Higher CER Research Articles

Measurement of small island characteristics using high resolution ECE and CER at DIII-D

Abstract The measurements using the high resolution electron cyclotron emission radiometry and the charge exchange and recombination spectroscopy are processed using analytic formulas to allow for the detection of islands as small as 1.9 cm. In contrast to large, saturated magnetic islands which are relatively well understood to be governed by the loss of bootstrap current inside the island, small islands are less well understood due to the difficulty of their accurate measurement in tokamaks. Here, ‘small’ islands are islands comparable in size to the ion banana width, which can be as small as 0.8 cm at DIII-D. The new measurement methods allow for the detection of small island widths when the predicted increase of mode frequency to match the Doppler shifted ion diamagnetic frequency is observed. Therefore, for the first time, the mode frequency increase can be unambiguously associated to the acceleration of the magnetic island propagation. Such association allows for a further development and validation of the much-debated theory of ion polarization currents, which is thought to govern the small island growth.

Novel sulfate solid supported binary Ru-Ir oxides for superior electrocatalytic activity towards OER and CER

Electrolysis for producing hydrogen powered by renewable electricity can be dramatically expanded by adapting different electrolytes (brine, seawater or pure water), which means the anode materials must stand up to complex electrolyte conditions. Here, a novel catalyst/support hybrid of binary Ru3.5Ir1Ox supported by barium strontium sulfate (BaSrSO4) was synthesized (RuIrOx/BSS) by exchanging the anion ligands of support. The as-synthesized RuIrOx/BSS exhibits compelling oxygen evolution (OER) and chlorine evolution (CER) performances, which affords to 10 mA cm−2 with only overpotential of 244 mV and 38 mV, respectively. The performed X-ray adsorption spectra clearly indicate the presence of an interface charge transfer effect, which results in the assignment of more electrons to the d orbitals of the Ru and Ir sites. The theoretical calculations demonstrated that the electronic structures of the catalytic active sites were modulated to give a lower overpotential, confirming the intrinsically high OER and CER catalytic activity.

Effect of the CER[NP]:CER[AP] a ratio on the structure of a stratum corneum model lipid matrix - a molecular dynamics study

In some dermal diseases with evident skin dehydration and desquamation, the natural ratio of CER[NP]:CER[AP] is altered in the extracellular matrix of the stratum corneum by increasing the concentration of CER[AP]. The extracellular matrix of the stratum corneum is composed of several stacked lipid bilayers. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the molecular nanostructure of CER[NP], CER[AP], cholesterol and lignoceric acid models of the extracellular matrix of the stratum corneum with a nativelike CER[NP]:CER[AP] 2:1 ratio and a CER[NP]:CER[AP] ratio of 1:2. Despite the very minor chemical difference between CER[NP] and CER[AP], which is only a single OH group, it was possible to observe differences between the structural influence of the two ceramides. In the models with 1:2 ratio, the higher CER[AP] content leads to a larger inclination of the acyl chains and a smaller overlap in the lamellar midplane, with a small increase of the repeat distance compared to the model with higher CER[NP] concentration. Because CER[AP] forms more H-bonds than CER[NP], the total number of hydrogen bonds in the headgroup region is larger in the models with higher CER[AP] concentration, reducing the mobility of the lipids towards the centre of the bilayer and resulting in less overlap and increased tilt angles.

Sphingolipid-Induced Programmed Cell Death is a Salicylic Acid and EDS1-Dependent Phenotype in Arabidopsis Fatty Acid Hydroxylase (Fah1, Fah2) and Ceramide Synthase (Loh2) Triple Mutants.

Ceramides (Cers) and long-chain bases (LCBs) are plant sphingolipids involved in the induction of plant programmed cell death (PCD). The fatty acid hydroxylase mutant fah1 fah2 exhibits high Cer levels and moderately elevated LCB levels. Salicylic acid glucoside level is increased in this mutant, but no cell death can be detected by trypan blue staining. To determine the effect of Cers with different chain lengths, fah1 fah2 was crossed with ceramide synthase mutants longevity assurance gene one homologue1-3 (loh1, loh2 and loh3). Surprisingly, only triple mutants with loh2 show cell death detected by trypan blue staining under the selected conditions. Sphingolipid profiling revealed that the greatest differences between the triple mutant plants are in the LCB and LCB-phosphate (LCB-P) fraction. fah1 fah2 loh2 plants accumulate LCB d18:0, LCB t18:0 and LCB-P d18:0. Crossing fah1 fah2 loh2 with the salicylic acid (SA) synthesis mutant sid2-2 and with the SA signaling mutants enhanced disease susceptibility 1-2 (eds1-2) and phytoalexin deficient 4-1 (pad4-1) revealed that lesions are SA- and EDS1-dependent. These quadruple mutants also confirm that there may be a feedback loop between SA and sphingolipid metabolism as they accumulated less Cers and LCBs. In conclusion, PCD in fah1 fah2 loh2 is a SA- and EDS1-dependent phenotype, which is likely due to accumulation of LCBs.

Effects of Sex, Age, and Apolipoprotein E Genotype on Brain Ceramides and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate in Alzheimer's Disease and Control Mice.

Apolipoprotein ε4 (APOE)4 is a strong risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and aberrant sphingolipid levels have been implicated in AD. We tested the hypothesis that the APOE4 genotype affects brain sphingolipid levels in AD. Seven ceramides and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) were quantified by LC-MSMS in hippocampus, cortex, cerebellum, and plasma of <3 months and >5 months old human APOE3 and APOE4-targeted replacement mice with or without the familial AD (FAD) background of both sexes (145 animals). APOE4 mice had higher Cer(d18:1/24:0) levels in the cortex (1.7-fold, p = 0.002) than APOE3 mice. Mice with AD background showed higher levels of Cer(d18:1/24:1) in the cortex than mice without (1.4-fold, p = 0.003). S1P levels were higher in all three brain regions of older mice than of young mice (1.7-1.8-fold, all p ≤ 0.001). In female mice, S1P levels in hippocampus (r = −0.54 [−0.70, −0.35], p < 0.001) and in cortex correlated with those in plasma (r = −0.53 [−0.71, −0.32], p < 0.001). Ceramide levels were lower in the hippocampus (3.7–10.7-fold, all p < 0.001), but higher in the cortex (2.3–12.8-fold, p < 0.001) of female than male mice. In cerebellum and plasma, sex effects on individual ceramides depended on acyl chain length (9.5-fold lower to 11.5-fold higher, p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, sex is a stronger determinant of brain ceramide levels in mice than APOE genotype, AD background, or age. Whether these differences impact AD neuropathology in men and women remains to be investigated.

IMPACT OF SINGLE AND TWO-PHASE DISSOLVED OXYGEN TENSION CONTROL ON Bacillus thuringiensis CULTIVATION AND δ-ENDOTOXIN PRODUCTION

Constant δ-endotoxin production is crucial in Bacillus thuringiensis cultivation with aeration strategy playing a significant role in the process. In this study, the impact of DOT control strategies on the cultivation performance of B. thuringiensis was investigated using a 5-L stirred tank bioreactor. Single-phase DOT control recorded low spore count (&lt;5.0 × 1011 spore/mL) and low percentage of sporulation (&lt;45%). Two-stage DOT control cultivation with DOT at 80% during the active growth phase, followed by a switch to 60% or 40% at mid-exponential growth phase contributed to enhanced sporulation (&gt;60%), high maximum cell count (1.5 cfu/mL) with δ-endotoxin formed as early as 8 hr of cultivation. A high maximum specific growth rate, μmax (&gt;0.1 h-1) was also essential in ensuring δ-endotoxin production. High cell count obtained in cultivation with DOT level of 80% saturation during active growth was concurrent with high cell count, high μmax, fast generation time, high OUR, high CER value, and high respiratory quotient (RQ) value. During the two-phase DOT control cultivation, low RQ values were reported. The result showed that the exhaust gas data could be used to monitor B. thuringiensis cultivation performance.

Lamellar Phases Composed of Phospholipid, Cholesterol, and Ceramide, as Studied by 2H NMR

Sphingolipids constitute a significant fraction of cellular plasma membrane lipid content. Among sphingolipids, ceramide levels are usually very low. However, in some cell processes like apoptosis, cell membrane ceramide levels increase markedly because of the activation of enzymes like acid sphingomyelinase. This increase can change the physical state of the membrane by promoting molecular order and inducing solid-ordered (So) phase domains. This effect has been observed in a previous 2H NMR study on membranes consisting of palmitoyl sphingomyelin (PSM) and palmitoyl ceramide (PCer). Cholesterol (Chol), too, is present at high concentrations in mammalian plasma membranes and has a favorable interaction with sphingomyelin (SM), together forming domains in the liquid-ordered phase in model membranes. There are reports that Chol is able to displace ceramide (Cer) in SM bilayers and abolish the So phase domains formed by SM:Cer. This ability of Chol appears to be concentration dependent; in membranes with low Chol and high Cer contents, So phase domains rich in Cer coexist with the continuous fluid phase of the membrane. Here, we studied the effect of increasing PCer concentration in PSM:Chol bilayers, using 2H NMR. Chol:PCer mole ratios were 3:1, 3:2, and 3:3, at a fixed 7:3 phospholipid:cholesterol mol ratio. Both PSM and PCer were monitored in separate samples for changes in their physical state by introducing a perdeuterated palmitoyl chain in either molecule. Moreover, the effect of replacing PSM with DPPC was investigated to test the impact on membrane phase behavior of replacing the sphingosine with a palmitoylated glycerol backbone. We found that PCer can increase acyl chain order in both PSM:Chol and DPPC:Chol bilayers. Especially in bilayers with Chol:PCer 1:1 molar ratios, PCer induces highly stable So phase domains in both PSM and DPPC bilayers near 37°C. However, PCer has a more pronounced ordering effect on PSM compared to DPPC bilayers.

Genetic, dietary, and sex-specific regulation of hepatic ceramides and the relationship between hepatic ceramides and IR [S

Elevated hepatic ceramide levels have been implicated in both insulin resistance (IR) and hepatic steatosis. To understand the factors contributing to hepatic ceramide levels in mice of both sexes, we have quantitated ceramides in a reference population of mice, the Hybrid Mouse Diversity Panel that has been previously characterized for a variety of metabolic syndrome traits. We observed significant positive correlations between Cer(d18:1/16:0) and IR/hepatic steatosis, consistent with previous findings, although the relationship broke down between sexes, as females were less insulin resistant, but had higher Cer(d18:1/16:0) levels than males. The sex difference was due in part to testosterone-mediated repression of ceramide synthase 6. One ceramide species, Cer(d18:1/20:0), was present at higher levels in males and was associated with IR only in males. Clear evidence of gene-by-sex and gene-by-diet interactions was observed, including sex-specific genome-wide association study results. Thus, our studies show clear differences in how hepatic ceramides are regulated between the sexes, which again suggests that the physiological roles of certain hepatic ceramides differ between the sexes.

Differential expression of estrogen receptor subtypes and variants in ovarian cancer: effects on cell invasion, proliferation and prognosis

BackgroundDue to the presence of both classical estrogen receptor (ERα) and another ER subtype (ERβ) in ovarian cancer, hormonal treatment is an attractive option. However, response to tamoxifen in ovarian cancer is modest. The presence of ERβ variants further complicated the issue. We have recently shown that specifically targeting ER subtypes using selective ER modulators showed opposing functions of ER subtypes on cell growth. In the present study, the clinical significance of ERα and ERβ variants (β1, β2 and β5) and the functional effects of ERβ2 and ERβ5 in ovarian cancer was investigated.MethodsERα, ERβ1, ERβ2 and ERβ5 expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 106 ovarian cancer tissues. The association between ERs expression and clinicopathological parameters or prognosis was analyzed. Ectopic expression of ERβ2 and ERβ5 followed by functional assays were performed in ovarian cancer cell lines in order to detect their effects on cell invasion and proliferation.ResultsWe found significantly higher nuclear (n)ERα and nERβ5 and lower cytoplasmic (c)ERα expression in advanced cancers. Significantly lower ERβ1 expression was also detected in high grade cancers. Significant loss of nERα and cERβ2 expression were observed in clear cell histological subtypes. Higher nERβ5 and lower cERβ5 expression were associated with serous/clear cell subtypes, poor disease-free and overall survival. Positive cERα and higher cERβ1 expression were significantly associated with better disease-free and overall survival. Furthermore, we found nERβ5 as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Functionally, overexpression of ERβ5 enhanced ovarian cancer cell migration, invasion and proliferation via FAK/c-Src activation whereas ERβ2 induced cell migration and invasion.ConclusionsSince tamoxifen binds to both ERα and ERβ1 which appear to bear opposing oncogenic roles, the histotypes-specific expression pattern of ERs indicates that personalized treatment for women based on ERs expression using selective estrogen receptor modulators may improve response rate. This study also suggests nERβ5 as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.

Effects of dietary glucocerebrosides from sea cucumber on the brain sphingolipid profiles of mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.

Herein, we investigated the potential relationship between sphingolipids and Alzheimer's disease (AD) with special attention to the relationship between dietary sea cucumber glucocerebrosides (SCGs) and sphingolipid metabolism. We assessed animal behavior using the Morris water maze test, determined Aβ1-42 concentration in the hippocampus using ELISA, and assessed the sphingolipid profile of the hippocampus and the cortex in normal mice (SAMR1), AD mice (SAMP8), and AD mice (SAMP8) fed with SCG using liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. We found that the SAMP8 mice had impaired memory and an SCG diet significantly rescued spatial memory deficits in these mice. As expected, we found that the profiles of sphingolipid species and the levels of total cerebrosides (CBS), ceramides (Cer), and sulfatides (ST) were significantly different in both the hippocampus and the cortex between the three groups; moreover, there were significantly lower ST levels and higher Cer and CBS levels in these regions in the SAMP8 mice. In the AD-SCG group, Cer and ST levels were altered only in the hippocampus, in contrast to the AD group. The major molecular species ST (d18:1-C24:1) and Cer (d18:1/18:0) were especially different between those of the two groups. Unexpectedly, sphingolipid profiles, including the nonhydroxylated fatty acid-ST/hydroxylated fatty acid-ST, very long fatty acid-galactocerebroside/long fatty acid-galactocerebroside, nonhydroxylated fatty acid-galactocerebroside/hydroxylated fatty acid-galactocerebroside and galactocerebroside/glucocerebroside ratios, were affected by AD. Thus, the ST and Cer levels and the profiles of sphingolipid species in the AD-SCG group were significantly different compared to those of the AD model group. Therefore, SCG has potential ameliorative effects in AD, and exogenous sphingolipid intake may potentially influence sphingolipid metabolism in vivo.

Abstract T P359: Regulation of Cerebral Ceramide Levels after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background: Ceramide (Cer) participates in neuronal and oligodendroglial cell death and neuroinflammation. We have previously shown that Cer levels increase in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The goal of this study is to further characterize the origin of Cer after SAH. Methods: Cer and dihydroceramide (DHC) levels as well as the activity of Acid (ASMase) and Neutral sphingomyelinase (NSMase) were measured in the CSF of SAH patients and controls. The de novo synthesis of Cer was estimated by correlating Cer with DHC levels using Spearman correlation. The activity of intracellular enzymes that regulate Cer homeostasis including ASMase, NSMase, sphingomyelinase synthase (SMS) and glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) was investigated using the rat model of SAH. Brain homogenates were used for in vitro enzyme activity measurement. The results were compared using non-parametric analysis. Results: A total of 26 SAH patients and 8 controls were included in the study. Compared to controls, SAH patients had higher Cer (12.4±8.8 vs. 53.8±48pmol/ml; p=0.001) and DHC (1.4±1.1 vs. 4.7±3.4pmol/ml; p=0.001) in the CSF. In the SAH group, Cer correlated well with DHC (rho=0.91; p&lt;0.001) suggesting a substantial contribution of the de novo pathway to Cer production. ASMase activity in the CSF of human subjects was higher in SAH than in controls (15.04±4.75 vs.9.62±3.88 IF/μl.min; p=0.017) indicating an increased turnover of sphingomyeline into Cer. Additionally, compared to the controls (n=4), brain samples from SAH animals (n=5) had higher ASMase (15.7±2.1 vs. 9.55±1.53 IF/μg.min; p=0.025) and GCS (1.38±0.35% vs. 0.70±0.04%; p=0.025) enzyme activity. On the other hand, NSMase (1.78±0.55 vs. 1.02±0.75 IF/μg.min; p&gt;0.05) and SMS (7.1±0.9% vs. 9.1±3.8%; p&gt;0.05) activities were similar in both groups. Conclusions: The increase of Cer after SAH may be explained by the elevation in both ASMase activity and the de novo Cer biosynthetic pathway. GCS transforms Cer into less toxic glycosphingolipids, suggesting that this enzyme may constitute an endogenous Cer detoxifying mechanism.

Abstract TP420: Sphingolipid Profile Changes In The Cerebrospinal Fluid Of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients

Background: The pathogenesis of brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is multifactorial and not completely understood. We recently described that profound changes in the ceramide (Cer) profile occur after SAH. Cer is an endogenous sphingolipid associated with brain-cell death. Dihydroceramide (DH-Cer) is an inactive sphingolipid that is metabolized into Cer by desaturases. In this study we sought to investigate if a differential metabolism of Cer into DH-Cer occurs in SAH and if this is related to vasospasm (VS) and outcome. Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Cer and DH-Cer levels were determined by mass spectrometry in control subjects and patients with Fisher 3 grade SAH within 48 hours of the bleed. Patients were prospectively followed and subcategorized based on the presence or absence of symptomatic VS (sVS versus no-sVS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge. Results: A total of 8 controls and 23 SAH patients were enrolled in the study. Compared to controls, patients with SAH had higher CSF levels of total Cer (12.41±8.84 versus 54.65±49.30 pmol/mL, p=0.001) and DH-Cer (1.44±1.05 versus 4.73±3.43 pmol/mL, p&lt;0.0001). Cer/DH-Cer ratios in both groups were comparable (p&gt;0.05). Within the SAH group, sVS had higher Cer and DH-Cer levels than no-sVS (104.23±56.97 versus 28.60±16.91 pmol/mL, p=0.001 for Cer; 7.87±4.03 versus 3.12±1.88 pmol/mL, p=0.005 for DH-Cer). In addition, the sVS group had lower Cer/DH-Cer ratios than no-sVS (0.11±0.03 versus 0.08±0.02; p=0.009). Compared to individuals with good outcome (mRS≤3), SAH patients with poor outcome (mRS≥4) had lower Cer/DH-Cer ratios (0.12±0.04 versus 0.09±0.02; p=0.04) Conclusions: CSF levels of Cer and DH-Cer increase after SAH, particularly in individuals with sVS and poor neurological outcome at discharge. The distinctive Cer/DH-Cer ratios observed in sVS and no-sVS groups suggest that differences in sphingolipid metabolism exist in these subgroups.

Ceramides modulate cell-surface acetylcholine receptor levels

The effects of ceramides (Cer) on the trafficking of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) to the plasma membrane were studied in CHO-K1/A5 cells, a clonal cell line that heterologously expresses the adult murine form of the receptor. When cells were incubated with short- (C 6-Cer) or long- (brain-Cer) chain Cer at low concentrations, an increase in the number of cell-surface AChRs was observed concomitant with a decrease in intracellular receptor levels. The alteration in AChR distribution by low Cer treatment does not appear to be a general mechanism since the surface expression of the green fluorescent protein derivative of the vesicular stomatitis virus protein (VSVG-GFP) was not affected. High Cer concentrations caused the opposite effects, decreasing the number of cell-surface AChRs, which exhibited higher affinity for [ 125I]-α-bungarotoxin, and increasing the intracellular pool, which colocalized with trans-Golgi/TGN specific markers. The generation of endogenous Cer by sphingomyelinase treatment also decreased cell-surface AChR levels. These effects do not involve protein kinase Cζ or protein phosphatase 2A activation. Taken together, the results indicate that Cer modulate trafficking of AChRs to and stability at the cell surface.

Photosynthetic capacity and nitrogen partitioning among species in the canopy of a herbaceous plant community.

Partitioning of nitrogen among species was determined in a stand of a tall herbaceous community. Total amount of nitrogen in the aboveground biomass was 261 mmol N m-2, of which 92% was in three dominant species (Phragmites, Calamagrostis and Carex) and the rest was in the other eight subordinate species. Higher nitrogen concentrations per unit leaf area (n L) with increasing photosynthetically active photon flux density (PPFD) were observed in all species except for three short species. The changes in n L within species were mainly explained by the different nitrogen concentrations per unit leaf mass, while the differences in n L between species were explained by the different SLM (leaf mass per unit leaf area). Photon absorption per unit leaf nitrogen (Φ N ) was determined for each species. If photosynthetic activity was proportional to photon absorption, Φ N should indicate in situ PNUE (photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency). High Φ N of Calamagrostis (dominant) resulted from high photon absorption per unit leaf area (Φ area ), whereas high Φ N of Scutellaria (subordinate) resulted from low n L although its Φ area was low. Species with cylinder-like "leaves" (Juncus and Equisetum) had low Φ N , which resulted from their high n L. Light-saturated CO2 exchange rates per unit leaf area (CER) and per unit leaf nitrogen (potential PNUE) were determined in seven species. Species with high CER and high n L (Phragmites, Carex and Juncus) had low potential PNUE, while species with low CER and low n L showed high potential PNUE. NUE (ratio of dry mass production to nitrogen uptake) was approximated as a reciprocal of plant nitrogen concentration. In most species, three measures of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE, Φ N and potential PNUE) showed strong conformity. Nitrogen use efficiency was high in Calamagrostis and Scutellaria, intermediate in Phragmites and relatively low in Carex. Nitrogen use efficiency of subordinate species was as high as or even higher than that of dominant species, which suggests that growth is co-limited by light and nitrogen in the subordinate species.

Genetic Variability for Net Photosynthesis in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana Gaertn) Genotypes An Approach to Identify High CER Types

AbstractGermplasm lines of finger millet (400 lines) with diverse genetic background were screened to identify high CER and CGR genotypes. Considerable variation was noticed in LA, biomass and all the growth and yield attributes but range in stomatal frequency was relatively less. The difference in plant stomatal number was more due to variation in LA but not the frequency. Since high TDM is a primary criteria for achieving higher grain yield, from amongst the high biomass types, genotypes differing in LA/DM ratios but with similar DM and HI were selected. In six genotypes each from low and high LA/DM group which showed stability across the environment, gas exchange characteristics were studied. The CER in low LA/DM types was 45 per cent higher. A significant negative relationship (r = ‐0.87) exists between CER and LA/DM ratios. Higher net assimilation rate in these genotypes therefore could be attributed mainly due to CER rather than the dark respiration.An approach to identify high CER types with high CGR and low plant conductances from the germplasm lines has been proposed. These conceptual types will have high CGR but with low functional LA, thus low transpiration leaf surface. These conceptual types will have specific advantage under rainfed water limited conditions.

The Temperature Response of Gas Exchange in Sorghum Leaves and the Effect of Heterosis

ABSTRACT The aim of this research was to describe the temperature response of gas exchange in grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.Moench) leaves as temperature was increased in a fashion similar to its daily increase in a hot environment. The hypothesis thatsorghum hybrids manifested heterosis for carbon dioxide exchange rate on a wider temperature range as compared with theirparental lines was also evaluated. Gas exchange of detached turgid leaves was measured in four sorghum hybrids and theirparents as leaf temperature rose steadily from 32 °C to 43 °C in 4 h. CER was maximal at about 37—40 C C depending on thegenotype. In one genotype (Tx378), CER was maximal at 42 °C. In three out of four hybrids significant heterosis was found forCER at the lower, the higher or at the full range of temperatures tested depending on the hybrid. Consequently, all threeheterotic hybrids displayed a greater temperature range for high CER as compared with their parents. Heterosis in CER waslargely explained by heterosis in stomatal conductance, though the effects of non-stomatal components could not be elucidatedhere. Heterosis in transpiration was revealed in the same three hybrids, especially at moderate temperatures. Since heterosis inCER was relatively greater than heterosis in transpiration, significant heterosis in transpiration ratio at moderate temperatureswas seen in two of the four hybrids. An effect of heat hardening on CER was observed in parental line Tx430 and its two hybridsas seen in the reduction of CER at 36-37 °C and its subsequent recovery as temperatures rose slowly to 43 °C. The effect of heathardening on photosynthesis was also observed in some of the genotypes as a hysteresis in the association between stomatalconductance and CER as temperatures increased. This hysteresis indicated that, for the same stomatal conductance, CER wasgreater after than before leaves were exposed to high temperature.Key words: Photosynthesis, hybrid vigour, heat stress.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CARBON DIOXIDE EXCHANGE RATE, PHOTOSYNTHETIC AREA AND BIOMASS IN PEA

Compensation between carbon dioxide exchange rate per unit photosynthetic area (CER) and total photosynthetic area (TPA) of a plant was examined in field-grown pea (Pisum sativum L.). Eight near-isogenic lines of cv. Alaska, representing all possible phenotypes of the genes af (leaflets transformed to tendrils), st (reduced stipule area) and tl (tendrils transformed to leaflets), were examined. The CER was measured on the leaflets (AfAf), tendrils (afafTlTl) or minute leaflets (afaftltl). The TPA was significantly reduced by the st gene in AfAf types (normal leaflets) with an apparently associated increase in CER. The st gene also significantly reduced the TPA in afaf types but there was no associated increase in CER. Tendrils had a lower CER than normal leaflets and comprised 22% of the TPA of the semi-leafless (afafStStTlTl) type. Crosses were made between a semi-leafless pea and four normal-leafed types previously selected for high or low CER. The CER means (normal leaflets) of the F1 progeny showed variability which was related to parental values. This was also true for the CER means (tendrils) of the populations of semi-leafless F2 segregants showing that genetic variability for CER can exist in tendrils. In the F2, tendril CER was correlated negatively to stomatal resistance and positively to chlorophyll content and final shoot dry weight (biomass). Genetic improvement in CER may be important when a plant ideotype requires substantial reduction in TPA.Key words: Photosynthesis, pea, chlorophyll content, stomatal resistance, Pisum sativum

Relationships between CO2 Exchange Rates and Activities of Pyruvate,Pi Dikinase and Ribulose Bisphosphate Carboxylase, Chlorophyll Concentration, and Cell Volume in Maize Leaves

The relationships between CO(2)-exchange rate (CER), DNA and chlorophyll (Chl) concentrations, pyruvate,Pi dikinase (PPDK) and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBPCase) activities in ten maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes were investigated. The in vivo degrees of activation of PPDK and RuBPCase were estimated to make meaningful comparisons with CER. In leaves at a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 720 micromoles per square meter per second, in vivo PPDK degree of activation was 80% of that of PPDK fully activated in vitro, whereas RuBPCase could not be further activated in vitro, suggesting that RuBPCase was fully activated in vivo. CER varied about 50% among the genotypes tested. Significant genetic differences were observed for the average weight of a cell (estimated by gram fresh weight per milligram DNA), but this character was not correlated with CER expressed on a fresh weight basis. CER was correlated with Chl concentration, and with estimates of the in vivo degree of activation of PPDK and RuBPCase. We concluded that in maize, CER is controlled by the metabolic components of photosynthesis rather than by membrane resistances to CO(2). If the latter factor were controlling CER, then smaller cells with higher amounts of exposed cell surface area per unit cell volume would have lower resistance to CO(2) diffusion, and therefore higher CER. When data were expressed on a DNA basis (proportional to a per cell basis), results indicated that larger cells (i.e. those with higher fresh weight per milligram DNA) have a higher content of Chl, and higher PPDK and RuBPCase activities, resulting in higher CER than in smaller cells.

FIELD EVALUATION OF GROWTH AND NITROGEN FIXATION IN PEAS SELECTED FOR HIGH AND LOW PHOTOSYNTHETIC CO2 EXCHANGE

Six genotypes of pea (Pisum sativum L.), selected for either high or low CO2 exchange rate per unit leaf area (CER) on the basis of field measurements, were grown in field plots during 1978 and 1979. During two growing seasons, CER was determined in leaves of different physiological age at several times of the day and season. Dry weights, leaf areas and node numbers were determined 4, 7 and 10 wk after planting, and again after pod ripening. C2H2 reduction by detached roots was measured 5, 6, 8 and 9 wk after planting. Despite the large variability in CER with years, leaf numbers, and times of measurement, the mean CER of the three genotypes selected for high rates was always greater than that of the low selected group. CER was significantly correlated with growth per unit leaf area (E) and the high to low group ratios averaged 1.4 for CER and 1.3 for E. C2H2 reduction on an equivalent leaf area basis was not different in the two groups. On a land area basis, the low CER group had a significantly greater leaf area index which compensated for the decreased CER, and estimates of total CO2 exchange, growth and C2H2 reduction were similar in the two groups. Total aboveground dry matter and seed yields were greater in the low CER group, but harvest index was generally greater in those genotypes selected for high CER.