Mnium Cuspidatum Research Articles

SCREENING OF MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS EXTRACTS FOR THE SYNERGISM WITH FLUCONAZOLE AGAINST CANDIDA ALBICANS AND CANDIDA TROPICALIS FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH DENTURE STOMATITIS.

The aim: To conduct a primary screening of the ability of aqueous-ethanol extracts of medicinal plants to enhance the effect of fluconazole against resistant strains of Candida sp. associated with denture stomatitis, to justify the potential use of combined antifungal therapy. Materials and methods: 40 biochemical tests using the VITEK 2 system with the use of VITEK 2 YST ID card (Biomerieux, France). The computer programs UTHSCSA ImageTool 2.0 and Microsoft Office Excel 2003 were used for statistical processing of the results. Results: 114 extracts out of 166 studied ones (68.7 « 0.28%) showed direct antifungal activity in relation to C. tropicalis strain, 74 extracts (44.6 « 0.30%) turned out to be highly active (d IZ > 10 mm). Only 50 extracts out of 166 studied ones (30.1 « 0.28%) showed antifungal activity against C. albicans strain, 26 extracts (15.7 « 0.22%) were highly active (d IZ > 10 mm). Significant direct antifungal activity both against C. albicans strain and C. tropicalis strain was demonstrated by the extracts of the leaves of Sophora japonica, thallus of Mnium cuspidatum Hedw. (M.silvaticum Lindb.), herbs of Euphorbia amygdaloides L., Lathyrus niger (L.) Bernh., Betonica officinalis L. s. l., flowers of Primula officinalis Hill., roots of Scrophularia nodosa L. Conclusions: 1. Aqueous-ethanolic extracts of medicinal and aromatic plants of Ukrainian flora have direct antifungal activity against azole resistant C. albicans and C. tropicalis (44,6«0,30% and 15,7«0,22% of tested extracts respectively) associated with denture stomatitis as well restore their sensitivity to fluconazole (44,6«0,30% and 15,7«0,22% of extracts respectively).

Investigating Plant Pathogen Responses: Using a Common Moss and a Soil Pathogen to Demonstrate Plant Defense Mechanisms

Plant–pathogen interactions are often omitted as a topic in most introductory and upper-level biology courses. The infection process of the plant pathogen Pythium irregulare on the moss Mnium cuspidatum can be observed and exploited to provide lessons on host–pathogen responses, as well as introduce other biological topics such as microscopy, spectrophotometry, and enzymes. Students can qualitatively analyze plant responses to pathogen infection using microscopy and observe quantitative enzyme responses to draw conclusions. Students are also encouraged to generate hypotheses and test them using this biological system as a method to develop scientific skills.

A morphological and phylogenetic study of a filamentous cyanobacterium, Microcoleus vaginatus, associated with the moss Mnium cuspidatum

Mnium cuspidatum Hedw. from the Bashuigou landscape of the Guandi Mountains, Shanxi Province, China, found to be associated with a cyanobacterium that was successfully isolated and cultivated under axenic conditions and designated as Microcoleus sp. GD based on its morphology. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA alone and of the 16S rRNA combined with the 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and the presence of an 11-bp insert in the 16S rRNA gene, indicated that Microcoleus sp. GD was as Microcoleus vaginatus. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that Microcoleus sp. GD formed a well-supported clade with aquatic epipelic strains of M. vaginatus from the Czech Republic and with desert strains from the USA. Microcoleus sp. GD was more closely related to the aquatic strains living at the seciment/water interface. The secondary structure of the 16S–23S ITS showed that the Box-B helix of Microcoleus sp. GD was structurally was similar to these strains but quite different from the desert strains. Furthermore, the D1-D1′ helices of all strains varied but Microcoleus sp. GD was again most similar to the aquatic strains.

PASSIVE BIOMONITORING OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION WITH HEAVY METALS USING NATIVE EPIGEIC MOSS

It were investigated some atmospheric sediments of copper and chromium in mining areas of Dorna Basin by passive monitoring with six species of native epigeic moss (Mnium hornum, Mnium cuspidatum, Mnium punctatum, Polytrichum strictum, Thamnium alopecurum si Cephalozia bicuspidate) in two stages: April September 2005 and October 2005 March 2006. These determinations were achieved in 4 locations: Dealul Boambei, Saru Dornei, Sarisorul Mic, Neagra Sarului. In the same time was determined the concentration of these elements in soil. It was noticed a decrease of copper and chromium concentrations in the second stage comparing to the first stage (copper maximum concentration in moss for the dry plants in the first stage is 34.17 μg/g, in the second stage is 22.39 μg/g. In dry soil, the concentration in the first stage was 55.46 μg/g and 27.42 μg/g in the second stage. In the case of chromium samples, the concentration in mosses for dry plants in the first stage is 17.29 μg/g and 4.93 μg/g in the second stage. In dry soil, the concentration in the first stage was 16.97 μg/g and 5.65 μg/g in the second stage). The concentration factor (CF) values for Cu samples (CFCu) has a maximum value of 6.1669 in the first stage and 4.0427 in the second stage. For Cr samples, CFCr has a maximum value of 10.8062 in the first stage and 3.0793 in the second stage. This variation shows a maximum accumulation in the selected epigeic mosses. There are presented external and internal factors that affect passive absorption of the heavy metals in the atmosphere. High capacity retention of the same moss species is due to both environment mental factors and high content of the complex compounds in their composition.

Thermal Hysteresis Protein Activity in Bacteria, Fungi, and Phylogenetically Diverse Plants

Thermal hysteresis antifreeze proteins have been well studied in animals, especially marine teleost fishes and terrestrial arthropods, and recently thermal hysteresis proteins were reported in several plants, all angiosperms, collected in winter. This study shows for the first time that thermal hysteresis protein activity is also present in nonangiosperm plants, fungi, and bacteria. In addition to six species of angiosperms ( Dicentra cucularia, Dutchman's breeches, tubers; Daucus carota, carrot, both cultivated and wild; Hemerocallis fulva, day-dily, bulbs; Populus deltoides, eastern cottonwood; Quercus alba, white oak, acorns; and Triticum aestivum, winter wheat), thermal hysteresis activity (THA) was demonstrated in the evergreen Christmas fern ( Polystichum acrostichoides), a horsetail ( Equisetum hymenale), a club moss ( Lycopodium dendroideum), the ginko tree ( Gynko biloba), and three mosses ( Mnium cuspidatum, Polytrichum ohioense and Brachythecium salcbrosum). Thus, THA is present in phylogenetically diverse plants. Thermal hysteresis protein activity was also identified for the first time in two additional kingdoms, the fungi and bacteria. Fungi included fruiting bodies of the winter mushroom ( Flammulina velupites) and the oyster mushroom ( Pleurotus ostreatus) and two bracket fungi ( Coriolus versicolor and a Stereum sp.). In addition, two bacteria ( Rhodococus erythropolis and Micrococcus cryophilus) acclimated at 3°C had THA. In plants and fungi THA was only present during winter and in bacteria when cold acclimated. Treatment of samples of certain of these organisms with protease eliminated the THA, demonstrating that the activity was due to the presence of thermal hysteresis proteins.

Desiccation tolerance in mosses. II. Differences in the responses of Hedwigia ciliata and Mnium cuspidatum to desiccation and rehydration

The responses of two mosses, Hedwigia ciliata and Mnium cuspidatum, to desiccation and rehydration were studied. Cell and shoot survival were about 30% lower in Mnium than in Hedwigia after the same desiccation and rehydration treatment. Time courses of water loss showed that both species lost water at the same rate and to the same extent, indicating that Hedwigia is desiccation tolerant rather than dehydration resistant. Chlorophyll content decreases in both species after desiccation and rehydration, but in Hedwigia net photosynthesis after desiccation and rehydration was at a rate similar to that in undesiccated plants whereas in Mnium photosynthetic rates were lower after desiccation and rehydration. This decreased photosynthetic rate suggests that chloroplast damage during desiccation and dry storage contributes to Mnium's lessened ability to survive after desiccation and rehydration.

An Ecological Study of the Bryophytes of a Natural Prairie in Northwestern Iowa

An Ecological Study of the Bryophytes of a Natural Prairie in Northwestern Iowa

Accumulation of 86Rb, 43K and Heavy Metal Ions in the Anulus of the Moss Mnium cuspidatum (L.) Leysser: A Parallel to Guard Cell Ion Uptake

Summary 86 Rb and 43 K were mainly found within the fully developed anulus. Parallel feeding experiments using Tl 2 SO 4 and AgNO 3 led to accumulation at the same sites. The uptake of the cations from the transpiration stream the anulus has in common with the guard cells of vascular plants. There is also a certain structural analogy of both. Among the common features the abundance of starch within the anulus led to the belief that ion accumulation depends on primary processes which may also be involved in the initiation of ion flux changes in stomatal movements.

CHLOROPLAST DEVELOPMENT DURING SPOROGENESIS IN SIX SPECIES OF MOSSES

Chloroplast development during sporogenesis in Mnium cuspidatum, M. medium, M. rostratum, Aulacomnium heterostichum, Bartramia pomiformis, and Timmia megapolitana is as follows: During the early mitotic divisions in the sporogenous area of the capsule the number of plastids is reduced from many to one cup‐shaped plastid per sporogenous cell. This single plastid divides during the early spore‐mother‐cell stage. A second division of plastids produces four plastids within each spore‐mother‐cell. A massive accumulation of starch occurs within each of the four plastids. Following meiosis, the single plastid allocated to each spore produces distinct lobes that are “blebbed” off as proplastids. A photosynthetic membrane system is established within the many proplastids as each spore matures.

Production studies on protozoa.

In the river Saale and in the terrestrial moss Mnium cuspidatum Leyss. in 1974/75 the annual production of Testacea and loricate ciliated protozoa were investigated.The production was estimated in the Saale-Aufwuchs on a β-meso ... oligosaprobic (Kaulsdorf, Thuringia, GDR) and on a α-mesosaprobic (Rothenstein, Thuringia, GDR) area of the river. The mosses were investigated in a forest near Jena.The production was estimated on slides and in special "productionchambers"; the time of exposure was 2 weeks. Investigations concerned annual production of individuals and biomass, the ratio of annual production/standing crop (P/B), numbers of generations per year (G) and mortality (M%/d). In the mosses, the rainfall modified the production and dislocation of the protozoa.The values for production are: Aufwuchs Saale (β-meso... oligosaprobic): 24·106 i/m2·a (=1,0 g/m2·a=79·103 i/m2·d); P/B: 12.6. Aufwuchs Saale (α-mesosaprobic): 3.2·106 i/m2·a (=0.35 g/m2·a=81·103 i/m2·d); P/B: 34.9; G: 22; M: 5%/d. Moss: 145·106 i/m2·a (=0.11 g/m2·a=40.6·103 i/m2·d); P/B: 8.1; G: 16.5; M: 3.0%/d.

Effect of Cyanide on the Plasmalemma Potential of Mnium

By centrifuging Mnium cuspidatum leaf cells, the cytoplasm can be distinguished from the vacuole and a microelectrode tip can be located unambiguously in the cytoplasm. The site of the electrogenic pump is clearly demonstrated to reside in the plasmalemma as shown by depolarization of the cell electropotential induced by CN(-).

Ultrastructure and Lipid Composition of Mosses

Ultrastructure and Lipid Composition of Mosses

Distribution of arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids in the lipids of mosses

Lipid classes from four species of mosses, Mnium cuspidatum, and Mnium medium from Minnesota, and Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi from Alaska, were analyzed. The total lipids of all species contained 30–40% arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids. However, the lipids from the Alaskan mosses contained about 75% neutral lipids (triacylglycerols, steryl esters and wax esters) whereas the lipids of the other species contained only 20% or less of these neutral lipids. Consistently, monogalactosyldiacylglycerols and phosphatidylethanolamines were enriched in arachidonic acid and the galactolipids in eicosapentaenoic acid. The distribution of these acids in the phospholipids shows some preference for position 2. Together, the highly unsaturated C 20 acids represented 80% of acyl groups in steryl esters. In triacylglycerols they were at average levels, while they were much less in sulfolipids and phosphatidylglycerols. Wax esters contained very little of the highly unsaturated acids but appreciable amounts of phytol and phytenic acid were found as wax constituents.

A Quantitative Study of Corticolous Bryophytes in the Vicinity of Winnipeg, Manitoba

On trees in bottomland forests near Winnipeg, Manitoba domi- nated by Ulmus americana, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, and to a lesser extent Acer negundo, Leskea obscura/polycarpa was the dominant bryophyte, with Anomodon minor, Frullania inflata, and Orthotrichum pumilum sometimes also prominent. On trees in the upland Populus tremuloides-Quercus macro- carpa forests in the same area, Amblystegium juratzkanum, A. varium, Brachy- thecium salebrosum, Mnium cuspidatum, and Pylaisiella polyantha were domi- nants. The bryophytes prominent in bottomland forests are eastern boreal while the upland dominants, except Pylaisiella polyantha, which is boreal, are pan-North American. We suggest that the river valleys provide favourable ecological niches, especially regarding higher humidity levels, and allow the westward extension of predominantly eastern bryophytes while excluding by spring flooding the pan-North American species.

Arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids in developing gametophores and sporophytes of the moss,Mnium cuspidatum

AbstractThe fatty acid composition of different parts of the moss,Mnium cuspidatum, which contains up to 35% arachidonic acid in its lipids, was studied through the annual cycle and especially during the period of rapid development of the reproductive parts. The content of 20∶4ω6 was highest in summer and lowest in winter; but for 20∶5ω3, the reverse was found. Levels of the acids, 20∶5ω3, 18∶3ω3 and 16∶3ω3 showed parallel fluctuations through the seasons of the year, and functionally they may substitute for each other. In contrast, 20∶5ω6 is at a high level when 18∶2ω6 is low. The latter acid accumulates in storage or dormant tissue and may be a reserve to form arachidonic acid for specific requirements in cell membranes when rapid growth resumes.

Highly Unsaturated Lipids of Mnium, Polytrichum, Marchantia, and Matteuccia

Highly Unsaturated Lipids of Mnium, Polytrichum, Marchantia, and Matteuccia

Chromosome Studies of Ten Species of Mosses from Iowa

The chromosome number of Bryum criberrimum (n = 10) is reported for the first time and Barbula unguiculata (n = 14 + 2m) is the first North American report. Dicranum sabuletorum (n = 12), Leskea gracilescens (n = 11), and L. obscura (n = 11) are reported for the second time. Corroborative counts are given for Weissia controversa (n = 13), Grimmia apocarpa (n = 14), and Mnium cuspidatum (n = 12). Counts for Amblystegium juratzkanum (n = 20) and Atrichum angustatum (n = 8) differ from most other reports for these species. There have been few chromosome studies of mosses in the midwestern United States, and the Great Plains region has up to now been completely ignored. Because of its rather well studied moss flora (Conard, 1956), Iowa is a convenient midwestern state in which to initiate such studies. This paper reports on ten species collected in central and south central Iowa. MATERIALS AND METHODS Collections were made during the summer of 1966, the fall and winter of 1967, and the spring of 1968. Sporophytes approximately at meiosis were fixed immediately; gametophytes bearing immature sporophytes were allowed to develop further in plastic boxes containing vermiculite, maintained in a growth chamber at 180C, with a 13-hour photoperiod of 600 foot-candles illumination. After comparing Farmer's fluid and Newcomer's solution, we concluded that the latter fixative was entirely satisfactory. Capsules were fixed in Newcomer's solution for several hours, which cleared the walls, allowing inspection of the internal condition of a large number of capsules. When sporogenous tissue within the capsule had a certain white opacity when viewed by transmitted light, meiotic stages could usually be found. Such capsules were then removed and dissected in a drop of 45% acetic acid, which softened and prepared them for staining in saturated aceto-orcein in 45% acetic acid. Repeated squashing and staining was often necessary to achieve the proper stain intensity. Slides were placed on a warming plate at 600C to hasten staining. Once the desired intensity was reached, the saturated aceto-orcein was replaced with a solution of saturated aceto-orcein diluted by an equal amount of 45% acetic acid. The slides were then ringed with rubber cement and could be kept in good condition under refrigeration for up to four weeks. To make slides permanent, we simply removed the cover glass, gently washed the material on both cover glass and slide in 70% alcohol followed by absolute alcohol, then mounted in Diaphane. Voucher specimens were deposited in herbaria at Iowa State University, University of 1 This work was begun in the summer of 1966 at Iowa State University while the first author was on a College Teacher Research Participation project and continued in 1967-68 during an Academic Year Extension grant. Grateful acknowledgement is made to the National Science Foundation for its support in these programs. We thank Dr. A. J. Sharp for checking our identifications of specimens. 2 Life Sciences Division, Grays Harbor College, Aberdeen, Washington 98520. S Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50010. This content downloaded from 207.46.13.90 on Thu, 15 Sep 2016 04:02:38 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms 1968] MESSMER AND LERSTEN: CHROMOSOME STUDIES OF MOSSES FROM IOWA 349

Tages- und jahresperiodik der strahlenresistenz pflanzlicher zellen

The outer and inner epidermises of red onion scales of Allium cepa and leaflets of the moss Mnium cuspidatum show a marked diurnal rhythm of their resistance toward α- and u.v.-rays (Figs. 1 and 3). In the onion epidermises a-radiation resistance reaches its maximum at 12 noon, its minimum at 8 p.m. Mnium cuspidatum show the maximum of the α-radiation resistance at midnight and the minimum between noon and 4 p.m. In addition to it the diurnal changes of nuclear sizes of the inner epidermises of onion scales were measured (maximum: 12 noon, minimum: 8 p.m.). The curves parallel each other (Fig. 2). Both the cells of the onion scale and those of the leaflets of various mosses and liverworts also show a marked annual rhythm of resistance to α- and u.v.-radiation (Figs. 4-9). The bryophytes reach their maxima of radiation resistance in June and their minima in December, the onion epidermises are most sensitive to radiation in June and most resistant in December. The nuclear size of the inner epidermises of onion scales show also an annual rhythm beside the diurnal rhythm (Fig. 11). The nuclei reach maximum size in summer, minimum size in winter. While in the diurnal rhythm of the inner epidermises of onion scales the maxima of nuclear size coincide with the maximum radiation resistance of the cells, in the annual rhythm the cells show their greatest radiation resistance when the nuclei are smallest and their greatest sensitivity when the nuclei are largest (Fig. 10). The survival curves of α-irradiated outer epidermises of onion scales show a rapid drop within 24 hr after intensive irradiation, while in epidermises exposed to lower doses of radiation death occurs only after some days. Cell death within 24 hr is believed to be caused by direct damages of the cytoplasm, the slow death after some days, on the other hand, by injuries of the nuclei, which are caused by much lower doses and which have a gradually increasing harmful effect upon the metabolism of the cell. (6,24,25) Our observations refer, unless stated otherwise, to the radiation resistance of cytoplasm within 24 hr. The coincidence in the diurnal rhythm of the maxima of nuclear size and radiation resistance of the cytoplasm seem to contradict the observations of Sparrow and co-workers, (26, 27, 28, 29) according to which plants with smaller nuclear volumes show greater radiation resistance than plants with a bigger nuclear volume. Sparrow's determination of radiation resistance was, however, based on the observation of injury in development and growth made after a long period of time. The irradiation doses used by him were much lower, and he did not determine the radiation resistance of the cytoplasm itself, but the damage indirectly caused by injuries to the much more radiosensitive cell nuclei. Results similar to those of Sparrow could be found in long-term experiments with outer epidermises of red onion scales: at the times when the maximum of nuclear size (9 a.m., 418 μ 2) and the minimum (6 p.m., 339 μ 2) were observed, epidermises of onion scales were exposed to an irradiation series each covering a very wide range of doses (Table 1, Fig. 12, 13). Again, in the case of doses having a lethal effect within 24 hr, the maxima of nuclear size and radiation resistance coincided. After one to three weeks slices with nuclei which were smaller at the time of irradiation (6 p.m. series) now were more resistant than cells with bigger nuclei at the time of irradiation. The larger nucleus in the diurnal rhythm, which is probably more active, seems to have supplied the cytoplasm with substances (enzymes?) which, in spite of heavy damage to the nucleus itself, make it possible for the cytoplasm to survive higher doses within 24 hr. Lower doses, however, which no longer affect the less radiosensitive cytoplasm, damage larger nuclei—in accordance with Sparrow's findings—more than the smaller ones. Experiments concerning the causative factor of the annual resistance rhythm yielded the following results: ( a) On the other hand, the radiation resistance of bryophytes seems to be directly dependent on day length. Experimental shortening of the daylight period in summer with all other conditions remaining constant brought about a marked lowering of radiation resistance (Figs. 16-18). This would correspond to the fact that the maximum of radiation resistance observed in the annual rhythm of bryophytes in June coincides with the longest day of the year and the minimum in December with the shortest day (vice versa in the case of onions).

ON STAINING FOR VITAMIN C IN TISSUES

Guinea-pig adrenals were stained for ascorbic acid. In the normal adrenal, staining was found in both cortex and medulla though with greatest density in the zona fasciculata. The stained scorbutic adrenal showed only a few granules.The mosses Mnium cuspidatum and Mnium affine contain ascorbic acid in appreciable amounts. Following staining, fine black granules could be seen in both species. The stain intensity of the granules roughly corresponded to their relative ascorbic acid content.Having satisfactorily established the validity of the staining solution by the above experiments the development of ascorbic acid in the rose hips of R. acicularis was followed throughout the summer. There was found to be some association between the ascorbic acid and chloroplasts. With increasing maturity there developed a gradual accumulation of fine granules in the cells of the tissue as well. These granules showed no apparent relationship to any formed elements in the cells. Staining densities roughly parallel ascorbic acid content.

Mosses in Florida Lime-Sinks

A. J. GROUT Much of Florida from Pensacola to Cape Sable is underlain by limestone into which the waters of recent geological time have eaten to form caves and (by the falling of roofs) sinkholes from one to twenty feet or more in diameter and often of considerable depth. On January 3d, 1940, in connection with a foray of the American Fern Society, I visited several sinks near Orange Lakes and Ocala. We were guided by Don Mackay, a naturalist who conducts an out-door museum at Orange Lakes that is well worth a visit. Besides numerous rare ferns, such as Asplenium abscissum, A. Curtissii, A. heterochroum, A. verecundum, A. pumilum, Dryopteris augescens, and Polypodium pectinatum, there were many interesting mosses. I collected Eurhynchium hians (Hedw.) J. & S., Thuidium delicatulum (Hedw.) Mitt., T. microphyllum (Hedw.) Best, and T. minutulum (Hedw.) Bryhn, all abundant and the last two in fruit. The most species were found in the genus Fissidens: F. Donnellii, F. bryoides, F. Kegelianus, F. radicans, F. taxifolius, and F. tortilis, but only one was fruiting. Other species were Anomodon rostratus, Leptodictyum trichopodium and its variety Kochii, Brachythecium splendens, Plagiothecium geophilum, Mnium cuspidatum, Weisia viridula, and Tortella humilis (Hedw.) Jennings. The best find, however, was not in the sinks but on an old oak log by the Dinosaur Cave, a few miles from Belleview. This was an abundance of Brachymenium systylium, which was so dark in color that I at first took it to be a Macromitrium, as it was not in fruit. This is the second locality for it in Florida and the third in the United States. Associated with it was what appears to be Chamberlainia biventrorsa (C. M.) Grout and an abundance of Entodon seductrix. In Hepaticae, there was an abundance of Dumortiera hirsuta (Sw.) R. B. & N.; also Lejeunea cladogyna Evans, L. americana (Lindb.) Evans, Mastigolejeunea auriculata (H. & W.) Schiffn., and what seems to be Frullania eboracensis Gottsche. No attempt was made to collect all the hepatics or all the more com-