Morphogenetic Characters Research Articles

Description of Holostichides (Extraholostichides) eastensis tianjinensis subgen. nov. subspec. nov. (Ciliophora, Hypotricha) from northern China

The morphology and morphogenesis of a new urostylid, Holostichides (Extraholostichides) eastensis tianjinensis subgen. nov. subspec. nov. were analyzed. The new subspecies differs from the nominotypical subspecies H. (Extraholostichides) eastensis eastensis Wang et al., 2022 by the relatively long frontoterminal row (about 60% vs. 30% of body length), colorless cortical granules (vs. dark brown), two (vs. one) parabuccal cirri, and usually an extra cirrus behind the first midventral pair (vs. lacking). Based on the difference in the frontal ciliature, we split Holostichides into two subgenera: H. (Extraholostichides) subgen. nov. (type species Holostichides eastensis Wang et al., 2022; with a short cirral row behind the middle frontal cirrus) and H. (Holostichides) Foissner, 1987 (type species Holostichides chardezi Foissner, 1987; lacking this short row). The main morphogenetic characters of the new subspecies are very similar to those of H. (Extraholostichides) eastensis eastensis except for some minor differences. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequences indicate that H. (Extraholostichides) subgen. nov. is monophyletic and nested within the monophyletic genus Holostichides, which is sister to Eschaneustyla lugeri.

Study of Serological and Morphogenetic Variability among Students in Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State

Background: Human beings, like all living organisms, are characterized by the presence of genetically inherited physical and/or physiological characters which made them to be genetically distinct from each other. These traits, known as morphogenetic traits, are transmitted in autosomal dominant or recessive fashion. This study strives to determine the distribution, association and inheritance pattern of morphogenetic characters among students of Federal Polytechnic Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A random sample of four hundred (male 219 and female 181) students were evaluated for two serological (blood group and rhesus factor) and ten morphogenetic traits including, earlobe attachment, bent little finger, widow’s peak, hitchhiker’s thumb, tongue rolling, tongue flipping, cleft chin, mid-phalangeal hair, eye colour and polydactyly. The data obtained were expressed in simple percentages. Chi- square analysis was used to test for statistically significant associations between observed allelic and genotypic frequency at 5% level of significance. Results and Discussions: The study revealed Blood group O as the most prevalent (47%) followed by A (22.75%), B (18.5%) while the least was AB (11.75%). Over 91% of these population were Rh (D) positive while over 8% were Rh (D) negative. The other genetic traits were observed in frequencies; attached earlobe (57.25%), bent little finger (27.5%), widow’s peak (34.25%), hitchhiker’s thumb (65.75%), tongue rolling (54.25%), tongue flipping (23%), cleft chin (24%), mid-digital hair (42%), dark eye colour (31%) and polydactyly (26.75%). Association analysis showed the presence of association between gender and all the traits excepting widow’s peak (χ2 = 19.7, p = 0.000), cleft chin (χ2 = 11.5, p = 0.000) and polydactyl (χ2 = 12.2, p = 0.000). Conclusion: Recessive traits were much more prevalent in the sampled population. The results obtained established baseline data for this population, and it can be used for medically, legally and also for anthropological studies.

STOMATAL CHARACTERIZATION IN LEAVES OF BANANA CULTIVARS OF THE TYPE PRATA AND MAÇÃ

In banana trees, morphogenetic characters such as stomatal density, stomatal index, polar and equatorial diameter act as morphological markers to understand relations between genetic, environmental and pathological factors. The present study was analyzed as stomatal characteristics in leaves of six banana cultivars of the type Prata and Maçã. The banana cultivars selected were: Prata-Anã, BRS Platina and Pacovan Ken and of the type Maçã: BRS Tropical, Maçã and BRS Princesa. The states and epidermal cells were counted, measuring the polar diameters (PD) and the equatorial diameter (ED). The difference in number of epidermal cells (NEC), number of stomata (NS) and stomatal density (SD) in the leaves of six banana cultivars was verified. A Prata Anã cultivar showed a higher content of leaf material abaxial and higher than the other cultivars under analysis. Regarding the application of the stomata (PD / ED), such as the cultivars BRS Platina and Pacovan Ken, of the Prata type, and the BRS Princesa, of the Maçã type, are more flexible stomata. The different cultivars of bananas of the type Prata and Maçã are among the anatomical and morphological characteristics of the stomata.

Morphology and Phylogeny of the Ciliate Psilotricha silvicola n. sp. (Alveolata, Ciliophora) from Woodland Soils in the United Kingdom

The genus Psilotricha was established by Stein in 1859, with P. acuminata as the type species within the family Oxytrichidae. This species lacked a full description until it was re-discovered in 2001, showing that its morphological and morphogenetic characters confirmed the inclusion in the family Oxytrichidae. Since then, the genus Psilotricha has had a convoluted taxonomy despite the morphological evidence available. In this paper, we describe a new Psilotricha species, Psilotricha silvicola n. sp., from woodland soils in Southern England (United Kingdom). The morphology was investigated in live and protargol-impregnated specimens. Our findings show that P. silvicola n. sp. shares morphological characteristics with P. acuminata, including the distinctive cell shape and the long and sparse cirri. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene places this new species within the family Oxytrichidae, nested apart from the family Psilotrichidae (which includes the genera Urospinula, Psilotrichides and Hemiholosticha), in a clade containing species of the family Oxytrichidae. Furthermore, the morphology of another Psilotricha species, P. viridis, found in a freshwater pond in the same woodland area, is also here described, bringing additional insight into the taxonomy of the genus. Our findings provide further evidence for inclusion of the genus Psilotricha within the oxytrichids.

Morphogenetic characters of the model ciliate Euplotes vannus (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea): Notes on cortical pattern formation during conjugational and postconjugational reorganization

Ciliated protists represent a morphologically and genetically distinct group of single-celled eukaryotes which can reproduce asexually and sexually. Morphogenesis occurs in both asexual and sexual modes of reproduction which is of interest for researchers investigating cell differentiation, regeneration, systematics and evolution. However, studies of morphogenesis have concentrated almost entirely on the asexual mode. Here we use protargol staining to investigate the morphogenetic processes during sexual reproduction in the model species Euplotes vannus (Müller). The major events include: (1) two rounds of morphogenesis occur during sexual reproduction, i.e., conjugational and postconjugational reorganization; (2) in both processes the oral primordium is generated de novo in a pouch beneath the cortex; (3) the frontoventral-transverse cirri anlagen are formed de novo and fragment in a 3:3:3:3:2 pattern; (4) the leftmost cirrus and the paroral membrane do not change during conjugational morphogenesis, but reorganize de novo during postconjugational morphogenesis; (5) marginal cirral anlagen are formed de novo in both morphogenetic processes; (6) two or three caudal cirri are formed at the ends of the rightmost two or three old dorsal kineties; (7) the dorsal kineties are retained entirely. These results can serve as reference to investigate the morphogenetic events in the different stages of sexual reproduction.

Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium study of six morphogenetic characters in a population of Punjab, Pakistan

ABSTRACT Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is the study of the distribution of allelic and genotypic frequencies in a population. The objective of this study is to evaluate the allelic and genotypic frequency of different qualitative traits of men and women in Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 909 individuals were recruited for this study. In population, the frequency order of the blood group is B > O > A > AB and the same in both males and females. Rh-positive is more elevated (86.03%) than the negative (13.97%) in the whole population. Tongue rolling ability is higher in both males (58.92%) and females (61.46%). The presence of free earlobe (71.29%) and straight hairs (52.81%) is more in the whole population. Straight hair is more common in the population than the wavy (30.14%) and curly (17.05%), the male and female order is the same as in the whole population. In the whole population, the ear lobe is non-significant but other traits are significant. This study indicated that the alleles for the ear lobe are in equilibrium in the population, based on a Mendelian ratio. Hence, only the ear lobe follow the Mendelian ratio in the population of Punjab, Pakistan.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Neogastrostyla aqua nov. gen., nov. spec. (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia) from River Yamuna, Delhi; comparison with Gastrostyla-like genera

A novel hypotrichous ciliate, Neogastrostyla aqua nov. gen., nov. spec. isolated from River Yamuna, Delhi, India, is described using morphological, morphometric and morphogenetic characters from live and stained cells supplemented with derivation of phylogenetic relationships using SSU rRNA gene. Neogastrostyla aqua nov. gen., nov. spec., is characterized by light yellow cortical granules present singly or in clusters of two to five, distributed randomly; parental adoral zone of membranelles retained unchanged for proter; Oxytricha-pattern of paroral and endoral; 25–27 frontal-ventral-transverse cirri including a distinct bipartite frontoventral row of composite origin; three dorsal kineties with no fragmentation of the third kinety, two dorsomarginal kineties, three caudal cirri, two macronuclear nodules and two or three micronuclei. Though Neogastrostyla aqua nov. gen., nov. spec. has a frontoventral row like Gastrostyla species, it differs distinctly in the combination of characters from Gastrostyla and other genera with Gastrostyla-like ventral ciliature (Protogastrostyla, Hemigastrostyla, Apogastrostyla and Pseudogastrostyla) particularly in the colour and distribution of cortical granules as well as arrangement and formation of ciliature. According to the phylogenetic analyses, Neogastrostyla aqua nov. gen., nov. spec. clustered consistently with Gastrostyla sp. Y2 (no description available), Oxytricha granulifera and Architricha indica as close neighbours.

Morphogenetic and Bioecological Characters of the Shirvan Plain Soils in the Azerbaijan Republic

The economic, political and social stability of the society, and an efficiency of the agroindustrial complexes depend on state of the soil resources. Using of the soil resources rationally is an important term for provision of the food safety. In this regard what results are presented in this article by us is carried out for studying of morphogenetic and bioecological features of soils of the Shirvan steppe of the Azerbaijan Republic.

Phylogeny and systematic revision of the family Pseudokeronopsidae (Protista, Ciliophora, Hypotricha), with description of a new estuarine species of Pseudokeronopsis

Chen, X., Clamp, J. C. & Song, W. (2011). Phylogeny and systematic revision of the family Pseudokeronopsidae (Protista, Ciliophora, Hypotricha), with description of a new estuarine species of Pseudokeronopsis. —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 659–671.The family Pseudokeronopsidae is a taxon of hypotrich ciliates with a history of uncertainty regarding its systematic and phylogenetic relationships to other members of the order Urostylida. Phylogenetic analyses of pseudokeronopsids were made using all available molecular and morphological information, and the patterns of morphogenesis of the group were reinvestigated. Results clearly demonstrated that the genera Thigmokeronopsis and Apokeronopsis are not confamilial with Pseudokeronopsis and Nothoholosticha but, instead, must be transferred to the family Urostylidae. A new estuarine species, Pseudokeronopsis erythrina sp. n. was discovered and described using a combination of morphological and molecular characters. Species of Pseudokeronopsis are difficult to characterize but can be distinguished from one another by a combination of morphological and morphogenetic characters. Pseudokeronopsis similis is a freshwater species that has significant morphogenetic differences with other members of the genus and may not be congeneric with them.

Vorticella Linnaeus, 1767 (Ciliophora, Oligohymenophora, Peritrichia) is a Grade not a Clade: Redefinition of Vorticella and the Families Vorticellidae and Astylozoidae using Molecular Characters Derived from the Gene Coding for Small Subunit Ribosomal RNA

Recent phylogenetic analyses of the peritrich genus Vorticella have suggested that it might be paraphyletic, with one Vorticella species - Vorticella microstoma grouping with the swimming peritrichs Astylozoon and Opisthonecta in a distant clade. These results were based on very limited taxon sampling and thus could not be accepted as conclusive evidence for revising the generic classification. We tested paraphyly of the genus Vorticella by making a new analysis with a broad range of samples from three continents that yielded 52 new sequences of the gene coding for small subunit rRNA. Our results, together with the available sequences in Genbank, form a comprehensive set of data for the genus Vorticella. Analyses of these data showed that Vorticella microstoma morphotypes, Astylozoon, and Opisthonecta form a well-supported, monophyletic clade, that is distinct from and basal to the family Vorticellidae containing other species of Vorticella. Paraphyly of the genus Vorticella and family Vorticellidae was strongly confirmed by these results. Furthermore, the two clades of Vorticella identified by the SSU rRNA gene are so genetically diverse whereas the genetic distances within the one containing Vorticella microstoma morphotypes, Astylozoon, and Opisthonecta were so slight, which marked it as a separate family that must be defined by molecular characters in the absence of unifying morphological and morphogenetic characters. An emended characterization and status of the genus Vorticella, the families Vorticellidae and Astylozoidae are presented and discussed.

Morphologic and Molecular Data Suggest that Lynnella semiglobulosa n. g., n. sp. Represents a New Family within the Subclass Choreotrichia (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea)

The morphology, morphogenesis, and phylogeny of an undescribed oligotrich sensu lato (s. lat.) ciliate, Lynnella semiglobulosa n. g., n. sp., found in Daya Bay, southern China, were investigated. This species shares some features with both oligotrichs sensu stricto and choreotrichs, but most morphological and morphogenetic characters as well as the phylogenetic analysis suggest that it should be assigned into subclass Choreotrichia temporarily. Lynnella semiglobulosa is distinguished from members of all known genera and families of the subclass Choreotrichia by a unique combination of characteristics of the buccal and somatic ciliatures. Thus, a new family Lynnellidae n. fam. and a new genus Lynnella n. g. are proposed for it. The new family is distinguished by an open adoral zone of membranelles (AZM) in which, however, there are no ventral membranelles; the distal and proximal portions of the new adoral zone lie close to each other forming an open circle in stomatogenesis. The new genus Lynnella is characterized by possessing two longitudinally oriented somatic kineties, one dorsal and one ventral, several proximal membranelles progressively lengthened toward the proximal end of adoral zone, and two macronuclear nodules. In phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit rRNA gene sequences, L. semiglobulosa clustered basally to all choreotrichs, but with relatively weak support; nevertheless, the possibility of a relationship with the subclass Oligotrichia was not rejected by the approximately unbiased nor Shimodaira-Hasegawa test. Based on morphological, morphogenetic, and molecular evidence of L. semiglobulosa, it is confirmed that the open AZM should be a plesiomorphic character of oligotrichs s. lat. as suggested previously.

Effects of UV-B radiation in morpho-genetic characters of Gnaphalium luteo-album

Genetic analyses of Gnaphalium’s DNA showed a high degree of polymorphism in UV-B irradiated plants when compared to controls. Among the five tested primers the four ISSR primers selected for this analysis generated a total of 189 fragments. A high proportion of polymorphic bands ranging from 70% to 28% were found using these ISSR markers. Nei and Li similarity indexes [1] were used to evaluate genetic divergence among plants. The dendrograms obtained using these markers efficiently separate plants from different treatments. A linear relationship was observed between UV-B dose and percentage of dissimilarity which may be related to DNA damage caused by the different UV-B treatments.

Struttura degli orizzonti diagnostici e classificazione delle forme di humus

Abstract: The classification of the main humus forms is generally based on the morpho-genetic characters of the A and OH diagnostic horizons. This is the case in the new European key of classification presented in Freiburg on September 2004 (Eurosoil Congress). Among the morpho-genetic characters, the soil structure covers a very important role. In this work, the structure of the diagnostic A and OH horizons has been analysed in terms of aggregation force, diameter and composition of the soil lumps (peds). In order to study the aggregation force, two disaggregating tools have been conceived and used. The diameter of the lumps has been measured by sieving the soil samples with standardised webs. Observing the samples thanks to a binocular magnifying 10X and 50X, the organic or/and mineral composition of the soil aggregates has been determined, data being investigated with ANOVA and Factorial Analysis. The article examines the argument from two points of view: crashing tools for estimating the soil structure (part 1) and the dimensions of the peds given in European key of humus forms classification (part 2). The categories of soil peds diameter and composition seem to be linked to the main humus forms. For instance, aggregates having a O > 1 mm and well amalgamate organo-mineral composition are more present in the A horizons of the Mull forms than in which of the other forms; contrary to the OH horizon of the Moder or Mor, the OH horizon of the Amphi forms shows an important percent of small organic lumps. Some propositions have been given in order to improve the European key of humus forms classification.

Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization with Specific Oligonucleotide rRNA Probes Distinguishes the Sibling Species Stylonychia lemnae and Stylonychia mytilus (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea)

Based on morphological and morphogenetic characters alone, the sibling species Stylonychia lemnae and Stylonychia mytilus, members of the Stylonychia mytilus complex, can hardly be distinguished. However, biochemical investigations of the isoenzyme pattern of different enzymes showed a distinct differentiation between these two species. In the last few years, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques have become a suitable and reliable tool for identification and differentiation of closely related species of protozoa, such as ciliates. To distinguish the sibling species, a set of specific oligonucleotide probes were developed. In the present study, the SSU rDNA of 7 clones of Stylonychia lemnae and 13 clones of Stylonychia mytilus, isolated from different geographic regions, were sequenced. Comparing all SSU rDNA sequences of both species, only one single difference within the whole gene was detected. Based on this difference, a set of two oligonucleotide probes, targeting the SSU rRNA of each species (Stylonychia mytilus and Stylonychia lemnae) was designed. These probes were successfully tested by applying the FISH techniques on preserved cells of different clones of both species.

Variation of Morphogenetic Characters in an Endogamous Group of Vannekula Kshatriya in Andhra Pradesh

Variation of Morphogenetic Characters in an Endogamous Group of Vannekula Kshatriya in Andhra Pradesh

Effect of cytokinins on morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics of shoots of citrusin vitro

Introduction. Cytokinins enhance axillary shoots, which helps prolific shoot multiplication in vitro . Very few reports are available on biochemical changes associated with this in vitro proliferation of Citrus . The present study was undertaken to find out the influence of two widely used cytokinins on various morphological and biochemical constituents of in vitro proliferated shoots of Citrus species. Materials and methods. Shoots of (0.5 to 1.0) cm long from in vitro proliferated shoots of five Citrus species were cultured on MS medium supplemented with eight increasing levels of benzylaminopurine (BAP) or kinetin spread from (0.25 to 2) mgL-1 . After 6 weeks of culture, morphogenetic characters were observed, and shoot samples were crushed with 5 mL of hot ethanol; the extract collected was used for the estimation of reducing sugars, total phenols, ortho dihydric (OD) phenol, amino nitrogen and protein percentages. Results and discussion. For all the morphogenetic characters studied, except the shoot number, there were significant interactions between the Citrus species and the different concentrations of BAP and kinetine. Increased concentration of cytokinins reduced the amount of total phenol, OD phenol and total protein. Calamondin recorded the lowest percent of reducing sugar and protein. The maximum amount of reducing sugars was recorded for C. volkameriana . Supplementation of BAP resulted in the highest amount of total and OD phenols, whereas kinetin improved the reducing sugar and amino nitrogen.

The morphology of the poorly-known freshwater urostylid ciliate Neokeronopsis spectabilis (Kahl, 1932) nov. gen. nov. comb., (Ciliophora: Urostylidae), with notes on its morphogenesis

Neokeronopsis spectabilis (Kahl, 1932) nov. gen. nov. comb. (formerly Holosticha ( Keronopsis) spectabilis ), a large, freshwater urostylid ciliate, is redescribed following examination of protargol stained material. Its morphology is characterized by: flexible cortex; large size (368–500 μm long); large buccal field and long adoral zone of membranelles which curves across the apical cell margin to the right hand side of the body; two rows of frontal cirri each forming a bicorona; long midventral row of cirri arranged in pairs; one marginal cirral row on each side of the cell; a long row of well developed transverse cirri; 6–9 caudal cirri arranged in three rows, 2–3 cirri per row; 9–12 dorsal kineties; two ovoid macronuclear nodules. Morphogenetic events in N. spectabilis are characterized by the following: (1) the parental adoral zone of membranelles (AZM) is retained in the proter while in the opisthe the AZM is formed de novo from the oral primordium; (2) the undulating membrane anlage gives rise to the paroral and endoral membranes and to the anteriormost frontal cirrus; (3) the cirral anlagen form to right of the buccal field and give rise to the frontoterminal, midventral and transverse cirri; (4) the marginal row anlagen are formed within the old structures; (5) the dorsal anlagen form in two groups; Group 1 initially comprises 3 kineties which are formed within the 3 leftmost kineties of the parental structure, although the rightmost of these proliferates to form ca. 6–8 kineties; Group 2 comprises 5 kineties which form de novo near the anterior end of the right marginal row; (6) the caudal cirri are formed at the posterior end of the rightmost and the two leftmost kineties of the Group 1 dorsal anlagen; (7) the macronuclear nodules fuse to form a single mass which divides twice prior to the separation of the daughter cells. The new genus Neokeronopsis is established on the basis of this unique combination of morphological and morphogenetic characters. The generic diagnosis is as follows: urostylid with two arched rows of frontal cirri each forming a bicorona; long midventral row of paired cirri; one marginal row on each side of the body; frontoterminal, transverse and caudal cirri present; during morphogenesis, formation of dorsal kineties is of an Oxytricha -pattern. Neokeronopsis spectabilis is fixed as the type species of the genus.

Different stop codon usage in two pseudohypotrich ciliates

Based on rRNA phylogeny, morphologic and morphogenetic characters, two major groups of hypotrich ciliates can be distinguished: euhypotrichs and pseudohypotrichs. Through the sequencing of actin genes, we show here that, interestingly, the pseudohypotrichs Dyophrys sp. and Euplotes vannus have a different stop codon usage. In fact, the stop codon usage of the former species resembles that of euhypotrichs. This unexpected result is used to discuss the origin and acquisition of genetic code deviations in ciliates.

The domestication process of the Modern Rose: genetic structure and allelic composition of the rose complex

Genetic variability among 100 old cultivated rose varieties from 13 horticultural groups was estimated by arbitrary primed (AP) PCR. Using five long (20-mer) PCR primers, 58 polymorphic DNA fragments were produced, of which 55 were highly discriminant, allowing differentiation of the quasi-totality of the 100 cultivars. A dendrogram was constructed displaying the relative genetic similarities between cultivars estimated from the presence/absence of PCR fragments. It shows the relationships between the Chinese and European founder roses, hybrid groups of the first (Bourbons, Noisettes, Portlands) and second (Hybrid Perpetuals and Teas) generations, and the most modern Hybrid Teas, produced during the history of domestication. Principal components analysis (PCA) of the same data demonstrates the occurrence of a continuous gradient of the European/Chinese allele ratio, and a considerable reduction of genetic variability superimposed with the progress of domestication. The two complementary analyses are in good agreement with the horticultural literature. They also give access to DNA fragments potentially linked to genes involved in the control of the main morphogenetic characters of various groups.

Growth and Senescence of the Successive Grass Leaves on a Tiller. Ontogenic Development and Effect of Temperature

The tiller characteristics (length and age of laminae, number of leaves per tiller) which depend on morphogenetic characters such as leaf appearance and expansion rates, leaf growth duration and leaf lifespan were studied in the field over four growing seasons to gain a better understanding of the progressive changes in leaf digestibility over time, and to facilitate the development of predictive mathematical models. We show that, for a given regrowth, only the number of leaves per tiller and the lamina expansion rate remain constant throughout growth. In other words, the length of successive laminae, their growth duration and lifespan increased while their rate of appearance decreased in such a way that the lamina expansion rate at the tiller level remained constant. These changes were associated with an increase in sheath length which governs both the lamina appearance rate and its growth duration. As temperature increased, the average lamina expansion rate and the number of laminae which grew both increased simultaneously. Therefore, high temperature accelerates the changes in tiller characteristics which occur as growth progresses.