Comparative Biological Studies Research Articles

Floral traits underlying mating system differentiation in the wind-pollinated sister species Oryza rufipogon and Oryza nivara.

The shift from outcrossing to predominantly selfing is one of the most common transitions in plant evolution. This evolutionary shift has received considerable attention from biologists; however, this work has almost exclusively been focused on animal-pollinated systems. Despite the seminal ecological and economic importance of wind-pollinated species, the mechanisms controlling the degree of outcrossing in wind-pollinated taxa remain poorly understood. As a first step toward addressing this issue, we have conducted a comparative study of floral biology between two recently diverged sister species, Oryza rufipogon and Oryza nivara (Poaceae), that are wind-pollinated and possess distinct mating systems with O. rufipogon being outcrossing and O. nivara highly self-fertilized Therefore, these species present an ideal system for exploring mating system evolution in wind-pollinated taxa. We have identified key floral traits that differ between populations of these species and that are associated with mating system divergence including anther length, anther basal pore size, stigma papillae density, panicle shape, panicle exsertion, pollen viability, and early anther dehiscence. Of these traits, large anther basal pore size and early anther dehiscence are hypothesized to confer reliable autogamous selfing in O. nivara. Manipulations of floret number were conducted to partition the role of geitonogamy and autogamy in conferring self-fertilization. This experiment revealed that selfing in O. nivara is consistent with autogamous selfing, whereas O. rufipogon achieves selfing through geitonogamy. This study serves as a model for understanding the floral mechanisms controlling the outcrossing rate in other wind-pollinated systems, most notably other grasses.

Cytotoxic Potential against MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells, Antidiabetic and Antioxidant activities of Red Sea seagrass, Cymodocea rotundata (E.H.) Asch. and Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle, A Comparative Biological Study with a Chemical Correlation.

Cytotoxic Potential against MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells, Antidiabetic and Antioxidant activities of Red Sea seagrass, Cymodocea rotundata (E.H.) Asch. and Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle, A Comparative Biological Study with a Chemical Correlation.

Comparative Phytochemical and Biological Studies on Salvia hispanica L., Sesamum indicum L., and Linum usitatissimum L.: A Focus on the Effect of Their Fixed Oil on the Peritoneal Fat.

The current research was undertaken to investigate the effect of fixed oils of Linum usitatissimumL. (flaxseed), Sesamum indicum L. (sesame), and Salvia hispanica L. (chia) seeds on the chemical profile and weight of the peritoneal fat of rats fed normal (10% fat) or high-fat diet (HFD) (20% fat). Additionally, to analyze the phytoconstituents of these fixed oils, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was applied to analyze the experimental oils and the peritoneal fats. Our results revealed a remarkable effect of the experimental oils on the fatty acid profile of peritoneal fat in groups fed on HFD; they limited the increase in saturated fatty acids. Moreover, adding these oils to HFD limited the increase in body weight and decreased the percentage of peritoneal fat. In addition, oleic acid was the major fatty acid in sesame and flaxseed oils (44.2% and 33.69%, respectively). However, linolenic acid was represented as a major fatty acid in chia oil (50.69%). So, we can conclude that sesame, flaxseed, and chia oils can be used as a healthy oil source in food due to their nutritional benefits and remarkable role in controlling the adverse effect of HFD on the quantity and quality of peritoneal fat.

Особенности развития генеративных структур некоторых цветковых растений

The paper presents the results of a comparative study of the reproductive biology of a number of Crimean flora species and valuable plants introduced to the south of Russia belonging to various families (Magnoliaceae, Annonaceae, Ericaceae, Campanulaceae, Anacardiaceae, Lamiaceae, Ranunculaceae, Davidiaceae, Nyssaceae, Onagraceae, Papaveraceae), which made it possible to establish some features and regularities in the formation of the generative structures of the reproductive system, consisting in the conjugation of the development of male and female elements, the maturation of sexual gametes and the process of pollination in entomophilous plants. A conclusion was drawn concerning the high reproductive potential of the studied species, which is expressed in the formation of a sufficient number of full-fledged seeds to reproduce. The possibilities of using the knowledge of the reproductive processes of flowering plants in solving certain issues of taxonomy, determining the strategy of reproduction and conservation of phytodiversity, and showing the importance of antecological aspects in plant reproduction, breeding and nature protection were demonstrated. The material is of scientific interest to botanists, ecologists, breeders and other specialists.

Comparative content analysis and biological activity studies of fatty and essential oils from some garlic products sold in Turkish community pharmacies, natural, and fermented garlic.

Garlic (Alliaceae), an annual herb, is renowned not only for its distinctive flavor but also for its extensive therapeutic applications in managing various ailments and health conditions. In this study, garlic products identified as the best-selling items in Turkish pharmacies for various purposes were compared with garlic grown under standard conditions in terms of chemical composition and antidiabetic, anticholinesterase, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Three of garlic samples were prepared by researchers. According to survey results, the most commonly sold garlic-related products in pharmacies are black garlic extract tablets (4), capsules (5), garlic oil (6), garlic oil pearls (7), and fermented garlic (8). Diallyl disulfide (DADS) was identified as a predominant compound in sampled oils, ranging from 4.9% to 48.6%. Another noteworthy finding is the identification of allyl methyl disulfide and allyl methyl trisulfide as major components in sampled oils, with concentrations spanning from 2.9% to 9.8% and 0.4% to 17.5%, respectively. In both 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS·+) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) tests, Sample 1 (fermented) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Sample 3 (cultivated) was richer in total phenol-total tannin content. Sample 6 exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibition among antidiabetic activities, reaching 28.93%. Sample 5 capsules demonstrated the highest α-amylase inhibition at 51.50%. Sample 7 exhibited the most notable inhibition against both acetylcholinesterase (22.92%) and butyrylcholinesterase (13.37%). Samples 3, 6, and 8 were found to be more effective against Candida tropicalis with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 625 μg/mL. A comprehensive study on garlic products, including popular items from Turkish pharmacies and those grown under standard conditions, revealed diverse chemical compositions and multifaceted health properties.

Comparative Biological Study on the Shrimp Scad Alepes djedaba Between Its Native and Non-Native Habitats, Egypt

Comparative Biological Study on the Shrimp Scad Alepes djedaba Between Its Native and Non-Native Habitats, Egypt

Preparation of Xenopus borealis and Xenopus tropicalis Egg Extracts for Comparative Cell Biology and Evolutionary Studies.

Cytoplasmic extracts prepared from eggs of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis are extensively used to study various cellular events including the cell cycle, cytoskeleton dynamics, and cytoplasm organization, as well as the biology of membranous organelles and phase-separated non-membrane-bound structures. Recent development of extracts from eggs of other Xenopus allows interspecies comparisons that provide new insights into morphological and biological size variations and underlying mechanisms across evolution. Here, we describe methods to prepare cytoplasmic extracts from eggs of the allotetraploid Marsabit clawed frog, Xenopus borealis, and the diploid Western clawed frog, Xenopus tropicalis. We detail mixing and "hybrid" experiments that take advantage of the physiological but highly accessible nature of extracts to reveal the evolutionary relationships across species. These new developments create a robust and versatile toolbox to elucidate molecular, cell biological, and evolutionary questions in essential cellular processes.

Multicolor dye-based flow structure visualization for seal-whisker geometry characterized by computer vision

Pinniped vibrissae possess a unique and complex three-dimensional topography, which has beneficial fluid flow characteristics such as substantial reductions in drag, lift, and vortex induced vibration. To understand and leverage these effects, the downstream vortex dynamics must be studied. Dye visualization is a traditional qualitative method of capturing these downstream effects, specifically in comparative biological investigations where complex equipment can be prohibitive. High-fidelity numerical simulations or experimental particle image velocimetry are commonplace for quantitative high-resolution flow measurements, but are computationally expensive, require costly equipment, and can have limited measurement windows. This study establishes a method for extracting quantitative data from standard dye visualization experiments on seal whisker geometries by leveraging novel but intuitive computer vision techniques, which maintain simplicity and an advantageous large experimental viewing window while automating the extraction of vortex frequency, position, and advection. Results are compared to direct numerical simulation (DNS) data for comparable geometries. Power spectra and Strouhal numbers show consistent behavior between methods for a Reynolds number of 500, with minima at the canonical geometry wavelength of 3.43 and a peak frequency of 0.2 for a Reynolds number of 250. The vortex tracking reveals a clear increase in velocity from roll-up to 3.5 whisker diameters downstream, with a strong overlap with the DNS data but shows steady results beyond the limited DNS window. This investigation provides insight into a valuable bio-inspired engineering model while advancing an analytical methodology that can readily be applied to a broad range of comparative biological studies.

A comparative study of biology and morphometrics of two different species of Earias on okra crop

Okra shoot and fruit borers, Earias insulana and Earias vittella are the major pests of economically important crops like okra and cotton. It is important to understand pest biology and ecology before initiating control measures, however little is known about their comparative biology on okra. Therefore, we studied biometrics of E. insulana and E. vittella in laboratory conditions on okra fruits and recorded the duration of different life stages along with their morphological parameters, to differentiate both the species. Oviposition was comparable in both species, however, incubation period and oviposition period was shorter in E. vittella. Although incubation, oviposition, post-oviposition period were at par in both the species, but there was a significant difference in larval and pupa periods. Total life cycle being comparable in both species, the larval period was significantly longer in case of E. insulana (13.8 days), while its pupal period (8.5 days) was significantly shorter in comparision to E. vittella (9.9 days). Sex ratio in E. insulana and E. vittella was recorded as 1:0.72 and 1: 0.61 (male: female) respectively. Both species were slightly different in terms of their morphological parameters. This study provides basic knowledge about the biology of these pests that may be helpful while formulating IPM strategies against them in okra as well as cotton.

A haplotype-resolved chromosome-scale genome for Quercus rubra L. provides insights into the genetics of adaptive traits for red oak species.

Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) is an ecologically and economically important forest tree native to North America. We present a chromosome-scale genome of Q. rubra generated by the combination of PacBio sequences and chromatin conformation capture (Hi-C) scaffolding. This is the first reference genome from the red oak clade (section Lobatae). The Q. rubra assembly spans 739 Mb with 95.27% of the genome in 12 chromosomes and 33,333 protein-coding genes. Comparisons to the genomes of Q. lobata and Q. mongolica revealed high collinearity, with intrachromosomal structural variants present. Orthologous gene family analysis with other tree species revealed that gene families associated with defense response were expanding and contracting simultaneously across the Q. rubra genome. Quercus rubra had the most CC-NBS-LRR and TIR-NBS-LRR resistance genes out of the nine species analyzed. Terpene synthase gene family comparisons further reveal tandem gene duplications in TPS-b subfamily, similar to Q. robur. Phylogenetic analysis also identified four subfamilies of the IGT/LAZY gene family in Q. rubra important for plant structure. Single major QTL regions were identified for vegetative bud break and marcescence which contain candidate genes for further research, including a putative ortholog of the circadian clock constituent cryptochrome (CRY2) and eight tandemly duplicated genes for serine protease inhibitors, respectively. Genome-environment associations across natural populations identified candidate abiotic stress tolerance genes and predicted performance in a common garden. This high-quality red oak genome represents an essential resource to the oak genomics community which will expedite comparative genomics and biological studies in Quercus species.

Mechanistic insights into sulfur source-driven physiological responses and metabolic reorganization in the fuel-biodesulfurizing Rhodococcus qingshengii IGTS8.

Comparative proteomics and untargeted metabolomics were combined to study the physiological and metabolic adaptations of Rhodococcus qingshengii IGTS8 under biodesulfurization conditions. After growth in a chemically defined medium with either dibenzothiophene (DBT) or MgSO4 as the sulfur source, many differentially produced proteins and metabolites associated with several metabolic and physiological processes were detected including the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, nucleotides, vitamins, protein synthesis, transcriptional regulation, cell envelope biogenesis, and cell division. Increased production of the redox cofactor mycofactocin and associated proteins was one of the most striking adaptations under biodesulfurization conditions. While most central metabolic enzymes were less abundant in the presence of DBT, a key enzyme of the glyoxylate shunt, isocitrate lyase, was up to 26-fold more abundant. Several C1 metabolism and oligotrophy-related enzymes were significantly more abundant in the biodesulfurizing culture. R. qingshengii IGTS8 exhibited oligotrophic growth in liquid and solid media under carbon starvation. Moreover, the oligotrophic growth was faster on the solid medium in the presence of DBT compared to MgSO4 cultures. In the DBT culture, the cell envelope and phospholipids were remodeled, with lower levels of phosphatidylethanolamine and unsaturated and short-chain fatty acids being the most prominent changes. Biodesulfurization increased the biosynthesis of osmoprotectants (ectoine and mannosylglycerate) as well as glutamate and induced the stringent response. Our findings reveal highly diverse and overlapping stress responses that could protect the biodesulfurizing culture not only from the associated sulfate limitation but also from chemical, oxidative, and osmotic stress, allowing efficient resource management. IMPORTANCE Despite decades of research, a commercially viable bioprocess for fuel desulfurization has not been developed yet. This is mainly due to lack of knowledge of the physiology and metabolism of fuel-biodesulfurizing bacteria. Being a stressful condition, biodesulfurization could provoke several stress responses that are not understood. This is particularly important because a thorough understanding of the microbial stress response is essential for the development of environmentally friendly and industrially efficient microbial biocatalysts. Our comparative systems biology studies provide a mechanistic understanding of the biology of biodesulfurization, which is crucial for informed developments through the rational design of recombinant biodesulfurizers and optimization of the bioprocess conditions. Our findings enhance the understanding of the physiology, metabolism, and stress response not only in biodesulfurizing bacteria but also in rhodococci, a precious group of biotechnologically important bacteria.

Biological parameters and comparative morphometrics studies of Scirpophaga spp. in rice

The comparative biological studies on yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Wlk.) and white Stem Borer, Scirpophaga fusciflua Hampson showed that the moths of both species preferred to lay eggs on the dorsal surface of leaves. The eggs were laid in masses during night hours and covered with brownish hairs of the anal tuft. The maximum eggs of S. incertulas hatched on 6th day, whereas the S. fusciflua eggs hatched on the 5th day with per cent hatchability of 86 and 93 per cent, respectively. There were six larval instars in S. incertulas with 25-34 days larval duration and five for S. fusciflua with 26-31 days larval duration. The pupal period lasts for 7-9 days in both species, and the adults emerge from the pupae during dusk hours. Adults exhibited sexual dimorphism. The longevity of male and female moths was also similar in both species. The morphometries of larval head capsule width were more in S. incertulas as compared to S. fusciflua. Male pupal weight of both the species were almost similar but it was varied significantly in female pupa S. incertulas (0.024mg) and S. fusciflua (0.032mg).

Comparative morphology of the third pair of legs in drones and workers of Tetragonisca angustula (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The stingless bees are important models for behavioral studies. The most complex level of social behavior is exhibited by bee species that have a high degree of morphological variation between castes. The drone is often overlooked due to its limited functions. Comparative biology studies would help expand our knowledge of this sex. The aim of this study was to compare the microscopic structures of the third pair of legs of drones and workers of Tetragonisca angustula. We found similarities and differences that contribute to our knowledge of the behavior of stingless bees. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the microscopic comparison of structures of the third pair of legs of drones and workers of Tetragonisca angustula.

A plastid phylogenomic framework for the palm family (Arecaceae)

BackgroundOver the past decade, phylogenomics has greatly advanced our knowledge of angiosperm evolution. However, phylogenomic studies of large angiosperm families with complete species or genus-level sampling are still lacking. The palms, Arecaceae, are a large family with ca. 181 genera and 2600 species and are important components of tropical rainforests bearing great cultural and economic significance. Taxonomy and phylogeny of the family have been extensively investigated by a series of molecular phylogenetic studies in the last two decades. Nevertheless, some phylogenetic relationships within the family are not yet well-resolved, especially at the tribal and generic levels, with consequent impacts for downstream research.ResultsPlastomes of 182 palm species representing 111 genera were newly sequenced. Combining these with previously published plastid DNA data, we were able to sample 98% of palm genera and conduct a plastid phylogenomic investigation of the family. Maximum likelihood analyses yielded a robustly supported phylogenetic hypothesis. Phylogenetic relationships among all five palm subfamilies and 28 tribes were well-resolved, and most inter-generic phylogenetic relationships were also resolved with strong support.ConclusionsThe inclusion of nearly complete generic-level sampling coupled with nearly complete plastid genomes strengthened our understanding of plastid-based relationships of the palms. This comprehensive plastid genome dataset complements a growing body of nuclear genomic data. Together, these datasets form a novel phylogenomic baseline for the palms and an increasingly robust framework for future comparative biological studies of this exceptionally important plant family.

Complete mitochondrial genome of a livebearing freshwater fish (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae): Poecilia parae

Members of the fish family Poeciliidae (livebearing ‘tooth-carps’) have historically been used as models in medical research, behavior ecology, and biological control. This group of primarily freshwater fishes is highly tolerant to environmental factors such as salinity and warm temperatures and includes some invasive species. Here, we present the mitochondrial genome of Poecilia parae. A representative of this species was obtained from Suriname. The complete mitochondrial genome was sequenced using Oxford Nanopore technology and is 16,559 bp long. The genome contains 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and one control region (D-loop). Phylogenetic analysis yielded topologies similar to those previously published. The data generated here will be useful in future studies of comparative biology and those utilizing environmental DNA (eDNA).

Phytochemical Screening and Comparative Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Different Parts of Anonidium mannii (Oliv) Engl. et Diels.

Aims: This study aimed at identifying the phytochemical constituents, to evaluate and compare the in vitro antioxidant potential of the methanolic extracts of the leaves, trunk (wood and bark) and roots (wood and bark) of Anonidium mannii (Oliv) Engl. and Diels which is used in Cameroon for the treatment of rheumatism. 
 Place and Duration of Study: The work was conducted at the Pharmacochemistry and Natural Substances Laboratories of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala. All the experiments were carried out from the 15th October 2019 to the 31th July 2020.
 Methodology: Phytochemical screening was based on conventional techniques focusing on color reactions and precipitation. The evaluation of the antioxidant power was carried out by the method of scavenging the free radical DPPH of the extracts and by reading the absorbance for each concentration at 517 nm.
 Results: The phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloïds, flavonoïds, anthraquinones, coumarins, terpenes, steroïds, saponins, phenols and anthocyanins. All extracts tested showed antioxidant activity, particularly root wood with an IC50 = 1.85 µg/ml identical to the standard (BHT: Butylhydroxytoluène).
 Conclusion: Due to evidence that reactive oxygen species play a causal role in auto-immune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, these results justify the use of the leaves or the stem bark of A. mannii in the traditional pharmacopeia for the treatment of rheumatism. However, the wood of the roots having presented the best activity (IC50 = 1.85 µg/ml). It would be beneficial to suggest this plant part to the local populations for the management of that pathology. This study is the first comparative biological study conducted on the different parts of A. mannii.

Quantum Calculation, Docking, ADMET and Molecular Dynamics of Ketal and Non-ketal Forms of D-glucofuranose Against Bacteria, Black & White Fungus, and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

D-glucofuranose has potent bioactivity against numerous diseases and pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and cancer. Normally, the ketal form of D-glucofuranose is converted into the non-ketal form by drug metabolism in the human body; as a result, both the ketal and non-ketal forms of D-glucofuranose are considered. To make a comparative biological activity study of ketal and non-ketal species of nine derivatives of D-glucofuranose, two bacteria, black fungus, white fungus, and triple-negative breast cancer, were selected. Firstly, the PASS prediction data from the online PASS tool indicated the probability of pathogenic efficacy through the Pa and Pi parameters. Secondly, the computational studies, such as molecular docking, molecular dynamic, ADMET, drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic, aquatic, and non-aquatic features, were calculated with three FDA-approved drugs, including azithromycin, nystatin, and cyclophosphamide. A comparative study of computational data has been performed where the ketal forms of D-glucofuranose derivatives were found highly biologically active with the satisfaction of the pharmacokinetic parameters, ADMET parameters, and Lipinski rule.

Essential Oils and Extracts of Juniperus macrocarpa Sm. and Juniperus oxycedrus L.: Comparative Phytochemical Composition and Anti-Proliferative and Antioxidant Activities.

In this work, we conducted a comparative phytochemical, chemotaxonomic, and biological study of essential oils (EOs) and extracts (ethyl acetate and methanol) obtained from the leaves of Juniperus macrocarpa and J. oxycedrus. The dominant compounds of J. macrocarpa EO, analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), are α-pinene, sabinene, manoyl oxide, and germacrene D, whereas α-pinene, limonene, (Z,E)-farnesol, β-pinene, and γ-cadinene are the most representative volatiles of J. oxycedrus EOs. A multivariate analysis of EOs, included a selection of literature data comparing our samples to samples of J. oxycedrus/macrocarpa/deltoides from the Mediterranean area, was performed. As evident by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses, apigenin, (−)-epicatechin, and luteolin were abundant in J. oxycedrus extracts, while gallic acid, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, and protocatechuic acid were the dominant constituents of J. macrocarpa extracts. EOs and extracts have been investigated for their potential antioxidant properties and anti-proliferative activity against lung adenocarcinoma (A549), breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), and lung large cell carcinoma (COR-L23) human cell lines. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of J. oxycedrus exerted the most valuable antioxidant activity and exhibited the most promising activity against the COR-L23 cell line with an IC50 of 26.0 and 39.1 μg/mL, respectively, lower than that obtained with the positive control (IC50 of 45.5 μg/mL). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report highlighting the anti-proliferative activity of J. oxycedrus and J. macrocarpa extracts against this lung cancer cell line. Our results indicate that J. oxycedrus may be considered a source of natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects that could be suitable for future applications.

Improved chromosome-level genome assembly of the Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia) integrating Pacific Biosciences long reads and a high-density linkage map.

BackgroundThe Glanville fritillary (Melitaea cinxia) butterfly is a model system for metapopulation dynamics research in fragmented landscapes. Here, we provide a chromosome-level assembly of the butterfly's genome produced from Pacific Biosciences sequencing of a pool of males, combined with a linkage map from population crosses.ResultsThe final assembly size of 484 Mb is an increase of 94 Mb on the previously published genome. Estimation of the completeness of the genome with BUSCO indicates that the genome contains 92–94% of the BUSCO genes in complete and single copies. We predicted 14,810 genes using the MAKER pipeline and manually curated 1,232 of these gene models.ConclusionsThe genome and its annotated gene models are a valuable resource for future comparative genomics, molecular biology, transcriptome, and genetics studies on this species.

Comparative Study of Morphology and Developmental Biology of Two Agriculturally Important Whitefly Species Bemisia tabaci (Asia II 5) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum from North-Western Himalayan Region of India

HIGHLIGHTS A detailed description and illustration of stage-specific morphological characters of whiteflies Bemisia tabaci (Asia II 5) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Developmental biology of the whiteflies Bemisia tabaci (Asia II 5) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Preliminary information for field-level identification and the formulation of IPM strategies. First of its kind comparative study of morphology and biology of whiteflies in the Northwestern Himalayan region.