosperma from the island. The presence of both species was considered as a newly distributional record.

Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical investigations on whole plant of Cleome chelidonii Linn

Cleome chelidonii Linn. (Family: Capparaceae) is a rare plant grown as perennials throughout dry seasons and widely distributed as a weed in wet places. However, the plant having wide therapeutic properties has not been scientifically validated. In present investigation, the detailed Pharmacognostical study of Cleome chelidonii is carried out to lay down the standards which could be useful in future experimental studies. The study includes macroscopy, microscopy, preliminary phytochemical screening, separation and isolation of plant constituents by chromatographic methods, characterization of isolated plant constituents and fluorescence analysis, elemental analysis and spectral studies. These studies provided referential information for correct identification and standardization of this plant material and to differentiate the plant Cleome chelidonii from other species of Cleome.

Morphology and seed protein profile for a new species of the genus Cleome L. (Cleomaceae) from Pakistan

Abstract A new species of the genus Cleome L. from Pakistan is described and illustrated. The new species is described under the name C. karachiensis sp. nov. and compared with two closely related species i.e., Cleome brachycarpa and C. viscosa in terms of morphology, palynology, seed morphology and seed protein profile. A key to the species of genus Cleome L. from Pakistan is also provided.

Pleurotus pulmonarius in Association with a Herbaceous Angiosperm, Cleome viscosa: A Novel Finding from Jammu (J&K, India)

The present communication puts on record the novel finding of a macro-fungus associated with a herbaceous angiosperm, Cleome viscosa L. from Jammu (J&K, India). On the basis of detailed morphological and mycological studies it is identified as Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel. Neither the plant nor the macro-fungus species are hitherto known to be associated with each other. While species of Cleome including C. viscosa are known to interact with micro-fungal taxa those of Pleurotus reportedly associate usually with trees, both living and dead. In the present case, the possible mutualistic symbiotic association has been inferred from the physical proximity between the two.

Identification and characterization of miRNAs in two closely related C4 and C3 species of Cleome by high-throughput sequencing

Cleome gynandra and Cleome hassleriana, which are C4 and C3 plants, respectively, are two species of Cleome. The close genetic relationship between C. gynandra and C. hassleriana provides advantages for discovering the differences in leaf development and physiological processes between C3 and C4 plants. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of important regulators of various biological processes. In this study, we investigate the differences in the characteristics of miRNAs between C. gynandra and C. hassleriana using high-throughput sequencing technology. In total, 94 and 102 known miRNAs were identified in C. gynandra and C. hassleriana, respectively, of which 3 were specific for C. gynandra and 10 were specific for C. hassleriana. Ninety-one common miRNAs were identified in both species. In addition, 4 novel miRNAs were detected, including three in C. gynandra and three in C. hassleriana. Of these miRNAs, 67 were significantly differentially expressed between these two species and were involved in extensive biological processes, such as glycol-metabolism and photosynthesis. Our study not only provided resources for C. gynandra and C. hassleriana research but also provided useful clues for the understanding of the roles of miRNAs in the alterations of biological processes in leaf tissues during the evolution of the C4 pathway.

Management of Cleome rutidosperma DC. using high crop density in dry-seeded rice

Cleome rutidosperma is one of the invasive C3 weed species in dry-seeded rice systems in South and Southeast Asia. Cleome species have shown a cytological developmental progression from C3 to C4 photosynthesis. Hence, a better understanding of growth responses of the weed in rice is critical in developing sustainable integrated management approaches for the suppression of this weed. Physiological and morphological changes of C. rutidosperma were studied in a pot experiment by growing the weed alone (1 plant per pot; 0.045 m2) and in competition with 4, 8, 12, and 16 plants per pot of two rice cultivars namely, IR64 and SACG4, in separate pots. The plant height of C. rutidosperma was not affected by the rice density or cultivar, and the height increased linearly with increasing time. The leaf area production of the lower half of the weed was reduced by 80–88% when grown with 12 and 16 rice plants compared to that grown without rice interference. Rice interference at the density of 16 plants per pot reduced leaf biomass of the weed by 92%, inflorescence biomass by 93%, stems biomass by 90%, and root biomass by 92% compared to the weed plants grown alone. The leaf and stem biomass allocation was higher to the lower half of the weed than that to the upper half, when grown in competition with rice. The specific stem length of C. rutidosperma increased by 84% in the presence of 12 rice plants (sowing density 60 kg/ha) compared to 4 plants (sowing density 20 kg/ha), indicating the change in resource allocation to stem elongation to enable the weed to compete effectively under shade to acquire light. However, the relative growth rate of the weed declined by 28% and 54% in the presence of 16 rice plants (sowing density of 80 kg/ha) during 3–5 and 5–7 weeks after sowing, respectively, compared to when the weed was grown without rice interference, reflecting less competitiveness of the weed for the resource acquisition under crop competition. The results of this study showed that the rice interference alone can reduce the weed's growth to a great extent. Therefore, the need of integration of other management practices in dry-seeded rice along with crop interference is highlighted to achieve complete control of C. rutidosperma and similar weeds.

Phylogenetic analysis, genetic diversity and relationships between the recently segregated species of Corynandra and Cleoserrata from the genus Cleome using DNA barcoding and molecular markers

Cleome is the largest genus in the family Cleomaceae and it is known for its various medicinal properties. Recently, some species from the Cleome genus (Cleome viscosa, Cleome chelidonii, Cleome felina and Cleome speciosa) are split into genera Corynandra (Corynandra viscosa, Corynandra chelidonii, Corynandra felina), and Cleoserrata (Cleoserrata speciosa). The objective of this study was to obtain DNA barcodes for these species for their accurate identification and determining phylogenetic relationships. Out of 10 screened barcoding regions, rbcL, matK and ITS1 regions showed higher PCR efficiency and sequencing success. This study added matK, rbcL and ITS1 barcodes for the identification of Corynandra chelidonii, Corynandra felina, Cleome simplicifolia and Cleome aspera species in existing barcode data. Corynandra chelidonii and Corynandra felina species belong to the Corynandra genus, but they are not grouped with the Corynandra viscosa species, however clustered with the Cleome species. Molecular marker analysis showed 100% polymorphism among the studied plant samples. Diversity indices for molecular markers were ranged from He=0.1115–0.1714 and I=0.2268–0.2700, which indicates a significant amount of genetic diversity among studied species. Discrimination of the Cleome and Corynandra species from Cleoserrata speciosa was obtained by two RAPD primers (OPA-4 and RAPD-17) and two ISSR primers (ISSR-1 and ISSR-2). RAPD and ISSR markers are useful for the genetic characterization of these studied species. The present investigation will be helpful to understand the relationships of Cleome lineages with Corynandra and Cleoserrata species.

Morphological aspects of fruits, seeds, seedlings and in vivo and in vitro germination of species of the genus Cleome

The genus Cleome is widely distributed in drier areas of the tropics and subtropics. Cleome dendroides and C. rosea are Brazilian native species that occur mainly in Atlantic Forest and sandy coastal plains, respectively ecosystems negatively affected by human impacts. Cleome spinosa is frequently found in urban areas. Many Cleome species have been used in traditional medicine, as C. spinosa. In the present work, was investigated C. dendroides, C. rosea and C. spinosa germinative behavior under in vivo conditions, as well as was established suitable conditions to in vitro germination and seedling development. The in vivo germination was performed evaluating the influence of temperature, substrate and light. It was observed that only C. spinosa seeds presents physiological dormancy, which was overcome by using alternate temperatures. The substrate influenced significantly the germination of C. rosea and the seeds of C. dendroides showed the highest germination percentages in the different conditions evaluated. The post-seminal development stages under in vivo and in vitro conditions were defined. It was observed that the development was faster under in vitro than in vivo conditions. An effective methodology for in vitro germination, enabling the providing of material to experiment on plant tissue culture was established to C. dendroides and C. spinosa.

Differentiation of C4 photosynthesis along a leaf developmental gradient in two Cleome species having different forms of Kranz anatomy.

In family Cleomaceae there are NAD-malic enzyme-type C4 species having different forms of leaf anatomy. Leaves of Cleome angustifolia have Glossocardioid-type anatomy with a single complex Kranz unit which surrounds all the veins, while C. gynandra has Atriplicoid anatomy with multiple Kranz units, each surrounding an individual vein. Biochemical and ultrastructural differentiation of mesophyll (M) and bundle sheath (BS) cells were studied along a developmental gradient, from the leaf base (youngest) to the tip (mature). Initially, there is cell-specific expression of certain photosynthetic enzymes, which subsequently increase along with structural differentiation. At the base of the leaf, following division of ground tissue to form M and BS cells which are structurally similar, there is selective localization of Rubisco and glycine decarboxylase to BS cells. Thus, a biochemical C3 default stage, with Rubisco expression in both cell types, does not occur. Additionally, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is selectively expressed in M cells near the base. Surprisingly, in both species, an additional layer of spongy M cells on the abaxial side of the leaf has the same differentiation with PEPC, even though it is not in contact with BS cells. During development along the longitudinal gradient there is structural differentiation of the cells, chloroplasts, and mitochondria, resulting in complete formation of Kranz anatomy. In both species, development of the C4 system occurs similarly, irrespective of having very different types of Kranz anatomy, different ontogenetic origins of BS and M, and independent evolutionary origins of C4 photosynthesis.