Distribution Of Calcium Oxalate Crystals Research Articles

Preliminary results of the study of crystals in fruits of the clade Apieae of the family Umbelliferae

The presence, shape and distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in fruits are of great importance for the taxonomy of Umbelliferae; these traits characterize tribes and subfamilies. We are talking about prismatic crystals, large druses and globular clusters 15-25 microns in size, which are clearly visible in a light microscope. Smaller crystals were practically ignored. We studied 20 species of the Apieae clade using conventional light and polarized microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Cross sections, the surface of the commissure and seed, exocarp and endocarp fragments were studied. Large differences between species are shown - from numerous crystals in the exocarp, mesocarp or endocarp, on the commissure to their complete absence in the pericarp. Crystals occur in the form of crystalline sand, small (up to 9 ^m) drusen, naviculas, prisms, and irregularly shaped inclusions. The calcium content in the pericarp is quite high, in different areas from 1 % to 13 %, a significant part of the calcium compounds do not have birefringence. Most of the crystals contain species of subclade B3. The significance of small crystals for taxonomy remains to be evaluated. The content of silicon in the studied fruits is low, < 0.3 %.

Piper section Muldera (Piperaceae) of the Malay Peninsula: variation and species limits

Abstract Species limits in Piper spp. have been unstable, with specimens often assigned to different species by different botanists. Using a strongly supported clade of Asian Piper section Muldera, I investigated species boundaries in the eight Malay Peninsula species using morphological, anatomical and molecular approaches. I assessed morphological variation using principal component analysis (PCA) and a model-based clustering method. Herbarium specimens and samples collected in the field were examined, and the latter were also used to examine variation in vegetative anatomy. Potential evidence of reciprocal monophyly of species came from the molecular phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ITS and g3pdh and plastid trnL-F. Morphological analyses did not lend support for any of the hypothesized species from the Malay Peninsula. Nuclear phylogenetic trees supported a combination of Piper schizonephros, Piper polygynum and Piper maingayi as a single species that might also have a distinct distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in the mesophyll of the leaf and a prominently raised leaf midrib raise. Nevertheless, shared characters between this species and some, but not all, of the other morphogroups, and paraphyly of other morphogroups in the phylogenetic analyses, might suggest hybridization or lateral gene transfer among species of the section Muldera. In-depth population studies coupled with examination of morphological variation for all species of the section Muldera, including those from outside the Malay Peninsula, are necessary to disentangle the species limits and ultimately the evolutionary history in this group.

The density and distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in reproductive organs of wild taro (Colocasia Esculenta (L.) Schott)

The study’s aim was to investigate the density and the distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in reproductive organ of “green” morph type of wild taro (Colocation esculent (L.) Schott). Reproductive organs of “green” wild taro included flowers, fruits, and seeds. Morphological features of wild taro were evaluated based on the physiognomic characteristics of fresh specimens. Reproductive organs of “green” type were sliced thin horizontally and vertically, and double-stained with carmine alum claque–iodine green dye. The results showed that three types of crystals (druse, rawhide bundle, and free needle-liked crystals) were detected at wild taro. Calcium oxalate crystals, depend on types, were endowed very frequently at spandex pith, female flower, male flower, fruit, and seed. Druses were located in parenchyma and collenchyma cells, and present in almost parts of reproductive organs except ovule, placenta, and seed. Druse crystals were founded dense on the top of synandrium. Rawhide bundles were observed in shape of box, before or biforine-liked cells, and often located in parenchyma or collenchyma area. Free needle-liked crystals were dispersed scatteredly or gathered in clusters. It presumed that three types of crystals in reproductive organs played an important role in self-protection against herbivorous animals or insects.

Compare the microscopic characteristics of stems of the 24 Dendrobium species utilized in the traditional Chinese medicine "Shihu".

Shihu is a famous Chinese Materia Medica derived from species of the Dendrobium. In order to differentiate 24 Dendrobium species, microscopic features of the 24 Dendrobium species were systemically observed, including the trend of vascular bundle number with different internodes and the transverse section characteristics of stem. The results indicate that the thickness of cuticle, the level of thickening of epidermal cells and cell types, the number of vascular bundles, the shape of vascular bundle sheath, the type and distribution of calcium oxalate crystals, the presence or absence of silica masses can be used to authenticate the 24 Dendrobium species. In addition, the number of vascular bundles in stems of 24 Dendrobium species also have changed at different internodes, and showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. For some specific species, the vascular bundle numbers had typical differences, which can provide some support for the identification of Dendrobium plants. Thus, using the multiple microscopic characteristics of stems can identify the Dendrobium plants effectively and quickly.

Calcium oxalate crystals in halo-xerophytic species and their macropatterns trends. The importance of a multivariate analysis considering soil characteristics

The morphological characteristics of calciphytoliths and description of their macro and micropattern in leaves of halo-xerophytic species of the Salitral de la Vidriera, Argentina, were carried out. Additionally, a multivariate analysis was conducted to identify any relation between the form and distribution of calcium oxalate crystals and soil characteristics. Druses and polyhedral crystals were found. Among the species with druses five macropatterns were described while in the species with polyhedral crystals, only two. Regarding micropattern, crystals were distributed in different cells (chlorenchyma, idioblasts, bundle sheats, aqueous tissue). Species with druses were found in areas with different salinity and concentration of calcium while the polyhedral crystals were presented only in species inhabiting soils of lower salinity and ower concentration of calcium. The species inhabiting the area of lower salinity and concentration of calcium, had uniform distribution of crystals in their leaves; under other soil conditions the species presented variations in acropetal o centripetal direction.

Occurrence, type and location of calcium oxalate crystals in selected medicinal plants

Crystals in selected medical plants growing naturally in Place palayam reserve forest, Thiruvallur District were studied with Polarised light microscope. Four types of crystals were observed: druses, prismatics, raphide and rosettes crystal. Druses more in cortical parenchyma and ground parenchyma cells in the stem & petiole region. In contrast prismatic, raphide and rosettes present in cortical, ground, axial and phloem parenchyma in the roots and stems. The Preliminary results show the presence of four types of calcium oxalate crystals in the stems, Petiole & roots of 10 Species: Achyranthes aspera, Aerva lanata, Atalantia monophylla, Bridelia Crenulata presence of Druses crystal, Plumeria rubra, Adhatoda zeylanica presence of prismatic crystal, Asparagus racemosus, Monochoria vaginalis presence of raphide crystal and Carica papaya and Carissa spinarum presence of rosette type of crystal. These observations indicate that there is relationship between the distribution of calcium oxalate crystals and the medicinal parts of the plant and supports the view that the presence of calcium oxalate crystals may relate to the adulterants.

Occurrence, types and distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in leaves and stems of some species of poisonous plants.

BackgroundCalcium oxalate crystals, which are found in many organs of plants, have different morphological forms: as druses, prism, styloids, raphides and crystal sand. In this study, the distribution, type and specific location of calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves and stems of the eight species of poisonous plants and one species of nonpoisonous plant were investigated with light microscopy. During study special attention was given to the possible correlation between the presence and types of calcium oxalate crystals and toxic plant organs. The plants examined in this study were Hedera helix L. (Araliaceae), Aristolochia clematitis L. (Aristolochiaceae), Humulus lupulus L. (Cannabaceae), Saponaria officinalis L. (Caryophyllaceae), Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae), Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae), Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae), Cynanchum acutum L. (Asclepiadaceae), and Nerium oleander L. (Apocynaceae).ResultsThree types of crystals: druses, prismatic crystals and crystal sands were observed. Druses were identified in the leaves and stems of six species of studied plants. In contrast to druses, crystal sands and prismatic crystals were rare. Prismatic crystals were observed in the leaf mesophlly cells of both Nerium oleander and Cynanchum acutum. However, crystal sands were observed only in the pith tissue of Humulus lupulus. On the other hand, leaves and stems of Chelidonium majus, Aristolochia clematitis and Hypericum perforatum were devoid of crystals.ConclusionThere is no absolute correlation between the presence and type of calcium oxalate crystals and toxic plant organs. However druse crystals may function as main irritant in toxic organs of the plants.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1999-3110-55-32) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Micro-CT observations of the 3D distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in cotyledons during maturation and germination inLotus miyakojimaeseeds

The cotyledon of legume seeds is a storage organ that provides nutrients for seed germination and seedling growth. The spatial and temporal control of the degradation processes within cotyledons has not been elucidated. Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals, a common calcium deposit in plants, have often been reported to be present in legume seeds. In this study, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was employed at the SPring-8 facility to examine the three-dimensional distribution of crystals inside cotyledons during seed maturation and germination of Lotus miyakojimae (previously Lotus japonicus accession Miyakojima MG-20). Using this technique, we could detect the outline of the embryo, void spaces in seeds and the cotyledon venation pattern. We found several sites that strongly inhibited X-ray transmission within the cotyledons. Light and polarizing microscopy confirmed that these areas corresponded to CaOx crystals. Three-dimensional observations of dry seeds indicated that the CaOx crystals in the L. miyakojimae cotyledons were distributed along lateral veins; however, their distribution was limited to the abaxial side of the procambium. The CaOx crystals appeared at stage II (seed-filling stage) of seed development, and their number increased in dry seeds. The number of crystals in cotyledons was high during germination, suggesting that CaOx crystals are not degraded for their calcium supply. Evidence for the conservation of CaOx crystals in cotyledons during the L. miyakojimae germination process was also supported by the biochemical measurement of oxalic acid levels.

Distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in floral organs of Araceae in relation to pollination strategy

Many flowers are pollinated by potentially hungry insects, yet flowers also contain gametes and embryos which must be protected from predation. Microscopic calcium oxalate crystals in plant tissues have been proposed to protect against herbivory. Aroids, which have an unusual diversity of such crystals, also exhibit diverse pollination strategies. Many species have pollinators that do not feed while visiting the flowers, while other species, especially those pollinated by beetles, offer sterile staminodia as food rewards. We examined flowers of 21 aroid species with various pollination strategies to test the hypothesis that crystals protect vital gametes and embryos while allowing consumption of food bribes. Aroid inflorescences collected from the field or from greenhouse material were sectioned, cleared, and examined by bright field and polarization microscopy. All species examined, regardless of pollination strategy, arrayed crystals around unshed pollen and ovules. Less vital tissues, such as odoriferous appendages, had few crystals. Staminodia offered as food to beetle pollinators, however, differed greatly between species in their crystal contents. Some had minimal crystals; some had crystals in patterns suggesting they limit beetle feeding; still others had abundant crystals in no obvious pattern. The results are consistent with crystals protecting against insect predation of gametes and embryos. However, the role of crystals in food-bribe staminodia is unclear. They may limit and direct feeding by beetles in some species, while in others they might have no protective role.

Calcium oxalate crystal distribution in rose peduncles: Non-invasive analysis by synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography

Comprehensive knowledge of plant microstructures and their variations is essential to understanding the mechanisms underlying postharvest quality changes of horticultural products. In cut roses, bent-neck syndrome is a widespread problem damaging millions of flowers well before the end of inherent vase life. Besides water status, structure and function of peduncles, and as a result, tissue strength, may determine bent-neck susceptibility. In this study, phase-contrast X-ray computed microtomography (sXMT) was applied to investigate non-invasively the inner structure of peduncles of samples of three rose cultivars that have been shown to differ greatly in their bent-neck susceptibility. Due to its high resolution, sXMT can be used to three-dimensionally study tissues, and even individual cells, without physically interfering with the product. In 3D sXMT images of peduncle samples of all cultivars, spherical, crystalline, biomineral, high X-ray attenuation particles were observed. These calcium oxalate (CaOx) druses, as clearly identified due to their shape and sizes by microscopic evaluation of concomitantly prepared fresh-cut slices, were mainly scattered in the cortex tissue but were also present less abundantly between vascular bundles. Because CaOx crystals are assumed to serve as structural support, high crystal densities may increase tissue strength. Although the CaOx crystal distribution pattern, the relative radial druse density and the CaOx crystal size differed greatly between samples of the three rose cultivars, these variations do not match the mechanical tissue strength, and hence the bent-neck susceptibility of cultivars as determined in earlier experiments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the in situ distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in rose peduncles.

Probable functions and remobilisation of calcium oxalates in Musa L.

The occurrence and distribution of calcium oxalate crystals were investigated in the young and ageing structures of Musa L. cultivars. The calcium oxalate crystals were tested histochemically and examined using light microscopy. The studies revealed the presence of varying forms of the crystals including intra-amylar, solitary and raphide bundles in the different tissues and organs. Remobilization and redistribution of the crystals were observed following senescence in all the cultivars investigated. The usefulness of these observations in understanding the functions and fate of calcium oxalate crystals in plants are highlighted. Key words: Calcium oxalate, Musa cultivars, remobilization, senescence.

Probable functions and remobilisation of calcium oxalates in Musa L.

The occurrence and distribution of calcium oxalate crystals were investigated in the young and ageing structures of Musa L. cultivars. The calcium oxalate crystals were tested histochemically and examined using light microscopy. The studies revealed the presence of varying forms of the crystals including intra-amylar, solitary and raphide bundles in the different tissues and organs. Remobilization and redistribution of the crystals were observed following senescence in all the cultivars investigated. The usefulness of these observations in understanding the functions and fate of calcium oxalate crystals in plants are highlighted.

Distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in the secondary phloem of conifers: a constitutive defense mechanism?

• Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals were studied in the secondary phloem of 46 conifer species from six families to characterize their distribution relative to defense. • Scanning electron microscopy, and polarized light microscopy of stem tissue allowed analysis of the quantity, location, morphology and size of the crystals. • Vastly different patterns of CaOx crystal deposition were observed in stems of Pinaceae and nonPinaceae lineages. The CaOx crystals were present in all species but the highest density occurred along the nonPinaceae lineage. In Pinaceae, all species accumulated crystals intracellularly in crystalliferous parenchyma, whereas all nonPinaceae species had only extracellular crystals. A possible relationship between the number of aggressive bark beetles species and the amount of CaOx accumulation was noted where increased crystal accumulation appears to be antagonistic to beetle attack. Mapping along with this trend was the presence of phloem fibers. • We conclude that in conifer stems the patterns and frequency of CaOx crystals function as a constitutive defense and in combination with fiber rows, provides an effective barrier against small bark-boring insects.

Gazelle Herbivory and Interpopulation Differences in Calcium Oxalate Content of Leaves of a Desert Lily

We investigated the abundance and distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves of wild populations of a Negev desert lilyPancratium sickenbergeriin relation to herbivory. Three species of herbivores are known to eat the leaves of this lily: a small antelope, the dorcas gazelle Gazella dorcasa moth larva Polytella cliensand a land snail Eremina desertorum. All three species eat only those parts of the leaves where calcium oxalate raphides are absent, suggesting that it is an effective defensive chemical. We compared the abundance of raphides in three isolated lily populations that differed only in the amount of gazelle herbivory. Within lily populations, we found neither size-related differences in raphide abundance nor differences in raphide abundance between plants that had previously been partially consumed and those that had not. We found significant differences among lily populations in the amount of calcium oxalate crystals in their leaves, with the most raphides being found in the population suffering most herbivory, fewer in a population with intermediate herbivory, and the least in a population without gazelle herbivory. Additionally, sand samples showed no differences among populations in two major nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) but significantly more calcium in the sand in the population without herbivory. Thus, calcium oxalate abundance in the leaves of Pancratium sickenbergeri is not constrained by resource availability but rather appears to have been selected for by gazelle herbivory. This is the first study to show the effects of selection on calcium oxalate production in a wild plant by a wild herbivore.

Occurrence, Type, and Location of Calcium Oxalate Crystals in Leaves and Stems of 16 Species of Poisonous Plants

Crystals in 16 species of poisonous plants growing naturally in Saudi Arabia were studied with light microscopy. Three types of crystals were observed: druses, prismatics, and crystal sand. Raphides and styloids were not observed in any of the species studied. Druses occur more frequently in the leaf midrib and in the cortex and pith of the stem. In contrast, crystal sand and prismatic crystals are rare and occur in the leaf, intercostal lamina, and in the vascular tissues. The preliminary results show the absence of the three types of calcium oxalate crystals in the stem and leaf of seven species: Ammi majus L., Anagallis arvensis L., Calotropis procera Ait., Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schard, Euphorbia peplis L., Hyoscyamus muticus L., and Solarium nigrum L., and the presence of druses, prismatic crystals, and crystal sand either in the leaf and stem or in the leaves or stems of nine species: Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq. in DC., Chenopodium album L., Convolvulus arvensis L., Datura stramonium L., Nerium oleander L., Ricinus communis L., Rumex nervosus Vahl., Pergularia tomentosa L., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dun. in DC. These observations indicate that there is no apparent relationship between the distribution of calcium oxalate crystals and the toxic organs of the plants, and supports the view that the presence of calcium oxalate crystals may not be related to plant toxicity.

OCCURRENCE, TYPE, AND LOCATION OF CALCIUM OXALATE CRYSTALS IN LEAVES AND STEMS OF 16 SPECIES OF POISONOUS PLANTS

Crystals in 16 species of poisonous plants growing naturally in Saudi Arabia were studied with light microscopy. Three types of crystals were observed: druses, prismatics, and crystal sand. Raphides and styloids were not observed in any of the species studied. Druses occur more frequently in the leaf midrib and in the cortex and pith of the stem. In contrast, crystal sand and prismatic crystals are rare and occur in the leaf, intercostal lamina, and in the vascular tissues. The preliminary results show the absence of the three types of calcium oxalate crystals in the stem and leaf of seven species: Ammi majus L., Anagallis arvensis L., Calotropis procera Ait., Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schard, Euphorbia peplis L., Hyoscyamus muticus L., and Solarium nigrum L., and the presence of druses, prismatic crystals, and crystal sand either in the leaf and stem or in the leaves or stems of nine species: Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq. in DC., Chenopodium album L., Convolvulus arvensis L., Datura stramonium L., Nerium oleander L., Ricinus communis L., Rumex nervosus Vahl., Pergularia tomentosa L., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dun. in DC. These observations indicate that there is no apparent relationship between the distribution of calcium oxalate crystals and the toxic organs of the plants, and supports the view that the presence of calcium oxalate crystals may not be related to plant toxicity.

Unusual patterns in the distribution of calcium oxalate in spruce needles and their possible relationships to the impact of pollutants.

The patterns of distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in spruce needles have been investigated in healthy needles and those subjected to either acid precipitation (ph 2.5) or various ozone fumigations. In the acid treatment, deposits of Ca oxalate were lacking in the outer walls of the epidermal cells. Under the impact of ozone, unusual complexes of Ca oxalate crystals embedded in a matrix of callose and cellulose projected from the walls inwards into the cells, filling the lumina of epidermal and hypodermal cells completely. In mesophyll cells, the complexes projected more or less from the walls into the vacuoles. In other cases, crystals appeared within the vacuoles of mesophyll cells. In dead cells, precipitates of Ca oxalate or phosphate apparently indicate destruction of the cytoplasm after a major influx of Ca2+ . It is speculated, that the physiological significance of enhanced calcium leaching has been overestimated. With regard to ozone impact, it seems that the major problem of thereby enhanced membrane permeabilities may not be an increased efflux of mineral elements, but rather an increased influx of Ca into the symplast and subsequent disturbances in metabolism.

Comparative Microscopical Studies on the Patterns of Calcium Oxalate Distribution in the Needles of Various Conifer Species

AbstractThe distribution of calcium oxalate crystals in various conifer needles is visualized by light and electron microscopy. Such crystals occur (1) in the vascular bundle, either intracellularly in the xylem or phloem parenchyma, or extracellularly within the radial phloem walls; (2) extracellularly on the outside of the walls of mesophyll cells which face the intercellular spaces; (3) and finally as numerous small crystals within the cell walls of the epidermal cells, especially in the cuticular layer. The development and distribution of these apoplastic crystals is described in detail. Some hypotheses are finally presented for interpretations of these unusual patterns of the crystallization of Ca‐oxalate outside the vacuole. Possible evolutionary aspects of this feature among the different conifer families are also discussed.

Calcium oxalate crystals and crystal cells in the leaves ofRhynchosia caribaea (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae)

The development and distribution of calcium oxalate crystals, stomates and hairs were studied in the first trifoliolate leaf ofRhynchosia caribaea (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae, Phaseoleae). Using light and transmission electron microscopy, the crystals were shown to occur in both bundle sheath and mesophyll cells. Crystal distribution and shapes are characteristic forRhynchosia. Crystals develop late in leaf development in contrast to the stomates and hairs. As these latter two structures decrease in number per unit area with leaf age, crystal number increases.

Size distribution characteristics of mineral phase in renal stones

The size distribution of the mineral phases in three renal stones (whewellite, struvite, and whitlockite) was determined using a particle-counting technique after removal of the organic matrix. The multisized crystallites of the investigated stones revealed close similarity in size distribution characteristics. Whewellite size parameters were in good agreement with the parameters of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals formed in the kidneys of rats injected with L-4-hydroxyproline. However, these parameters differed significantly from the values calculated from the size distribution of calcium oxalate crystals voided in the urine of recurrent stone formers. The data obtained suggest that critical size distribution characteristics may be instrumental in causing the mineral phase to agglomerate and adopt a close packing in renal stones.