Days Of Desiccation Research Articles

Role of exopolysaccharides of Anabaena sp. in desiccation tolerance and biodeterioration of ancient terracotta monuments of Bishnupur.

Colonization of the cyanobacteria in the Bishnupur terracotta temples, one of the heritage sites of West Bengal, India is in an alarming state of deterioration now. Among the cyanobacteria Anabaena sp. (VBCCA 052002) has been isolated from most of the crust samples of terracotta monuments of Bishnupur. The identification was done using micromorphological characters and confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolated strain produces enormous exopolysaccharides, which are extracted, hydrolyzed, and analyzed by HPLC. We have studied desiccation tolerance in this cyanobacterium and found biosynthesis of trehalose with an increase in durations of desiccation. The in vitro experiment shows that Chlorophyll-a and carotenoid content increase with fourteen days of desiccation, and cellular carbohydrates increase continuously. However, cellular protein decreases with desiccation. To gain insights into the survival strategies and biodeterioration mechanisms of Anabaena sp. in the desiccated conditions of the Bishnupur monuments, the present study focuses on the physiological aspects of the cyanobacteria under controlled in vitro conditions. Our study indicates that in desiccation conditions, trehalose biosynthesis takes place in Anabaena sp. As a result of the excessive sugar and polysaccharide produced, it adheres to the surface of the terracotta structure. The continuous contraction and expansion of these polysaccharides contribute to the biodeterioration of these monuments.

Calcineurin Inhibitor Voclosporin Preserves Corneal Barrier and Conjunctival Goblet Cells in Experimental Dry Eye.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of voclosporin (VOS) in preventing goblet cell (GC) loss and modulating interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) producing CD4+ T cells in the mouse desiccating stress (DS) dry eye model. Methods: Mice were subjected to DS and treated topically with vehicle, VOS, or cyclosporine A as a treatment control. Corneal barrier function was evaluated after 5 and conjunctival GC density after 10 days of desiccation. CD4+ T cells were isolated from ocular surface draining lymph nodes of dry eye donor mice and adoptively transferred into immune deficient RAG1-/- mice from which tears and conjunctiva were collected for the evaluation of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and GC density. Results: Compared to the vehicle-treated group, VOS was significantly better in preserving corneal barrier function and preventing DS-induced conjunctival GC loss. CD4+ T cells from VOS treated dry eye donors caused less conjunctival GC loss than vehicle and suppressed expression of IFN-γ signature genes to a similar extent and transforming growth factor-beta to a greater extent than cyclosporine in adoptive transfer recipients. Conclusion: These findings suggest that VOS preserves corneal barrier function and conjunctival GCs and suppresses IFN-γ producing CD4+ T cells in experimental dry eye.

Desiccation-induced viable but nonculturable state in Pseudomonas putida KT2440, a survival strategy.

The potential of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 to act as a plant-growth promoter or as a bioremediator of toxic compounds can be affected by desiccation. In the present work, the bacterial survival ratio (BSR) in response to air desiccation was evaluated for P. putida KT2440 in the presence of different protectors. The BSR in the presence of nonreducing disaccharides, such as trehalose, was high after 15 days of desiccation stress (occurring at 30°C and 50% relative humidity), whereas in the absence of a protector the bacterial counts diminished to nondetectable numbers (ca 2.8 log CFU/mL). The LIVE/DEAD staining method showed that bacteria protected with trehalose maintained increased numbers of green cells after desiccation while cells without protection were all observed to be red. This indicated that nonprotected bacteria had compromised membrane integrity. However, when nonprotected bacteria subjected to 18 days of desiccation stress were rehydrated for a short time with maize root exudates or for 48 h with water (prolonged rehydration), the bacterial counts were as high as that observed for those not subjected to desiccation stress, suggesting that the cells entered the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state under desiccation and that they returned to a culturable state after those means of rehydration. Interestingly an increase in the green color intensity of cells that returned to a culturable state was observed using LIVE/DEAD staining method, indicating an improvement in their membrane integrity. Cellular activity in the VBNC state was determined. A GFP-tagged P. putida strain expressing GFP constitutively was subjected to desiccation. After 12 days of desiccation, the GFP-tagged strain lost culturability, but it exhibited active GFP expression, which in turn made the cells green. Furthermore, the expression of 16S rRNA, rpoN (housekeeping), mutL, mutS (encoding proteins from the mismatch repair complex), and oprH (encoding an outer membrane protein) were examined by RT-PCR. All evaluated genes were expressed by both types of cells, culturable and nonculturable, indicating active molecular processes during the VBNC state.

Characterization of indigenous bacteria from radon-rich groundwater and their tolerance to physicochemical stress

Radiation exposure and heavy metal (HM) exposure are serious health hazards causing DNA mutation, oxidative damage and may also be responsible for various life-threatening human diseases, while bacteria can withstand such toxicity easily. This study attempted to identify inhabitant bacterial isolates from radon-contaminated groundwater of Tantloi, India, and effort has also been made to characterize their response against radiation, oxidative stress as well as heavy metal tolerance and removal. Total sixteen (16) bacterial isolates were identified as Bacillus spp., Stenotrophomonas spp., Brevibacillus sp., Chryseobacterium sp., Escherichia sp. and Microbacterium sp., which showed less number of distinct carbohydrates utilization potential but high salinity tolerance properties. In addition, Gram-positive Bacillus spp. can tolerate 1 kGy of γ radiation, 10 mM H2O2, 7 days of desiccation and different heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cr, Zn and As). Four Bacillus spp. and Microbacterium sp., which showed total maximum tolerable concentration (MTC) > 8 out of 5 heavy metals, were considered for their HM removal property analysis. Five multimetal resistance strains had strong removal capacity of Pb and Zn (89–94%) followed by Cr (49–56%) and Cu/As (0.4–22%). This investigation may provide baseline information of radon-contaminated groundwater microbiology, thus could be used to formulate an appropriate strategy for radon and radionuclides remediation.

Suitability of stabilized copper slag and fly ash mix for road construction

PurposeIndustrial wastes such as copper slag and fly ash are being generated in tons every year and disposed mainly by land fillings, resulting in wastage of useful land. Copper slag in itself is a granular cohesionless sand-like material, while fly ash is highly pozzolanic. The purpose of this paper is to investigate copper slag and fly ash mixes with cement as stabilizer for their proper use in road construction.Design/methodology/approachDifferent trial mixes of copper slag and fly ash were tested for obtaining the optimum mix having maximum dry density. Cylindrical specimens were prepared using optimum mix with different proportion of cement (3, 6 and 9 per cent) and cured for period of 7, 14 and 28 days in desiccator. Several tests such as proctor test, unconfined compressive strength test, splitting tensile strength test and soaked CBR test were carried out.FindingsAfter analyzing the variation of test results with varying cement content and curing period, maximum compressive strength of 10 MPa and maximum tensile strength of 1.5 MPa was found for specimen having 9 per cent cement content cured for a period of 28 days. It was concluded that copper slag and fly ash when mixed in optimum proportion and stabilized with 6 and 9 per cent cement can be effectively used as granular material in sub base and base layer of road pavement.Originality/valueA typical flexible pavement section was designed and checked using IITPAVE software which gave desired results. This paper may add value in the areas of pavement design, waste utilization, etc.

Fluvial biofilms exposed to desiccation and pharmaceutical pollution: New insights using metabolomics

In many arid and semi-arid systems, biological communities in river ecosystems are submitted to flow interruption and desiccation, as well as to the impact of urban wastewaters. In this work, we studied (using a LC-LTQ-Orbitrap) the metabolomic response of biofilm communities exposed to both hydrological and chemical stressors. Fluvial biofilms were exposed to a mixture of 9 pharmaceuticals at a total concentration of 5000ng/L (mimicking concentrations and compounds found in polluted aquatic environments) and/or to seven days of desiccation, under laboratory conditions. The biosynthesis of fatty acids was the main metabolic pathway disrupted in biofilms. Endogenous biofilm's metabolites (metabolome) altered due to these stressors were identified. The metabolites that significantly changed only due to one of the stressors could be proposed as potential specific biomarkers. A biomarker of pharmaceutical exposure was the lysophosphatidic acid, which decreased a 160%, while for desiccation stearidonic acid (increased 160%), 16-Oxohexadecanoic acid (increased 340%) and palmitoleic acid (decreased 290%) were the biomarkers proposed. Besides, other metabolites showed different responses depending on the treatment, such as palmitic acid, linolenic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid and azelaic acid. The Carbon:Phosphorus (C:P) molar ratio increased due to all stress factors, whereas the algal community composition changed mainly due to desiccation. A possible relationship between those changes observed in structural parameters and the metabolome of biofilms was explored. Overall, our findings support the use of metabolomics to unravel at molecular level the effects from chemical and physical stressors on complex microbial communities, such as biofilms, and pinpoint biomarkers of exposure.

Desiccation tolerance of different life stages of the invasive marine kelp Undaria pinnatifida: Potential for overland transport as invasion vector

Overland transport in open-air-exposed conditions, including the translocation of specimens fouled on trailered boat hulls, aquaculture ropes or entangled in fishing gear, is recognized as a short-distance vector for the introduction of invasive aquatic species. Here, the desiccation tolerance for different life stages of the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida was determined to test the likelihood of air-exposed transport. Water content, photosynthetic quantum yield (Fv/Fm) as well as the capacity to release viable spores were monitored for mature sporophylls during a five-day exposure to air conditions. For newly settled spores (16h post-release) and developing gametophytes (30h post-release) survival and growth were observed after 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24h of desiccation. Additionally, spore settlement and desiccation survival (after 3, 12 and 48h) were determined for seven-day-old gametophytes growing on different rope materials (hemp, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon) in high (99% relative air humidity, RH) and typical (59% RH) air humidity conditions. Viable spores were released from mature sporophylls after three days of desiccation. <0.4% of spores and gametophytes survived air exposure. Of those surviving, however, individual gametophytes could endure 12h of desiccation. These specimens exhibited enhanced average lengths, growing up to 70% larger than control gametophytes. Attached to ropes, gametophytes survived 48h of desiccation; settlement and desiccation survival did not differ between rope materials. Overall, this study demonstrates that air-exposed transport, especially the translocation of mature sporophylls, represents a potential spread mechanism for the invasive U. pinnatifida. This is a vector that should be considered for pest management.

Pleopeltis pleopeltifolia (Polypodiopsida, Polypodiaceae), a poikilochlorophyllous desiccation-tolerant fern: anatomical, biochemical and physiological responses during water stress

While many ferns have been described as desiccation tolerant (DT), few studies have reported on the mechanisms they use to survive cell desiccation. Among the species belonging to the genus Pleopeltis, P. pleopeltifolia (Raddi) Alston (Polypodiopsida, Polypodiaceae) is a DT species endemic to Brazil. So as to better characterise the mechanisms of desiccation tolerance in ferns, the present study aimed to analyse frond anatomy and physiological changes associated with desiccation and rehydration of P. pleopeltifolia. Fronds are dorsiventral, with uniseriate epidermis. The epidermal cells have various shapes, tending to stretch in the longitudinal direction of the frond. Anticlinal cell walls are sinuous, and periclinal cell walls are convex. Anomocytic stomata are restricted to the abaxial surface. Trichome-type scales are found on both sides of the frond and may play a relevant role in rehydration of this plant when water is available. The mesophyll of the frond consists of palisade parenchyma, tending to a bistratified adaxial surface and spongy parenchyma on abaxial surface. The cuticle on the adaxial surface is conspicuous, ensuring better control of internal water balance. For physiological analyses, sporophytes were subjected to desiccation for 0, 5, 10 and 15 days and rehydration for 1 day. Sporophytes showed a sharp decline in water content when kept without irrigation, reaching 9.6% after 15 days, in addition to wilting and frond rolling. A significant increase in sugar content in fronds was noticeable during desiccation, which may favour a possible osmotic adjustment and vitrification. A notable increase in proline content during rehydration was observed in fronds. During the five initial days of desiccation, the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents decreased abruptly, but after 1 day of rehydration, they had partly recovered. The photosynthetic parameters analysed by fluorescence of chlorophyll a ceased completely after 15 days of desiccation but they had recovered near to pre-desiccation levels after 1 day of rehydration.

항균성 펩타이드와 혼합된 인지질 분자의 상 변화에 있어서 수화 효과에 대한 고체 핵자기 공명 연구

얇은 유리판 위에서 자동적으로 정렬되는 인지질 분자의 정렬도에 대한 수분 및 항균성 펩타이드의 효과를 고체 핵자기 공명 분광법을 이용하여 조사하였다. 순수한 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphotidylcholine (POPC) 인지질 만을 유리판 위에서 정렬시킬 때에는 직접적인 물의 투입 없이 95% 상대 습도에서 수일간 수화시키는 것만으로 충분했다. 하지만, protegrin-1 (PG-1)과 같은 항균성 펩타이드가 혼합되어 있는 인지질의 경우에는 95%의 상대 습도에서 수일간 수화시키는 것과 약간의 물을 시료에 직접 투입하여 수화시키는 것이 크게 달라진다는 것을 확인하였다. 충분한 양의 물이 투입되었을 때, 지질 이중막 위에서 인지질 분자들의 표면 움직임이 매우 활발하였다. 순수한 POPC 분자들이 얇은 유리판 위에서 정렬되는 시간에 비해 항균성 펩타이드가 혼합되어 있는 경우에는 POPC 분자들이 평형상을 이루어질 때까지는 상당한 시간이 필요함을 확인하였다. The hydration and antimicrobial peptide effects on the lipid alignment on the surface of a thin glass plate were investigated by using the solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Pure 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphotidylcholine (POPC) lipid molecules were well aligned on the surface of a thin glass plate without direct hydration by placing the sample for a few days in the desiccator containing a saturated sodium phosphate dibasic solution, which provided 95% relative humidity. But there was a big difference between two lipid phases, the one of which was hydrated by placing the sample for a few days in the desiccator with 95% relative humidity without direct hydration and the other was directly hydrated by dropping water and then placed for a few days in the same desiccator. The surface mobility of POPC molecules in a lipid bilayer phase was much activated by water. While the time for the POPC to align on the glass plate surface was short, the time for the PG-1/POPC mixture to reach the its equilibrium state was long.

Physiological ecology of photosynthesis in Prasiola stipitata (Trebouxiophyceae) from the Bay of Fundy, Canada

SummaryThe physiological ecology of Prasiola stipitata was examined in situ from two supralittoral sites in the Bay of Fundy (Nova Scotian, Canada) during November 2011, when the population was undergoing major expansion. Photosynthetic parameters (effective quantum yield, ΦPSII, maximum quantum yield, Fv/Fm, and relative electron transport rate, rETR) were evaluated using chlorophyll fluorescence of PSII. A largely shaded and continuously moist population showed no change in ΦPSII from one hour after sunrise to sunset in which natural irradiance varied between 3 and 300 μmol photons m−2 s−1. High irradiance (up to 1800 μmol photons m−2 s−1) had no apparent negative impacts on either quantum yield or rETR, but high desiccation in the field reduced quantum yield to almost zero. When thalli were brought into the laboratory, no change in Fv/Fm was observed up to 60% dehydration; however, there was a steep decline in Fv/Fm between 60% and 85% dehydration. Thalli showed complete recovery of Fv/Fm within one hour of reimmersion in seawater after 2 days of desiccation. After 15 days of desiccation full recovery required 24 h and after 30 days of desiccation thalli showed only partial recovery. These observations confirm the adaptation to photosynthesis in high irradiances and the rapid recovery following extreme desiccation observed in other Prasiola species.

Desiccation-tolerance in bdelloid rotifers facilitates spatiotemporal escape from multiple species of parasitic fungi

Asexuality has major theoretical advantages over sexual reproduction. Nevertheless, obligately asexual metazoan lineages seldom endure over evolutionary time. The Red Queen hypothesis posits that their limited capacity to generate genetic novelty leads to extermination by rapidly evolving parasites and pathogens. At first glance, rotifers of the class Bdelloidea appear to contradict this view: they have reproduced asexually for over 30 Myr without being overwhelmed by parasites. However, there are special ecological conditions under which Red Queen models can accommodate this unusual outcome. If hosts disperse rapidly within a structured metapopulation during a parasite-free life stage, then in principle they can become spatiotemporally decoupled from coevolving antagonists, and persist without sex. Intriguingly, bdelloid rotifers form dormant propagules when desiccated, which disperse easily by wind. In previous experiments, 7 days of desiccation and wind dispersal removed a fungal parasite from populations of one bdelloid species, allowing them to disperse independently. Here, I extend this finding to two additional bdelloid species and five more fungal parasites, and demonstrate its robustness under various desiccation regimes, and in the presence of multiple parasites. Results support the hypothesis that the unusual physiology of anciently asexual bdelloid rotifers helps them escape fungal parasites in space and time. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 104, 564–574.

In situ response of Nostoc commune s.l. colonies to desiccation in Central Svalbard, Norwegian High Arctic.

The effects of desiccation on photochemical processes and nitrogenase activity were evaluated in Nostoc commune s.l. colonies in situ from a wet thufur meadow at Petuniabukta, Billefjorden, Central Svalbard, during the 2009 arctic summer. The colonies were collected in the fully hydrated state, and were subjected to slow desiccation at ambient temperatures (5 - 8°C) and low light (30 - 80 &mu;mol.m-2.s-1). For each colony the weight, area, photochemical performance, and nitrogenase activity were determined at the beginning, as well as on every day during the first four days of the experiment; thereafter, on every second day until desiccation was complete. The photochemical performance was evaluated from variable chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (FV/FM, &Phi;PSII , qP, and NPQ), and the nitrogenase activity was estimated by an acetylene-ethylene reduction assay. A significant decrease in the photochemically active area was recorded from the third day, when the colony had lost approximately 40% of its original weight indicating some changes in the extracellular matrix, and stopped on the 14th to 18th day. No effects of the desiccation on the main photochemical parameters (FV/FM, &Phi;PSII, qP) were observed up to the sixth to eighth days of desiccation. Slightly lower values of FV/FM and &Phi;PSII recorded in fully-hydrated colonies could be caused by impaired diffusion of CO2 into cells. The steep reduction of photochemical activity occurred between the eighth and tenth day of the experiment, when the colony had lost approximately 80% of its fully-hydrated weight. The nitrogenase activity was highest on the first day, probably due to improved diffusion of N2 into cells, then declined, but was detectable until the sixth day of the experiment. Since Nostoc commune s.l. colonies were capable of photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation to the level of ca. 60% of its fully-hydrated weight, even partly-hydrated colonies contribute substantially to carbon and nitrogen cycling in the High Arctic wet meadow tundra ecosystem.

Low pressure and desiccation effects on methanogens: Implications for life on Mars

Conditions on the surface of Mars would appear to be too hostile for life as we know it. But the subsurface is another matter. If liquid water is present, even intermittently, life forms present would at least be protected from the lethal radiation bombarding the surface. However, life would have to contend with variations in pressure and possibly extended periods of desiccation. The research reported here involves both active metabolism (methanogenesis) at 400 and 50 mbar of pressure, pressures that would be found in the near subsurface of Mars, and survival following desiccation at both 1 bar (a pressure that would be found in the Martian subsurface) and 6 mbar (the lowest pressure at the surface and very near subsurface). The three methanogens tested for active metabolism, Methanothermobacter wolfeii, Methanosarcina barkeri and Methanobacterium formicicum, all demonstrated methane production at both 400 and 50 mbar on JSC Mars-1, a Mars soil simulant. Methane production at 50 mbar was much reduced compared to that at 400 mbar, most likely due to the greater stress at the lower pressure. In desiccation survival experiments, M. barkeri had survived 330 days of desiccation at 1 bar, while M. wolfeii and M. formicicum survived 180 and 120 days, respectively. Methanococcus maripaludis did not survive desiccation at all at 1 bar. At 6 mbar, M. wolfeii, M. barkeri and M. formicicum survived 120 days of desiccation while M. maripaludis survived 60 days. These results along with results from previous research would seem to indicate that there is no reason that methanogens could not inhabit the subsurface of Mars.

Resistance and resilience of benthic biofilm communities from a temperate saltmarsh to desiccation and rewetting

Periods of desiccation and rewetting are regular, yet stressful events encountered by saltmarsh microbial communities. To examine the resistance and resilience of microbial biofilms to such stresses, sediments from saltmarsh creeks were allowed to desiccate for 23 days, followed by rewetting for 4 days, whereas control sediments were maintained under a natural tidal cycle. In the top 2 mm of the dry sediments, salinity increased steadily from 36 to 231 over 23 days, and returned to seawater salinity on rewetting. After 3 days, desiccated sediments had a lower chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence signal as benthic diatoms ceased to migrate to the surface, with a recovery in cell migration and Chl a fluorescence on rewetting. Extracellular β-glucosidase and aminopeptidase activities decreased within the first week of drying, but increased sharply on rewetting. The bacterial community in the desiccating sediment changed significantly from the controls after 14 days of desiccation (salinity 144). Rewetting did not cause a return to the original community composition, but led to a further change. Pyrosequencing analysis of 16S rRNA genes amplified from the sediment revealed diverse microbial responses, for example desiccation enabled haloversatile Marinobacter species to increase their relative abundance, and thus take advantage of rewetting to grow rapidly and dominate the community. A temporal sequence of effects of desiccation and rewetting were thus observed, but the most notable feature was the overall resistance and resilience of the microbial community.

Resurrection kinetics of photosynthesis in desiccation‐tolerant terrestrial green algae (Chlorophyta) on tree bark

The rough bark of orchard trees (Malus) around Darmstadt is predominantly covered in red to purple-brown layers (biofilms) of epiphytic terrestrial alga of Trentepohlia umbrina. The smooth bark of forest trees (Fagus sylvatica L. and Acer sp.) in the same area is covered by bright green biofilms composed of the green algae Desmococcus, Apatococcus and Trebouxia, with a few cells of Coccomyxa and 'Chlorella' trebouxioides between them. These algae are desiccation tolerant. After samples of bark with the biofilms were kept in dry air in darkness for various periods of time, potential quantum yield of PSII, F(v)/F(m), recovered during rehydration upon rewetting. The kinetics and degree of recovery depended on the length of time that the algae were kept in dry air in the desiccated state. Recovery was better for green biofilm samples, i.e. quite good even after 80 days of desiccation (F(v)/F(m) = ca. 50% of initial value), than the red samples, where recovery was only adequate up to ca. 30-40 days of desiccation (F(v)/F(m) = ca. 20-55% of initial value). It is concluded that the different bark types constitute different ecophysiological niches that can be occupied by the algae and that can be distinguished by their capacity to recover from desiccation after different times in the dry state.

Survival of Schismus arabicus seedlings exposed to desiccation depends on annual periodicity

Schismus arabicus, a desert annual grass, is one of the most common pasture annuals in the deserts of Israel and Asia. S. arabicus exhibits a unique set of adaptations and survival strategies, which enable it to germinate, develop and produce seeds even in years with annual rainfall of less than 100 mm. The current study examined whether an annual rhythm exists in the survival ability of S. arabicus seedlings exposed to desiccation. Our results indicate that survival of S. arabicus seedlings after six different periods of 7 to 42 days of desiccation depended on the month of germination of the caryopses (seeds). Seed germination was 80-100% in all experiments, regardless the month of germination; however, seedlings that germinated in different months varied in their root and shoot elongation rates. None of about 2,500 seedlings that germinated in July (in each of the 4 years) survived the desiccation treatment. The percentages of surviving seedlings in each month of June from 2002 to 2005 were less than 40%. In contrast, over 80% of the seedlings that germinated in each of the months of December and January survived after the desiccation periods of 7-42 days. Seedlings that survived were transferred to 5 L soil pots in which the seedlings developed into mature plants, completed their life cycle and produced seeds that germinated well. The current study demonstrated a novel phenomenon indicating that seedling survival in plants may depend on an annual periodicity according to the date of germination.

Distribution and salinity tolerance of intertidal mosses from Nova Scotian salt marshes

Five moss species were found in the high intertidal zone of salt marshes in Nova Scotia, eastern Canada. This is the first report of bryophytes from salt marshes from North America. In each of the salt marshes where mosses occurred, one to three moss species occurred in monospecific or mixed species assemblages. Campylium stellatum and Bryum capillare were the most common species, followed by Didymodon rigidulus, Mnium hornum and Amblystegium serpens in decreasing abundance. All mosses were present below the litter line and occurred in association with Juncus arcticus and J. gerardii, although some collections were also made in association with Spartina pectinata and S. patens. The mosses were exposed in situ to seawater of . 20 ppt. In a laboratory experiment, mats of C. stellatum were exposed to a range of salinities (0, 8, 16, 32 ppt); plants survived 24 h of immersion in seawater of 32 ppt followed by four days in which mats were fully saturated with seawater. There was a slight reduction in effective quantum yield of photosystem II (WPSII ) in the 32 ppt treatment relative to 0 and 8 ppt. Following four subsequent days of desiccation, the full-seawater- and 16-ppt-treated plants had significant reduction in quantum yield. This experiment is consistent with field observations and shows considerable physiological tolerance to salinity in salt marsh mosses.

Effects of various stress factors on heat tolerance by Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema carpocapsae

AbstractCentrifugation, desiccation, agitation, and handling of entomopathogenic nematodes in the laboratory during isolation, culture, storage, formulation and experimentation, influences nematode ability to tolerate adverse environmental conditions. Stress imposed by centrifugation (5-60 min), desiccation (3-9 days), agitation (3-24 h), and handling (2-10 times) reduced stress and heat tolerance in Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema carpocapsae. Short durations of stresses (e.g., 5 min of centrifugation, 3-5 days of desiccation, 3 h of agitation and 2-4 times of handling) did not affect nematodes, whereas prolonged durations (e. g., 10-60 min of centrifugation, 7-9 days of desiccation, 6-24 h of agitation and 6-10 times of handling) significantly decreased heat tolerance. Steinernema carpocapsae tolerated stress comparatively better than H. bacteriophora by showing a significantly greater degree of heat tolerance. This study provides a basis to investigate further the effects of physical and chemical stresses in order to minimise handling of laboratory nematodes and reduce disruptions of their normal function and behaviour.

A comparison of photosynthetic apparatus of the detached leaves of the resurrection plant Boea hygrometrica with its non-tolerant relative Chirita heterotrichia in response to dehydration and rehydration

Comparisons of the water contents in detached leaves of Boea hygrometrica (Bunge) R. Br ., and other members of the family Gesneriaceae have shown that B. hygrometrica can tolerate an extraordinarily high degree of water loss and restore its life upon rehydration. We have investigated the effects of dehydration on photosynthetic function in B. hygrometrica in comparison with its non-resurrection relative Chirita heterotrichia Merr. Studies on the net photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll fluorescence emission and excitation spectra, and the kinetics of chlorophyll fluorescence induction revealed that the effects of dehydration on both species were similar insofar as photosystem II was more sensitive to dehydration than photosystem I. However, B. hygrometrica responded more rapidly than C. heterotrichia. Although photosynthetic activity could be restored in both species upon rehydration after 2 days of dehydration, only B. hygrometrica recovered when the dehydration period was extended to 8 days. In contrast to C. heterotrichia leaves, in which the levels of carotenoids decreased rapidly during desiccation, carotenoid content actually increased in B. hygrometrica leaves upon dehydration and returned to the normal level after rehydration. Non-denaturing electrophoresis revealed that the thylakoid pigment–protein complexes of B. hygrometrica were highly stable during desiccation and rehydration, whereas those of C. heterotrichia were totally destroyed after 8 days of desiccation.

Microbial survival of space vacuum and extreme ultraviolet irradiation: strain isolation and analysis during a rocket flight

We have recovered new isolates from hot springs, in Yellowstone National Park and the Kamchatka Peninsula, after γ-irradiation and exposure to high vacuum (10 −6 Pa) of the water and sediment samples. The resistance to desiccation and ionizing radiation of one of the isolates, Bacillus sp. strain PS3D, was compared to that of the mesophilic bacterium, Deinococcus radiodurans, a species well known for its extraordinary resistance to desiccation and high doses of ionizing radiation. Survival of these two microorganisms was determined in real and simulated space conditions, including exposure to extreme UV radiation (10–100 nm) during a rocket flight. We found that up to 15 days of desiccation alone had little effect on the viability of either bacterium. In contrast, exposure to space vacuum (∼10 −6 Pa) decreased cell survival by two and four orders of magnitude for Bacillus sp. strain PS3D and D. radiodurans, respectively. Simultaneous exposure to space vacuum and extreme UV radiation further decreased the survival of both organisms, compared to unirradiated controls. This is the first report on the isolated effect of extreme UV at 30 nm on cell survival. Extreme UV can only be transmitted through high vacuum, therefore its penetration into the cells may only be superficial, suggesting that in contrast to near UV, membrane proteins rather than DNA were damaged by the radiation.