Plant Cells Research Articles

Bioactivity of hydroalcoholic extracts from tropaeolum majus L. (tropaeolaceae) on the germination, initial plant development and cell cycle of Lactuca sativa L

ABSTRACT Natural products are usually considered harmless; however, these substances need to be consumed with caution. Biological assays with plant models are a suitable alternative for prospective studies to assess natural product-initiated toxicity. The aim of this study was to examine the toxic potential of leaf and flower extracts derived from Tropaeolum majus L. a widely used plant in traditional medicine. Seeds of Lactuca sativa L. were exposed to T. majus extracts and based upon the seedling growth curve values, the 50% Inhibition Concentration (IC50) was calculated and applied for cell cycle analysis exposure. Both extracts contained organic acids, proteins, amino acids, and terpene steroids. Sesquiterpene lactones and depside were detected in leaf extracts. The higher concentration tested exhibited a marked phytotoxic effect. The extracts induced clastogenic, aneugenic cytotoxic, and potential mutagenic effects. The possible relationships between the classes of compounds found in the extracts and effects on cells and DNA were determined.

Exploring lipid-protein interactions in plant membranes.

Once regarded as mere membrane building blocks, lipids are now recognized as diverse and intricate players that mold the functions, identities, and responses of cellular membranes. Although the interactions of lipids with integral and peripheral membrane proteins are crucial for their localization, activity, and function, how proteins bind lipids is still far from being thoroughly explored. Describing and characterizing these dynamic protein-lipid interactions is thus essential to understanding the membrane-associated processes. Here we review the current repertoire of experimental techniques employed to study plant protein-lipid interactions, integrating various methods. We summarize the principles, advantages, and limitations of classical in vitro biochemical approaches, including protein-lipid overlays and various liposome binding assays, and complement them with in vivo microscopic techniques centered around the use of genetically encoded lipid sensors and pharmacological or genetical membrane lipid manipulation tools. We also highlight several emerging techniques still awaiting their advancement into plant membrane research and emphasize the need to use complementary experimental strategies as key for elucidating the mechanistic roles of protein-lipid interactions in plant cell biology.

Silicon and selenium alleviate cadmium toxicity in Artemisia selengensis Turcz by regulating the plant-rhizosphere.

Soil cadmium (Cd) pollution has emerged as a pressing concern due to its deleterious impacts on both plant physiology and human well-being. Silicon (Si) is renowned for its ability to mitigate excessive Cd accumulation within plant cells and reduce the mobility of Cd in soil, whereas Selenium (Se) augments plant antioxidant capabilities and promotes rhizosphere microbial activity. However, research focusing on the simultaneous utilization of Si and Se to ameliorate plant Cd toxicity through multiple mechanisms within the plant-rhizosphere remains comparatively limited. This study combined hydroponic and pot experiments to investigate the effects of the combined application of Si and Se on Cd absorption and accumulation, as well as the growth and rhizosphere of A. selengensis Turcz under Cd stress. The results revealed that a strong synergistic effect was observed between both Si and Se. The combination of Si and Se significantly increased the activity and content of enzymes and non-enzyme antioxidants within A. selengensis Turcz, reduced Cd accumulation and inhibiting its translocation from roots to shoots. Moreover, Si and Se application improved the levels of reducing sugar, soluble protein, and vitamin C, while reducing nitrite content and Cd bioavailability. Furthermore, the experimental results showed that the combination of Si and Se not only increased the abundance of core rhizosphere microorganisms, but also stimulated the activity of soil enzymes, which effectively limited the migration of Cd in the soil. These findings provided valuable insights into the effective mitigation of soil Cd toxicity to plants and also the potential applications in improving plant quality and safety.

PSI-18 Effects of heat treatment and multi-carbohydrase supplementation on the digestibility of phosphorus in field peas fed to growing pigs

Abstract Most plant-based feed ingredients contain about two-thirds of their total P as phytate. Mineral elements are chelated to phytate or entrapped in plant cell walls, and microbial or enzymatic breakdown of cell walls may be able to release entrapped P, thus leading to improvement of the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P in pigs. Heat treatment is one of the processing methods that improve the digestibility of fiber in various feedstuffs for pigs. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of heat treatment and multi-carbohydrase supplementation on the ATTD and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P in peas fed to growing pigs. A total of 18 pigs (23.9 ± 1.3 kg) were assigned to 1 of 3 diets in a completely randomized design to give 6 replicates per diet. Three experimental diets were formulated: 1) non-heated or 2) heat-treated (pelleted) peas as the sole source of P, and 3) heat-treated peas with multi-carbohydrase supplementation. Pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates for 12 d, including 7 d for adaptation and 5 d for total collection of feces. Pigs were offered their daily ration at 2.8 times their maintenance energy requirement. Samples of ingredients, diets, and feces were analyzed for dry matter, Ca, and P. Fecal samples were analyzed for mixed bacterial mass (MBM) and volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED of SAS. The statistical model included diet as fixed effect and replicate as random effect. An alpha level of 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance and P ≤ 0.10 was considered a trend. Pigs fed the diet that contained heat-treated peas with carbohydrase supplementation tended to have greater (P < 0.10) ATTD and STTD of P than pigs fed the diet containing heat-treated peas without enzyme. The values of STTD of P were 54.4, 47.3, and 55.0% for diets containing raw peas, heat-treated peas, and heat-treated peas with carbohydrase supplementation, respectively. Heat treatment and enzyme supplementation did not affect the ATTD of Ca in peas fed to growing pigs. No significant differences were observed in fecal MBM-P and VFA concentrations. In conclusion, carbohydrase supplementation tended to increase the digestibility of P in heat-treated peas fed to growing pigs, however, there was no difference in P digestibility between raw and heat-treated peas. Heat treatment and carbohydrase supplementation did not affect fecal MBM-P and VFA concentrations in growing pigs.

227 Comparative analysis of rumen bacterial communities from bison heifers fed two forage-based diets of different quality

Abstract Bison have a demonstrated ability to thrive on low-quality forage, an attribute that distinguishes them from their domestic ruminant counterparts. This could be attributed to the capability of their rumen symbiotic microorganisms in extracting more nutrients out of plant biomass. To gain further insight into the role of the bison microbiome in this beneficial adaptation, the primary objective of this study was to determine the diversity and composition of ruminal bacteria in bison fed poor versus good quality forage-based diets. Ruminal content was collected by stomach tubing from 25 bison heifers fed good quality forage (GQG) during the summer (last week of June 2023) at the McGinley Ranch (Gordon, Nebraska, USA). The same individuals were then transitioned to low quality hay (PQG) in pen confinement for approximately 4 to 5 wk before resampling. Data generated from Illumina MiSeq (2×300) sequencing of PCR amplicons targeting the V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene were analyzed using a combination of custom Perl scripts, and publicly available software (Mothur v.1.40, RDP classifier and NCBI Blast). Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) showed a clear distinction in bacterial composition between the two types of forages (Figure 1). Further analysis of species-level operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was performed, and a total of 78,808 OTUs were identified across all samples. From the 20 most highly represented OTUs, the respective abundance of twelve OTUs showed significant differences between the two forage types (Kruskal-Wallis’s sum-rank test; P < 0.05). For example, OTUs SD_Bb-00014 (µGQG = 1.06% vs µPQG = 0.19%), and SD_Bb-00049 (µGQG = 0.98% vs µPQG = 0.08%) showed significant decreases in abundance when animals switched to PQG. Conversely, OTUs SD_Bb-00071 (µGQG = 0.2% vs µPQG = 2.71%), SD_Bb-00049 (µGQG = 0.68% vs µPQG = 1.67%) and OTUs SD_Bb-00148 (µGQG = 0.19% vs µPQG = 1.40%) exhibited a significant increase in abundance in response to the forage transition. Notably, only one of the assessed OTUs, SD_Bb-00071, showed high sequence identity to its closest valid relative, Fibrobacter succinogenes (98.41%). In contrast, most of the other highly represented OTUs were found to be very dissimilar to known species, suggesting that they might represent novel or currently uncharacterized bacterial species (Table 1). Together, these results demonstrate the significant impact of variations in nutritional value and forage quality on the composition of rumen bacterial communities in the North American bison. Poor forage quality appeared to favor bacterial species such as Fibrobacter succinogenes, known for its cellulolytic capabilities, presumably because of its greater efficiency in breaking down more resistant plant cell walls. Its ability and that of other abundant OTUs to efficiently convert plant fibers into assimilable nutrients is likely critical in allowing bison to perform better on poor-quality forage compared with domesticated ruminants.

Techno–economic and environmental impact analysis of electric two-wheeler batteries in India

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive techno–economic and environmental impact analysis of electric two-wheeler batteries in India. The technical comparison reveals that sodium-ion (Na-ion) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries outperform lead–acid batteries in various parameters, with Na-ion and Li-ion batteries exhibiting higher energy densities, higher power densities, longer cycle lives, faster charge rates, better compactness, lighter weight and lower self-discharge rates. In economic comparison, Na-ion batteries were found to be ~12–14% more expensive than Li-ion batteries. However, the longer lifespans and higher energy densities of Na-ion and Li-ion batteries can offset their higher costs through improved performance and long-term savings. Lead–acid batteries have the highest environmental impact, while Li-ion batteries demonstrate better environmental performance and potential for recycling. Na-ion batteries offer promising environmental advantages with their abundance, lower cost and lower toxic and hazardous material content. Efficient recycling processes can further enhance the environmental benefits of Na-ion batteries. Overall, this research examines the potential of Na-ion batteries as a cheaper alternative to Li-ion batteries, considering India’s abundant sodium resources in regions such as Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and others.

Cytoplasmic Ca2+ influx mediates iron- and reactive oxygen species-dependent ferroptotic cell death in rice immunity

Iron- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent ferroptosis occurs in plant cells. Ca2+ acts as a conserved key mediator to control plant immune responses. Here, we report a novel role of cytoplasmic Ca2+ influx regulating ferroptotic cell death in rice immunity using pharmacological approaches. High Ca2+ influx triggered iron-dependent ROS accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and subsequent hypersensitive response (HR) cell death in rice (Oryza sativa). During Magnaporthe oryzae infection, 14 different Ca2+ influx regulators altered Ca2+, ROS and Fe2+ accumulation, glutathione reductase (GR) expression, glutathione (GSH) depletion and lipid peroxidation, leading to ferroptotic cell death in rice. High Ca2+ levels inhibited the reduction of glutathione isulphide (GSSG) to GSH in vitro. Ca2+ chelation by ethylene glycol-bis (2-aminoethylether)-N, N, N’, N’-tetra-acetic acid (EGTA) suppressed apoplastic Ca2+ influx in rice leaf sheaths during infection. Blocking apoplastic Ca2+ influx into the cytoplasm by Ca2+ chelation effectively suppressed Ca2+-mediated iron-dependent ROS accumulation and ferroptotic cell death. By contrast, acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), a plant defense activator, significantly enhanced Ca2+ influx, as well as ROS and iron accumulation to trigger ferroptotic cell death in rice. The cytoplasmic Ca2+ influx through calcium-permeable cation channels, including the putative resistosomes, could mediate iron- and ROS-dependent ferroptotic cell death under reduced GR expression levels in rice immune responses.

Influences of Ipomoea batatas Anti-Cancer Peptide on Tomato Defense Genes.

This study investigates the impact of IbACP (Ipomoea batatas anti-cancer peptide) on defense-related gene expression in tomato leaves, focusing on its role in plant defense mechanisms. Previously, IbACP was isolated from sweet potato leaves, and it was identified as a peptide capable of inducing an alkalinization response in tomato suspension culture media. Additionally, IbACP was found to regulate the proliferation of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. Elucidate IbACP's molecular influence on defense-related gene expression in tomato leaves using next-generation sequencing analysis. To assess the impact of IbACP on defense-related gene expression, transcriptome data were analyzed, encompassing various functional categories such as photosynthesis, metabolic processes, and plant defense. Semi-quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis was employed to verify transcription levels of defense-related genes in tomato leaves treated with IbACP for durations ranging from 0 h (control) to 24 h. IbACP induced jasmonic acid-related genes (LoxD and AOS) at 2 h, with a significant up-regulation of salicylic acid-dependent gene NPR1 at 24 h. This suggested a temporal antagonistic effect between jasmonic acid and salicylic acid during the early hours of IbACP treatment. Downstream ethylene-responsive regulator genes (ACO1, ETR4, and ERF1) were consistently down-regulated by IbACP at all times. Additionally, IbACP significantly up-regulated the gene expressions of suberization-associated anionic peroxidases (TMP1 and TAP2) at all time points, indicating enhanced suberization of the plant cell wall to prevent pathogen invasion. IbACP enhances the synthesis of defense hormones and up-regulates downstream defense genes, improving the plant's resistance to biotic stresses.

More Than Meets The Eye: Knowns And Unknowns Of The Trafficking Of Small Secreted Proteins In Arabidopsis.

Small proteins represent a significant portion of the cargo transported through plant secretory pathways, playing crucial roles in developmental processes, fertilization, and responses to environmental stresses. Despite their importance, substantial knowledge gaps persist regarding the regulatory mechanisms governing their trafficking along the secretory pathway, and ultimate localization/destination. To address these gaps, we conducted a comprehensive literature review, focusing particularly on trafficking and localization of small secreted proteins with potential biochemical and/or signaling roles in the extracellular space, typically within the size range of 101-200 amino acids. Our investigation reveals that while at least 6 members of the 21 mentioned families confirm extracellular localization, 8 of them exhibit intracellular localization (including cytoplasmic, nuclear, and chloroplastic locations, despite the presence of N-terminal signal peptides). Further investigation into the trafficking and secretion mechanisms of small protein cargo could not only deepen our understanding of plant cell biology and physiology but also provide a foundation for manipulation strategies leading to more efficient plant cultivation.

Tb-doped strontium aluminate nanophosphor: cytotoxicity, phytotoxicity, and bioimaging in plant cells

This study explores the novel application of terbium-doped strontium aluminate nanoparticles for fluorescence imaging in plant cells. The study encompasses microwave assisted solid state synthesis as well as the structural and optical characterization of terbium-doped strontium aluminate nanophosphors, their toxicity studies in plant and animal cells and their use as a fluorescent dye for plant imaging. The X-ray diffraction pattern analysis, along with Rietveld refinement studies, show the formation of SrAl2O4 as a dominant crystalline phase. Photoluminescence investigations demonstrate green emission from Tb3+ transition levels. In vitro biocompatibility of terbium-doped strontium aluminate nanophosphors was studied using L929 fibroblast cells. The plant Clitoria ternatea was used to examine phytotoxicity. The samples' potential for bioimaging was further investigated. Our findings reveal improved growth of seedlings, positioning these nanoparticles as promising tools in plant-related research. This study advances our understanding of nanoparticle-plant interactions and holds potential for transformative applications in agriculture.

Acid content sensitive colorimetry of poly-N-phenyl-o-phenylenediamine for state of charge determination of lead-acid battery

The ex-situ colorimetric method of battery acid estimation was developed using poly-N-phenyl-o-phenylenediamine (PPOPD) to accurately determine the lead acid battery's state of charge (SoC). PPOPD was synthesized by the in-situ oxidative chemical polymerization of N-phenyl-o-phenylenediamine monomer (POPD) using ferric chloride as an oxidizing agent in ethanol solvent. The UV–visible absorption peak of PPOPD in acidic solutions at 518 nm showed a sharp positive linear slope with increased acid content. The charging or discharging mechanism of the battery produces changes in battery acid content. A fully charged lead-acid battery contains approximately 39.7 % sulphuric acid, whereas its acid content decreases by approximately 10 % on discharge. The PPOPD polymer showed a change in absorbance with a change in the lead-acid battery's acid percentage, which can be correlated with the state of charge. The absorbance of PPOPD solution was calibrated linearly with the sulphuric acid percentage (6–40 %), a similar acid range produced inside the battery during charging or discharging. The absorbance of PPOPD solution obtained in 10 % and 40 % sulphuric acid at 518 nm was set as the lower and upper limits (Amin and Amax) respectively for SoC determination. Therefore, the state of charge in any lead-acid battery under investigation can be determined by measuring the absorbance of the PPOPD solution. The state of charge obtained from the colorimetric method was compared with an open circuit voltage method using a 12 V lead-acid battery.

Resource allocation modeling for autonomous prediction of plant cell phenotypes

Predicting the plant cell response in complex environmental conditions is a challenge in plant biology. Here we developed a resource allocation model of cellular and molecular scale for the leaf photosynthetic cell of Arabidopsis thaliana, based on the Resource Balance Analysis (RBA) constraint-based modeling framework. The RBA model contains the metabolic network and the major macromolecular processes involved in the plant cell growth and survival and localized in cellular compartments. We simulated the model for varying environmental conditions of temperature, irradiance, partial pressure of CO2 and O2, and compared RBA predictions to known resource distributions and quantitative phenotypic traits such as the relative growth rate, the C:N ratio, and finally to the empirical characteristics of CO2 fixation given by the well-established Farquhar model. In comparison to other standard constraint-based modeling methods like Flux Balance Analysis, the RBA model makes accurate quantitative predictions without the need for empirical constraints. Altogether, we show that RBA significantly improves the autonomous prediction of plant cell phenotypes in complex environmental conditions, and provides mechanistic links between the genotype and the phenotype of the plant cell.

Physio-biochemical responses of rice to smart nitrogen fertilizer nano-hydrogel under drought stress and flooding alternation: An eco-friendly innovative approach to enhance the grain quality

Fertilizer nanohydrogels have been newly introduced to agriculture. Herein, we investigated the effects of smart nitrogen (N) fertilizer nano-hydrogel on rice's physio-biochemical traits and seed quality under different drought stress and flooding conditions. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted with no N fertilizer delivery 0 g N/kg (NND), with conventional N fertilizer delivery 0.175 g N/kg (CND), and smart N fertilizer delivery 0.175 g N/kg (SND) using three irrigation options: flooding/moderate dryness (FMD, 90% saturation, 30 mm submerged), flooding/sharp dryness (FSD, 70% saturation, 30 mm submerged), and flooding/extreme dryness (FED, 50% saturation, 30 mm submerged). Results showed that rice root's active acquisition area and enzymatic activity were larger in FMD × SND than in FED × NND, as the former combination increased NH4+, NO3−, and TN contents in the soil while the latter reduced their availability. The optimal N nutrition improved the plant cell ultrastructure, and the catalase activity was higher in the FMD × SND (42.0 µg/min) compared to the FED × NND (25.2 µg/min), leading to the alleviation of oxidative cell injury, as verified by lesser radical oxidative sequences and lipid peroxidation. The leaf soluble protein (8.8 mg/g) and sugar (36.9 mg/g) were greater in FMD × SND than in FED × NND (5.3 mg/g), (10.4 mg/g), and (8.3 µg/g h), respectively. Moreover, α-amylase and glutamine synthetase activities were larger in the FMD × SND than in FED × NND. Meanwhile, the FMD × SND resulted in the highest milled rice (87.3%), amylose (17.6%), protein (12.4%), and fatty acids (11.1%). However, the combination of FED × NND led to the lowest milled rice (70.0%), amylose (5.6%), protein (5.3%), and fatty acids (6.6%). This study suggests that the FMD × SND can guarantee physio-biochemical improvements in rice, thereby increasing grain quality.

Glucosylceramides impact cellulose deposition and cellulose synthase complex motility in Arabidopsis.

Cellulose is an abundant component of plant cell wall matrices, and this para-crystalline polysaccharide is synthesized at the plasma membrane by motile Cellulose Synthase Complexes (CSCs). However, the factors that control CSC activity and motility are not fully resolved. In a targeted chemical screen, we identified the alkylated nojirimycin analog N-Dodecyl Deoxynojirimycin (ND-DNJ) as a small molecule that severely impacts Arabidopsis seedling growth. Previous work suggests that ND-DNJ-related compounds inhibit the biosynthesis of glucosylceramides (GlcCers), a class of glycosphingolipid associated with plant membranes. Our work uncovered major changes in the sphingolipidome of plants treated with ND-DNJ, including reductions in GlcCer abundance and altered acyl chain length distributions. Crystalline cellulose content was also reduced in ND-DNJ-treated plants as well as plants treated with the known GlcCer biosynthesis inhibitor N-[2-hydroxy-1-(4-morpholinylmethyl)-2-phenyl ethyl]-decanamide (PDMP) or plants containing a genetic disruption in GLUCOSYLCERAMIDE SYNTHASE (GCS), the enzyme responsible for sphingolipid glucosylation that results in GlcCer synthesis. Live-cell imaging revealed that CSC speed distributions were reduced upon treatment with ND-DNJ or PDMP, further suggesting an important relationship between glycosylated sphingolipid composition and CSC motility across the plasma membrane. These results indicate that multiple interventions compromising GlcCer biosynthesis disrupt cellulose deposition and CSC motility, suggesting that GlcCers regulate cellulose biosynthesis in plants.

Variation pattern in the macromolecular (cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin) composition of cell walls in Pinus tabulaeformis tree trunks at different ages as revealed using multiple techniques

The plant cell wall is a complex, heterogeneous structure primarily composed of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. Exploring the variations in these three macromolecules over time is crucial for understanding wood formation to enhance chemical processing and utilization. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the chemical composition of cell walls in the trunks of Pinus tabulaeformis using multiple techniques. In situ analysis showed that macromolecules accumulated gradually in the cell wall as the plant aged, and the distribution pattern of lignin was opposite that of polysaccharides, and both showed heterogenous distribution patterns. In addition, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) results revealed that the molecular weights of hemicelluloses decreased while that of lignin increased with age. Two-dimensional heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-HSQC NMR) analysis indicated that hemicelluloses mainly comprised galactoglucomannan and arabinoglucuronoxylan, and the lignin types were mainly comprised guaiacyl (G) and p-hydroxyphenyl (H) units with three main linkage types: β-O-4, β-β, and β-5. Furthermore, the C-O bond (β-O-4) signals of lignin decreased while the C-C bonds (β-β and β-5) signals increased over time. Taken together, these findings shed light on wood formation in P. tabulaeformis and lay the foundation for enhancing the processing and use of wood and timber products.

Suborganellar resolution imaging for the localisation of human glycosylation enzymes in tobacco Golgi bodies.

Plant cells are a capable system for producing economically and therapeutically important proteins for a variety of applications, and are considered a safer production system than some existing hosts such as bacteria or yeasts. However, plants do not perform protein modifications in the same manner as mammalian cells do. This can impact on protein functionality for plant-produced human therapeutics. This obstacle can be overcome by creating a plant-based system capable of 'humanising' proteins of interest resulting in a glycosylation profile of synthetic plant-produced proteins as it would occur in mammalian systems. For this, the human glycosylation enzymes (HuGEs) involved in N-linked glycosylation N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase IV and V (GNTIV and GNTV), β-1,4-galactosyltransferase (B4GALT1), and α-2,6-sialyltransferase (ST6GAL) were expressed in plant cells. For these enzymes to carry out the stepwise glycosylation functions, they need to localise to late Golgi body cisternae. This was achieved by a protein targeting strategy of replacing the mammalian Golgi targeting domains (Cytoplasmic-Transmembrane-Stem (CTS) regions) with plant-specific ones. Using high-resolution and dynamic confocal microscopy, we show that GNTIV and GNTV were successfully targeted to the medial-Golgi cisternae while ST6GAL and B4GALT1 were targeted to trans-Golgi cisternae. Plant cells are a promising system to produce human therapeutics for example proteins used in enzyme replacement therapies. Plants can provide safer and cheaper alternatives to existing expression systems such as mammalian cell culture, bacteria or yeast. An important factor for the functionality of therapeutic proteins though are protein modifications specific to human cells. However, plants do not perform protein modifications in the same manner as human cells do. Therefore, plant cells need to be genetically modified to mimic human protein modifications patterns. The modification of importance here, is called N-linked glycosylation and adds specific sugar molecules onto the proteins. Here we show the expression of four human glycosylation enzymes, which are required for N-linked glycosylation, in plant cells. In addition, as these protein modifications are carried out in cells resembling a factory production line, it is important that the human glycosylation enzymes be placed in the correct cellular compartments and in the correct order. This is carried out in Golgi bodies. Golgi bodies are composed of several defined stacks termed cis-, medial and trans-Golgi body stacks. For correct protein function, two of these human glycosylation enzymes need to be placed in the medial-Golgi attacks and the other two in the trans-Golgi stacks. Using high-resolution laser microscopy in live plant cells, we show here that the human glycosylation enzymes are sent within the cells to the correct Golgi body stacks. These are first steps to modify plant cells in order to produce human therapeutics.

Evaluation of salinity-mediated end-point cytogenotoxicity in Germinating Roots of Lathyrus sativus L., Variety Mahatora.: Bio-assay guided biomarker studies

Pulse crops are susceptible to salt stress as per different research reports but how far Lathyrus sativus L., responds to increasing salinity has been taken up in this work. Thus, the harmful effects of increasing salinity on plant cells at various phases of chromosomal integrity and nucleolus morphology have been evaluated in Lathyrus sativus L., variety Mahatora. Lathyrus sativus variety Mahatora seeds were subjected to seed priming with serially diluted concentrations of NaCl (500, 400, 300, 200 and 100 mM respectively) and germination percentage (72 hrs), root length inhibition (7 days) normal and abnormal MI (Mitotic Index) with 2% aceto-orcein staining, nucleolar morphometric cum frequency analysis (0.05% hematoxylin), total protein, POX and Electrolyte leakage from etiolated roots and root metabolic activity/dehydrogenase activity were measured (TTC staining). From 200 mM onwards, significant reduction in germination percentage and root length inhibition resulted and at 300 and 400 mM salt-priming significant reduction in normal MI%, increased Abnormal MI% showing both aneugenic and clastogenic responses were accounted. At 500 mM pre-exposed root tip cells were found to develop gradual blackening and root tip death and very less viable cells with highly necrotic, vacuolated with chromosomal erosions and nuclear dismantling and nuclear blobbing resulted apoptosis in addition to decreased POX and dehydrogenase activity (300–500 mM NaCl-treated test sets). NaCl stands out as a potential cyto-genotoxicant in Lathyrus sativus L., variety Mahatora. The maximum tolerance level (200–300 mM) and at 400–500 mM NaCl has been highly cytotoxic as per cytological and biochemical data. From 200 mM onwards, nucleolar volume and frequency were altered and at 500 mM pretreatment complete degradation of nuclear machinery was encountered. Out of salinity significant proportions of C-mitosis and polyploidy showing NaCl has a disruptive action in spindle fibre formation that in turn produced somatic diads and subsequent polyploidy formations (At 200 to 300 mM).

Synthesis of a Side Chain Alkyne Analogue of Sitosterol as a Chemical Probe for Imaging in Plant Cells

Synthesis of a Side Chain Alkyne Analogue of Sitosterol as a Chemical Probe for Imaging in Plant Cells

Ganoderma lucidum: Insights on host range, diagnosis, and management strategies.

Forest ecosystems play an important role in upholding life on our planet. However, the onslaught of fungal pathogens like Ganoderma lucidum, poses a threat by decimating numerous tree species. G. lucidum identified as a root pathogen, causing root rot in numerous tree species of horticulture and forestry importance. The fungus initiates infection through basidiospores, which germinate and penetrate within roots and start to degrade lignocellulosic components of plant cells. Early-stage detection of G. lucidum, is challenging, while in advance stages, the wood undergoes softening and a loss of tensile strength, rendering the disease incurable. Hence, effective management of G. lucidum necessitates a pivotal role of disease diagnostic techniques, which are currently underutilized or inadequately accessible. Subsequent implementation of suitable control measures becomes imperative to thwart disease occurrence and mitigate its impact in early stages, thus preserving the vitality of forest ecosystems. This study provides comprehensive overview of G. lucidum, covering taxonomy, pathogenicity, disease cycle, diagnosis and effective control measures, which will be helpful in formulating effective diagnostic techniques for early management of root rot disease.

Applications of Cellulose‐Based Nanomaterials for Sustainability and Therapeutics: A Review

AbstractCellulose is a natural fibrous carbohydrate, is the main structural element of plant cell walls, and is the most abundant natural polymer found in the biosphere. Due to its abundance and chemical stability, it has been used as a raw material in various industries for thousands of years. Due to developments in nanotechnology, materials that are used in macroscale abundantly are also utilized for nanomaterial design, and cellulose‐based nanomaterials have gained more interest in recent years. The unique properties of cellulose‐based nanomaterials including their chemical stability, high degree of crystallinity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunability of their chemical (e.g., surface modification) and physical (e.g., shape) properties make them good candidates for functional nanomaterial design. This review brings advances in cellulose‐based nanomaterials for application in two major fields, sustainability and therapeutics.