Palisade Parenchyma Research Articles

Supramolecular self-assembly of robust, ultra-stable, and high-temperature-resistant viscoelastic worm-like micelles

HypothesisWorm-like micelles are susceptible to heating owing to the fast dynamic exchange of molecules between micelles. Inhibition of such exchange could afford robust worm-like micelles, which is expected to largely improve rheology properties at high temperatures. ExperimentsA cationic surfactant docosyl(trimethyl)azanium chloride (DCTAC) and a strongly hydrophobic organic counterion 3-hydroxy naphthalene-2-carboxylate (SHNC) were used for the worm-like micelles fabrication. The microstructure was characterized using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and small-angle neutron scattering, and the interactions between DCTAC and SHNC were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Rheometer was employed to measure the rheological properties of the solution. FindingsSHNC/DCTAC at the molar ration of 1:2 forms ultra-stable worm-like micelles, whose viscosity remain stable at temperature up to 130 °C. SHNC is found to strongly adsorbs on DCTAC micelle with the orientation on the surface of micelle, keeping the naphthalene backbone entire penetration into the palisade layer while both carboxylic and hydroxyl groups protrude out of the micelle. With temperature increasing, this adsorption further strengthens, resulting in the growth contour length and accompanying the enhancement of rheological properties. One SHNC molecule and two DCTAC molecules are speculated to form a stable complex via multiple interactions including hydrophobic, cationic-π, and π-π interactions, which decreases the dynamic exchange of them between micelles. These findings are helpful to understand surfactant aggregates stability and assist the development of novel stable supramolecular nanostructures. Additionally, the excellent thermal stability of this worm-like micellar fluid makes it a potential high-temperature resistant clean fracturing fluid for deep oil reservoirs.

Foliar water uptake and its influencing factors differ between female and male Populus euphratica

In arid ecosystems, foliar water uptake (FWU) plays an important role in improving plant physiological performance. However, the structural and physiological response mechanism of FWU between male and female woody desert plants has not been reported. Using the dioecious desert woody plant Populus euphratica, the current study explored the structural and physiological response mechanism of male and female P. euphratica leaves to water absorption via an FWU capacity experiment based on leaf epidermal cell wall components and cell structure, osmotic adjustment, and oxidative metabolism indicators. The results showed that both male and female P. euphratica plants could absorb water through leaves. The per unit area of leaf water absorption (AFWU) and the leaf absorption speed (k) of female P. euphratica were higher than those of male P. euphratica, and the TFWU was approximately twice that of male P. euphratica. The leaf thickness (LT), palisade tissue thickness (TP) and the contents of cellulose and pectin of female were significantly larger than those of male P. euphratica. The contents of sucrose, glucose, soluble sugar, proline and peroxidase in female leaves were significantly higher than those in male leaves. Multivariate factor analysis showed that the AFWU of the leaves was strongly correlated with glucose, cellulose, TP, and catalase, and the k was strongly correlated with starch, pectin, LT, and malondialdehyde. The FWU capacity of female P. euphratica was stronger than that of male P. euphratica, which was caused by the difference in cell structure and osmotic regulatory substances. These results provide a new perspective for understanding the water utilization mechanism reproduction strategy of dioecious plants.

Morpho-Anatomical Features of Artemisia szowitziana (Besser) Grossh., 1934

The performed anatomical studies were conducted in accordance with the generally accepted methodology. The research materials (leaf, stem, root) were taken in all morpho-physiological development phases. As a result of the conducted morpho-anatomical research, a number of secret characteristics of A. szowitziana species were determined. A. szowitziana is a perennial, 50-60 cm or more tall, with oblong leaves. Fruiting pods are numerous, erect and branching slightly above the middle. The leaves of the lower stem are stalked, 2.5-3.5 cm long. Middle stem leaves are sessile. The mesophyll leaves are amphistomatic, isolateral-palisade type, the upper and lower epidermis contains small-celled palisade tissue. The thickened epidermal cells of the stem have 2-3 layers of collenchyma, homogeneous, polygonal and thin-walled bark parenchyma. The rhizodermis roots are covered with a single layer rhizodermis, 35-45 μm thick. Underneath the rhizodermis is a single-layered exoderm, 5-6 layered bark parenchyma, endoderm and pericycle. Since there is little humidity in summer and autumn in arid zones, the root develops very intensively in the humid period. As a result of the conducted research, it was determined that the species A. szovitsiana has the nature of adaptation to the environment, which is one of the structural characteristics of the general genus.

CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF ADENOID AMELOBLASTOMA: A CASE REPORT

A 27-year-old female presented painful swelling in the face, on the right mandibular side, 4 months prior to her appointment. Intraoral examination made it possible to observe swelling in the lower mandibular molar vestibule on the right side. Panoramic radiography disclosed a well corticated unilocular radiolucent lesion involving lower mandibular molars on the right side, with root resorption of teeth #46 and #47. Needle aspiration was performed, and a negative result was observed. The total enucleation of the lesion was then performed. The pathological examination revealed a benign odontogenic neoplasm characterized by the presence of infiltrating odontogenic cells arranged in whorls, duct-like structures in a cribriform arrangement, with peripheral palisading ameloblast-like cells, surrounded by a fibrous vascular stroma, with the presence of a moderate inflammatory infiltrate. The histopathological diagnosis was adenoid ameloblastoma. After 8 months, clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed, and a complete bone formation was observed. A 27-year-old female presented painful swelling in the face, on the right mandibular side, 4 months prior to her appointment. Intraoral examination made it possible to observe swelling in the lower mandibular molar vestibule on the right side. Panoramic radiography disclosed a well corticated unilocular radiolucent lesion involving lower mandibular molars on the right side, with root resorption of teeth #46 and #47. Needle aspiration was performed, and a negative result was observed. The total enucleation of the lesion was then performed. The pathological examination revealed a benign odontogenic neoplasm characterized by the presence of infiltrating odontogenic cells arranged in whorls, duct-like structures in a cribriform arrangement, with peripheral palisading ameloblast-like cells, surrounded by a fibrous vascular stroma, with the presence of a moderate inflammatory infiltrate. The histopathological diagnosis was adenoid ameloblastoma. After 8 months, clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed, and a complete bone formation was observed.

Differences in the Functional Traits of Populus pruinosa Leaves in Different Developmental Stages.

Populus pruinosa Schrenk has the biological characteristics of heteromorphic leaves and is a pioneer species for wind prevention and sand fixation. The functions of heteromorphic leaves at different developmental stages and canopy heights of P. pruinosa are unclear. To clarify how developmental stages and canopy height affect the functional characteristics of leaves, this study evaluated the morphological anatomical structures and the physiological indicators of leaves at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 m. The relationships of functional traits to the developmental stages and canopy heights of leaves were also analyzed. The results showed that blade length (BL), blade width (BW), leaf area (LA), leaf dry weight (LDW), leaf thickness (LT), palisade tissue thickness (PT), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), proline (Pro), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased with progressing developmental stages. BL, BW, LA, leaf dry weight, LT, PT, Pn, Gs, Pro, and the contents of MDA, indoleacetic acid, and zeatin riboside had significant positive correlations with canopy heights of leaves and their developmental stages. The morphological structures and physiological characteristics of P. pruinosa leaves showed more evident xeric structural characteristics and higher photosynthetic capacity with increasing canopy height and progressive developmental stages. Resource utilization efficiency and the defense ability against environmental stresses were improved through mutual regulation of each functional trait.

Structural and functional characteristics of the leaves of economically valuable plants in arid environments ​

The difficult forest conditions of the Volgograd region determine the relevance of research in the field of agroforestry. For the selection and use of tree species in plantations during the arrangement of agricultural land, it is necessary to identify the structural and functional features of the leaves, which are reliable indicators of the mechanism of plant adaptation to stress factors. The experiment was set up during June to September 2022 under field and laboratory conditions with the participation of the dendrological collections of the Nizhnevolzhskaya station for tree species breeding, a branch of the Federal Scientific Center for Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (50°078ʹN, 45°370ʹE). The objects of research are shrubs of different geographical origin: Berberis vulgaris L., Berberis heteropoda Schrenk., Ligustrum vulgare L., Cotinus coggygria Scop., Mahonia aquifolium Nutt., Corylus avellana L. and Ribes aureum Pursh. An optical method was used to assess the permeability of the epidermis of native mature leaves of the middle tier of the crown. The dynamics and variation of the content of photosynthetic pigments has been established. In Ligustrum vulgare, Mahonia aquifolium and Cotinus coggygria, a higher content of chlorophylls and a smaller number of palisade mesophyll cells were found than in heliophytes. The species specificity of the structural features of the palisade mesophyll, taking into account the ecological groups of shrubs, was revealed, as well as a positive correlation between the number of cells and the amount of chlorophyll of the palisade mesophyll in Cotinus coggygria (0.87) and Ribes aureum (0.85), Corylus avellana (0.63). The conducted studies allow obtaining new data on the adaptive capabilities of shrubs under the action of stress factors for their selection and further practical application in the field of agroforestry.

Morpho-anatomical determinants of yield potential in Olea europaea L. cultivars belonging to diversified origin grown in semi-arid environments.

Plant performance is mainly estimated based on plant architecture, leaf features and internal microstructural changes. Olive (Olea europaea L.) is a drought tolerant, oil yielding, and medium sized woody tree that shows specific structural and functional modifications under changing environment. This study was aimed to know the microstructural alteration involving in growth and yield responses of different Olive cultivars. Eleven cultivars were collected all over the world and were planted at Olive germplasm unit, Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal (Punjab) Pakistan, during September to November 2017. Plant material was collected to correlate morpho-anatomical traits with yield contributing characteristics. Overall, the studied morphological characters, yield and yield parameters, and root, stem and leaf anatomical features varied highly significantly in all olive cultivars. The most promising cultivar regarding yield was Erlik, in which plant height seed weight and root anatomical characteristics, i.e., epidermal thickness and phloem thickness, stem features like collenchymatous thickness, phloem thickness and metaxylem vessel diameter, and leaf traits like midrib thickness, palisade cell thickness a phloem thickness were the maximum. The second best Hamdi showed the maximum plant height, fruit length, weight and diameter and seed length and weight. It also showed maximum stem phloem thickness, midrib and lamina thicknesses, palisade cell thickness. Fruit yield in the studied olive cultivars can be more closely linked to high proportion of storage parenchyma, broader xylem vessels and phloem proportion, dermal tissue, and high proportion of collenchyma.

Effect of electric field on mass transfer during oleuropein extraction

The use of alternative extraction methods has increased since conventional methods have disadvantages like long processing time and limited extraction yield. It is known that the extraction yield is enhanced, and the processing time is shortened by the electric field. However, the mathematical characterization of the electrically assisted processes is needed for a better understanding and the improvement of extraction. In this study, effects of the moderate electric field extraction (MEF-E) parameters (frequencies of 1, 1000, and 2000 Hz, and wave types of sine and square) on yield, cell disintegration index (Zc), microstructure, and mass transfer coefficient (Deff) were investigated to examine mass transfer characteristics of the extraction of oleuropein from olive leaves. Correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relations between yield, Zc, Deff, and the changes in the cross section areas of palisade cells. The frequency and wave significantly affected yield, Zc, microstructural changes, and Deff values (p < 0.05). Additionally, the Zc value showed a good correlation with yield, microstructure, and Deff in both sine and square waves (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the extraction level and microstructural changes could be controlled by Zc during the MEF-E process. Two different finite element models (model 1: fixed Deff and model 2: Deff depending on the Zc) were used for mass transfer, and model 2 gave better predictions (p < 0.05). Thus, it will be possible to characterize and monitor oleuropein transfer depending on the effects of frequency and wave type applications during the MEF process. The model consisting of the Zc–Deff relationship showed that the use of Zc would be preferred for the characterization of mass transfer rather than calculating the Deff value. It is thought that the effects of electric field parameters on microstructure with the developed models will be determined and successfully characterized, thus contributing to the understanding of the effects of electric field extraction processes on mass transfer. However, it is recommended that similar studies are conducted for other plants in order to develop a valid approach on the extraction process from plants.

Pharmacognostic Study and Hepatoprotective Activity of the Methanolic Extract and Fractions of Leaves of Picralima nitida Apocyanaceae

Picralima nitida the only species in the genus Picralima belongs to the Apocyanaceae family. It is widely known for its medicinal purposes. The aim of the study was to investigate pharmacognostic parameters of the leaf and evaluate the hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity using Swiss Albino mice. The physicochemical evaluation indicated 11.75% moisture content, 8.50% total ash, 9.50% acid insoluble ash, 4.00% water soluble ash, 13.75% alcohol extractive value and 11.00% water extractive value. Macroscopic analysis on the fresh leaves revealed an odourless green plant with bitter taste. Microscopic examination indicated the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, starch grains, epidermal cells, xylem, parenchyma cells, paracytic stomata and palisade tissue. Chemomicroscopic evaluation indicated the presence of oxalate crystals, starch grains, lignified tissues, tannins, cellulose, protein and oil. The acute toxicity result revealed that P. nitida had no adverse effect in Swiss Albino mice. The ethyl acetate fraction had hepatoprotective ability on liver enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase) and can produce the same result as ascorbic acid (standard).

Influence of seasonal variation to the population growth and ecophysiology of Typha domingensis (Typhaceae).

Precipitation is an important climatic element that defines the hydrological regime, and its seasonal variation produces annual dry and wet periods in some areas. This seasonality changes wetland environments and leverages the growth dynamics of macrophytes present, including Typha domingensis Pers. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of seasonal variation on the growth, anatomy and ecophysiology of T. domingensis in a natural wetland. Biometric, anatomical and ecophysiological traits of T. domingensis were evaluated over one year at four-month intervals. Reductions in photosynthesis were evidenced at the end of the wet periods and during the dry periods, and these reductions were associated with thinner palisade parenchymas. Increased stomatal indexes and densities as well as thinner epidermis observed at the beginning dry periods can be associated with higher transpiration rates during this period. The plants maintained their water contents during the dry periods, which may be related to the storage of water in leaf trabecular parenchyma, as this is the first time that results indicate the function of this tissue as a seasonal aquiferous parenchyma. In addition, increasing proportions of aerenchymas were evident during the wet periods, which may be related to a compensation mechanism for soil waterlogging. Therefore, the growth, anatomy and ecophysiology of T. domingensis plants change throughout the year to adjust to both the dry and wet periods, providing conditions for the survival of the plants and modulating population growth.

Comparative morpho-anatomical study on Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Apocynaceae) growing in the hyper-arid and arid habitats of Saudi Arabia.

The use of wild plants is considered to be an eco-friendly and promising natural resource. In sandy desert habitats, Leptadenia pyrotechnica flourishes as a xerophytic shrub with high biomass production. As a dominant shrub in the arid sand dune habitats of Saudi Arabia, Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne (Asclepiadaceae) is one of the most common xerophytes; the many medicinal uses of this plant include treating allergies, productive coughs, abortions, diabetes, stomach disorders, fevers, kidney disorders, and stones. In such a distribution, morpho-anatomical characteristics, among other adaptive traits, play an important role. This study aims to characterize some morpho-anatomical adaptations of L. pyrotechnica in two stressful habitats: the hyper-arid inland sand dunes of the Empty Quarter (EQ) and the arid coastal sand dunes of Jazan. A morpho-anatomical analysis of plant stems and roots from both habitats was conducted using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The outcomes indicated similar characteristics, a low surface-to-volume ratio (S/V), a thin boundary layer (δbl), an epidermis with many layers of hypodermis, bundles of sclerenchymatous cells around vascular tissue, and storage starch grains in ray parenchyma between xylem conduits. On the other hand, the L. pyrotechnica stem from the hyper-arid habitat of the Empty Quarter revealed more encrypted stomata, more elongated palisade cells, less calcium oxalate crystals with low Ca percentage, and a high vulnerability index of xylem vessels compared with the same traits of the stem from the Jazan coastal sand dunes habitat. Roots of L. pyrotechnica from both habitats revealed similar features of general anatomy. However, differences in specific anatomical traits were observed, especially in xylem vessel characters. The vulnerability index of root xylem vessels from the Empty Quarter habitat was more than that from the Jazan coastal sand dunes habitat. Furthermore, vestured bordered pits in root xylem walls were more abundant in the Empty Quarter habitat than in the Jazan coastal sand dunes habitat. As a result, these characteristics in the morpho-anatomy of L. pyrotechnica from both habitats provide practical adaptations to highly stressful conditions, along with specific anatomical traits relating to each habitat.

Pharmacognostic profiles, evaluation of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant activities of Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv.) Seem. ex Bureau leaf and root extracts in Wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNewbouldia laevis is a popular medicinal plant whose leaves and roots are used in Nigeria as ethnomedicinal prescriptions for pain, inflammation, convulsion, and epilepsy. These claims have not been scientifically verified prior to this study. Aim of the studyTo determine pharmacognostic profiles of the leaves and roots and evaluate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant activities of methanol leaf and root extracts in Wistar rats. Material and methodsThe pharmacognostic profiles of the leaves and roots were determined using standard procedures to serve as fingerprints for the plant. The methanol leaf and root extracts of Newbouldia laevis were tested for acute toxicity using the OECD’s up and down method at the maximum dose of 2000 mg/kg (orally) in Wistar rats. Analgesic studies were carried out in acetic acid-induced writhing in rats and tail immersion. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was evaluated using carrageenan-induced rat paw-oedema and formalin-induced inflammation in rats’ mode. The anticonvulsant activity was determined using strychnine-induced, pentylenetetrazol-induced, and maximal electroshock-induced rat convulsion models. For each of these studies, the extracts doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were administered to the rats following the oral route. ResultsThe pharmacognostic profiles showed that the leaves possessed deep-sunken paracytic stomata (5-8-16 mm2; adaxial, 8-11-24 mm2; abaxial epidermis), vein islets (2-4-10 mm2; adaxial), vein terminations (10-14-18 mm2; adaxial), palisade ratio (8.3-12.5-16.4 mm2; adaxial, 2.5-6.8-12.2 mm2; adaxial), covering unicellular trichome (8–14; adaxial), spheroidal calcium oxalate crystals (3–5 μm), and oval-shaped striated starch grain with no hilum (0.5–4.3 μm). The transverse section of the leaf showed the presence of spongy and palisade parenchyma as well as a closed vascular bundle. The root powder showed the presence of brachy sclereid, fibers without lumen, and lignin. All physicochemical parameters fall within the acceptable limits, phytochemical contents showed mainly glycosides, alkaloids, and steroids while acute oral toxicity (LD50) of the parts for 14 days did not produce any toxicity signs or mortality in the rats. The extracts produced dose-dependent (100–400 mg/kg) analgesic involving opioid receptors, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant activities in the rats which were significant (p ≤ 0.05) when compared to the standard drugs. The leaf extract possessed the most potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in the rats, while the most anticonvulsant effects were observed in rats treated with the leaf extract. Both extracts showed elevated levels of protection against strychnine-induced, pentylenetetrazol-induced, and maximal electroshock-induced seizure in rats. ConclusionOur study revealed some pharmacognostic profiles of Newbouldia laevis leaves and roots that are vital for its identification from closely related species often used for adulteration in traditional medicine. The study further showed that the leaf and root extracts of the plant possessed dose-dependent analgesics, anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsant activities in rats, thus, justifying its use for the treatment of these diseases in Nigerian traditional medicine. There is a need to further study its mechanisms of action towards drug discovery.

Hard Seed Characteristics and Seed Vigor of Ormosia hosiei

The Ormosia hosiei is a secondary protected wild plant in China, and its seed has a hardness rate of 86%. To explore the characteristics of the hard seed and the difference in seed vigor between hard seeds and the non-hard seeds of O. hosiei, the water absorption characteristics, germination characteristics, seed coat structure, seed coat permeability, enzyme activity, and main biochemical substances of the O. hosiei seeds were determined. The results showed that the hard and dense seed coat is the main obstacle to absorbing water of O. hosiei seeds; the main reason is that the seed coat is composed of cuticle, palisade cells, and thick-walled cells with impermeability. Hot water treatment can soften the seed coat and remove wax and grease from the seed coat, and concentrated sulfuric acid treatment can corrode the local seed coat and break the barrier of cuticle and palisade tissue. The effectiveness of concentrated sulfuric acid to break the dormancy of O. hosiei hard seeds is better than that of hot water treatment, but the damage to the seed coat is larger and irreversible. The germination, germination index, root activity, TTCH content, and SOD activity of the hard seeds were higher than those of the non-hard seeds, but the SSC, conductivity value, and MDA content were lower than those of the non-hard seeds.

Novel 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives: Synthesis, Antiviral Bioassay and Regulation the Photosynthetic Pathway of Tobacco against TMV Infection.

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is a systemic virus that poses a serious threat to crops worldwide. In the present study, a series of novel 1-phenyl-4-(1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-thioether)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine derivatives was designed and synthesized. In vivo antiviral bioassay results indicated that some of these compounds exhibited excellent protective activity against TMV. Among the compounds, E2 (EC50 = 203.5 μg/mL) was superior to the commercial agent ningnanmycin (EC50 = 261.4 μg/mL). Observation of tobacco leaves infected with TMV-GFP revealed that E2 could effectively inhibit the spread of TMV in the host. Further plant tissue morphological observation indicated that E2 could induce the tight arrangement and alignment of the spongy mesophyll and palisade cells while causing stomatal closure to form a defensive barrier to prevent viral infection in the leaves. In addition, the chlorophyll content of tobacco leaves was significantly increased after treatment with E2, and the net photosynthesis (Pn) value was also increased, which demonstrated that the active compound could improve the photosynthetic efficiency of TMV-infected tobacco leaves by maintaining stable chlorophyll content in the leaves, thereby protecting host plants from viral infection. The results of MDA and H2O2 content determination revealed that E2 could effectively reduce the content of peroxides in the infected plants, reducing the damage to the plants caused by oxidation. This work provides an important support for the research and development of antiviral agents in crop protection.

The effect of three types of street lighting on the morphology and physiology of the common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis L.) leaves

ABSTRACT Our studies covered the responses of the common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis L.) to artificial lighting at night. We analyzed the effect of three types of lamps used in public lighting: high-pressure sodium lamp (HPS) and two types of LED lamps. Physiological, macro- and micromorphological measurements were carried out during the research. Common hackberry tree was affected by the night light of street lamps, although the tested individuals received natural lighting during the day. Moreover, there were differences observed between the effects of the investigated lamp types. The high-pressure sodium lamp (HPS) resulted in histologically thicker leaves with higher photosynthetic yields, together with more efficient stomatal movements. The LED lamp with a color temperature of 3000 K enhanced the establishment of the photosynthetic apparatus and the growth of the palisade parenchyma. The physiology and histological development of leaves illuminated at night with a narrow-spectrum LED with a color temperature of 1900–2400 K remained inferior compared to those on shoots kept in the dark at night. Our results confirm that the type of the light source is a relevant factor in considering the effects or prevention of light pollution on plant anatomy.

Distinguishing features of Lycium L. species (family Solanaceae) distributed in Egypt based on their anatomical, metabolic, molecular, and ecological characteristics.

Among the 70-80 species of the genus Lycium (family Solanaceae) disjunctly distributed around the world, only three are frequently distributed in different locations in Egypt. Due to the morphological similarities between these three species, there is a need for alternative tools to distinguish them. Thus, the objective of this study was to revise the taxonomic features of Lycium europaeum L., Lycium shawii Roem. & Schult., and Lycium schweinfurthii var. aschersonii (Dammer) Feinbrun in consideration of their anatomical, metabolic, molecular, and ecological characteristics. In addition to analysis of their anatomical and ecological features, DNA barcoding was performed for molecular characterization through internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing and start codon targeted (SCoT) markers. Furthermore, metabolic profiling of the studied species was conducted based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The observed anatomical features of the adaxial and abaxial epidermal layers, type of mesophyll, crystals, number of palisade and spongy layers, and the vascular system showed variations between the studied species. Beyond this, the anatomy of the leaves showed an isobilateral structure in the studied species, without distinct differences. Species were molecularly identified in terms of ITS sequences and SCoT markers. The ITS sequences were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers ON149839.1, OP597546.1, and ON521125.1 for L. europaeum L., L. shawii, and L. schweinfurthii var. aschersonii, respectively. The sequences showed variations in GC content between the studied species; this was 63.6% in L. europaeum, 61.53% in L. shawii, and 63.55% in L. schweinfurthii var. aschersonii. A total of 62 amplified fragments, including 44 polymorphic fragments with a ratio of 70.97%, were obtained in the SCoT analysis, as well as unique amplicons in L. europaeum L., shawii, and L. schweinfurthii var. aschersonii of 5, 11, and 4 fragments, respectively. Through GC-MS profiling, 38 compounds were identified with clear fluctuations in the extracts of each species. Of these, 23 were distinguishing chemicals that could help in chemical identification of the extracts of the studied species. The present study succeeds in identifying alternative clear and diverse characteristics that can be used to distinguish between L. europaeum, L. shawii, and L. schweinfurthii var. aschersonii.

Comparative anatomy and achene micromorphology assessment of two Cousinia Cass. (Asteraceae) species in view of taxonomy

Comparative anatomy and achene micromorphology assessment of two Cousinia Cass. (Asteraceae) 
 species in view of taxonomy
 Deniz ULUKUŞ 1, Osman TUGAY 2
 ORCID: 0000-0002-9627-5492; 0000-0003-3980-7648
 
 1 Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
 2 Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey 
 
 Abstract
 Cousinia is a member of the monophyletic tribe Cardueae, which is traditionally subdivided into four taxonomic groups; however, the rank and boundaries of these taxa are highly controversial. The purpose of this study was to contribute to the genus taxonomy by determining the comparative anatomical and achene micromorphological features of C. aintabensis Boiss. & Hausskn. and C. birecikensis Hub.-Mor. that are morphologically similar to each other. In anatomical studies, stem, leaf, and midrib features were determined. Paraffin embedding, microtome sectioning, and safranin-fast green staining were used for the samples. The obtained sections were photographed, and the leaf, stem, and midrib characters were measured. The importance of anatomical characters between species was determined by applying Independent sample T-test test to quantitative characters. In addition, box plot and heatmap analyses of the studied species were carried out. Our results showed that the stem epidermis, inner sclerenchyma and phloem layer; For leaves; lower and upper epidermis mesophyll thickness, palisade parenchyma; In midrib; number of vascular bundles, collenchyma, and phloem are important characters that can be used in the differentiation of species. SEM microscope was used for achene micromorphological examinations. C. aintabensis achene surface ornamentation is identified as striate-retipylate. It was observed that C. birecikensis had striate and irregular reticulate-faveolate surface ornamentation.
 
 Keywords: Asteraceae, Anatomy, Cousinia, micromorphology, Türkiye

Targeted mutations of BnPAP2 lead to a yellow seed coat in Brassica napus L.

The yellow seed trait is preferred by breeders for its potential to improve the seed quality and commercial value of Brassica napus. In the present study, we produced yellow seed mutants using a CRISPR/Cas9 system when the two BnPAP2 homologs were knocked out. Histochemical staining of the seed coat demonstrated that proanthocyanidin accumulation was significantly reduced in the pap2 double mutants and decreased specifically in the endothelial and palisade layer cells of the seed coat. Transcriptomic and metabolite profiling analysis suggested that disruption of the BnPAP2 genes could reduce the expression of structural and regulated genes in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways. The broad suppression of these genes might hinder proanthocyanidin accumulation during seed development, and thereby causing the yellow seed trait in B. napus. These results indicate that BnPAP2 might play a vital role in the regulatory network controlling proanthocyanidin accumulation.

Interplay between Plant Functional Traits and Soil Carbon Sequestration under Ambient and Elevated CO2 Levels

Unique plant functional traits (morpho-physio-anatomical) may respond to novel environmental conditions to counterbalance elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2) concentrations. Utilizing CO2, plants produce photoassimilates (carbohydrates). A mechanistic understanding of partitioning and translocation of carbon/photoassimilates into different plant parts and soils under ambient and eCO2 is required. In this study, we examine and present the intrinsic relationship between plant functional traits and eCO2 and seek answers to (i) how do plant functional traits (morpho-physio-anatomical features) affect C storage and partitioning under ambient and eCO2 in different plant parts? (ii) How do plant functional traits influence C transfer to the soil and rhizosphere services? Our study suggests that morpho-physio-anatomical features are interlinked, and under eCO2, plant functional traits influence the quantity of C accumulation inside the plant biomass, its potential translocation to different plant parts, and to the soil. The availability of additional photoassimilates aids in increasing the above- and belowground growth of plants. Moreover, plants may retain a predisposition to build thick leaves due to reduced specific leaf area, thicker palisade tissue, and higher palisade/sponge tissue thickness. eCO2 and soil-available N can alter root anatomy, the release of metabolites, and root respiration, impacting potential carbon transfer to the soil.

The effect of nighttime lighting on the anatomical and physiological features of the leaves of linden, horse chestnut, and plane trees in garden-park and street plantings of Kyiv

The effect of nighttime lighting on the anatomical and morphological structure and the content of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves of Tilia cordata, Aesculus hippocastanum, and Platanus acerifolia was estimated on the example of garden-park and street plantings of Kyiv. At the experimental sites, the level of illumination and the soil surface temperature during the day and night periods were examined. The anatomical and morphological structure of the leaves was studied using transmission electron microscopy. The content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids) in tree leaves was determined spectrophotometrically.The analysis of variance revealed that nighttime lighting significantly affected the anatomical structure and the content of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves of T. cordata and P. acerifolia. In A. hippocastanum, only parameters of stomata and palisade parenchyma showed a significant reaction to this stress factor.