scholarly journals Role of plant pathogens in food insecurity

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Richard Strange
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Plant Pathogens ◽  
Homo Sapiens ◽  
Crop Plants ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Primary Means ◽  
Living Organisms

Plants are the primary means by which food is produced for living organisms. These include the species Homo sapiens ? all 7 billion plus of us. But we are far from being the only species that depends on plants. There are many herbivores with which we compete, some of the most devastating being insects. Moreover, plants deemed useful as sources of food may be outcompeted by other plants of less practical use: these are often regarded as weeds. More insidiously, there are many infectious agents ranging from viroids, consisting of a few hundred nucleotides, through viruses, bacteria, mycoplasmas, nematodes and fungi to plants themselves that parasitise those crop plants we use as sources of food.

scholarly journals Biocrystals in Plants: A Short Review on Biomineralization Processes and the Role of Phototropins into the Uptake of Calcium

Crystals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayra Cuéllar-Cruz ◽  
Karina Sandra Pérez ◽  
María Eugenia Mendoza ◽  
Abel Moreno
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Uptake ◽  
Homo Sapiens ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Inorganic Materials ◽  
Organic Crystals ◽  
Biomineralization Process ◽  
The Origin Of Life ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Life On Earth

The biomineralization process is a mechanism inherent to all organisms of the Earth. Throughout the decades, diverse works have reported that the origin of life is tied to crystals, specifically to biominerals of silica that catalyzed RNA, and had some influence in the homochirality. Although the mechanism by which crystals surfaces (minerals) gave origin to life has not yet been proven, the truth is that, up to the present, biominerals are being synthetized by the organisms of different kingdoms in two basic ways: biologically induced and biologically controlled biomineralization. Paradoxically, this fact makes a fundamental difference between inorganic materials and those formed by living organisms, as the latter are associated with macromolecules that are bound to the mineral phase. Conserving growth and formation of these biogenic organic crystals inside cells is a fascinating subject that has been studied mainly in some of the kingdoms, like Monera (bacteria), Fungi (yeasts), and Animalia (Homo sapiens). Notwithstanding in the Plantae kingdom, the formation, conservation, and functions of crystals has not yet been completely elucidated and described, which is of particular relevance because life on Earth, as we know it, would not be possible without plants. The aim of the present work is to revise the different crystals of calcium oxalate synthetized inside the cells of plants, as well as to identify the mechanism of their formation and their possible functions in plants. The last part is related to the existence of certain proteins called phototropins, which not only work as the blue-light sensors, but they also play an important role on the accumulation of calcium in vacuoles. This new trend is shortly reviewed to explain the characteristics and their plausible role in the calcium uptake along with the biomineralization processes.

V. I. Vernadsky and development of the theoretical foundations of ecology

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 120-123
Author(s):  
V. P. Pishak
Keyword(s):  
Elemental Composition ◽  
Homo Sapiens ◽  
Genomic Medicine ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Chemical Transformations ◽  
Russian Scientist ◽  
Living Substance ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Cyclic Changes

150-years have passed since the birth of famous Ukrainian and Russian scientist, academician V. I. Vernadsky (1863–1945) – the founder and the first president of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences (UAS), as well as the first scientific library in Ukraine. The genius of scientific predictions of V. I. Vernadsky is undeniable: he is the founder of geochemistry, biochemistry and genetic mineralogy; the doctrine about living substance and its role in the evolution of the biosphere and the noosphere theory; the reasoning of the concept of the biosphere – the sphere of living organisms, their place and role in placental scope; the development of biogeochemistry. "There is no more stable "acting" chemical force on the Earth than all the living organisms" – V. I. Vernadsky pointed (Vernadsky, 1965). The scientist pointed that even in the early stages of life nascence the populations and communities always have been evolved. Thus, there is a set of organisms that are closely interacted with each other and with inanimate nature has arisen. According to Vernadsky, from the very beginning of the emergence of the biosphere, the living components (biomonomers and biopolymers) were differed by a great variety. Without such an initial heterogeneity of living systems on Earth, the conversion of solid, liquid and gaseous substances could not be carried out. Thus, the heterogeneity of the biosphere correlated with a variety of physical and chemical organization of different parts of the earth's surface. The chemical elemental composition of the earth's surface as well as elemental composition of living organisms, which are directly involved in chemical transformations on Earth, have never been significantly changed during whole geological history. "The variety of living substance, and life have always performed various biogeochemical functions at the same time" – V. Vernadsky pointed. The chemical transformations, the circulation of substance are evolving in the same time, they are interconnected with the circulation of chemicals, which in turn depend on rain, seasonal and other cyclic changes of light, temperature, pressure – meaning the chronoperiodic changes – V. I. Vernadsky followed the idea of continuity of living substance in outer space. Both – tasks and methodological bases of geochemistry and biogeochemistry were based in the theoretical ecology – environmental aspects of evolution, the principles of systemic analysis, biocenology problems, mathematical modeling, chronoperiodic reaction etc. Theoretical principles of ecology, developed by V. I. Vernadsky, their practical solution in some sections of biology led to the formation of different ecological areas: animal’s, plant’s and microorganism’s ecology, engineering ecology and others. Scientist drew the great attention to human ecology. With the changing of socio-economic formations, a role of a human in biosphere life has increased, especially in an era of scientific and technological revolution. The human activities as a source of energy, the active economic activity of Homo sapiens, the appearance of chemicals of anthropogenic origin, – these and many other directions of human activity allowed V. I. Vernadsky substantiate the place and role of new environmental factor – the noosphere, and hence a new research area – noospherology. Theoretical bases of ecology, developed by V. I. Vernadsky, find their practical implementation in medicine: the development of molecular genetics, genomic medicine, and detection of genetic predisposition to many diseases, so-called multifactorial diseases, environmental protection, the formation of new medicine areas – predictive, preventive, personalized and participatory one. Nowadays, the biomedical community, motivated by works of V. I. Vernadsky, feces the new horizons of therapy, diagnostics and prevention of diseases, based on the environmental factors.

Defensive Role of Plant-Derived Secondary Metabolites: Indole and Its’ Derivatives

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-88
Author(s):  
Mulugeta Mulat ◽  
Raksha Anand ◽  
Fazlurrahman Khan
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Functional Role ◽  
Plant Pathogens ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Indole Derivatives ◽  
Resistance Level ◽  
Defensive Role ◽  
Insect Attack

The diversity of indole concerning its production and functional role has increased in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. The bacterial species produce indole and use it as a signaling molecule at interspecies, intraspecies, and even at an interkingdom level for controlling the capability of drug resistance, level of virulence, and biofilm formation. Numerous indole derivatives have been found to play an important role in the different systems and are reported to occur in various bacteria, plants, human, and plant pathogens. Indole and its derivatives have been recognized for a defensive role against pests and insects in the plant kingdom. These indole derivatives are produced as a result of the breakdown of glucosinolate products at the time of insect attack or physical damages. Apart from the defensive role of these products, in plants, they also exhibit several other secondary responses that may contribute directly or indirectly to the growth and development. The present review summarized recent signs of progress on the functional properties of indole and its derivatives in different plant systems. The molecular mechanism involved in the defensive role played by indole as well as its’ derivative in the plants has also been explained. Furthermore, the perspectives of indole and its derivatives (natural or synthetic) in understanding the involvement of these compounds in diverse plants have also been discussed.

scholarly journals Beyond Arabidopsis: BBX Regulators in Crop Plants

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 2906
Author(s):  
Urszula Talar ◽  
Agnieszka Kiełbowicz-Matuk
Keyword(s):  
Stress Tolerance ◽  
Crop Plants ◽  
Abiotic Stress Response ◽  
Biotic And Abiotic Stress ◽  
Photoperiodic Regulation ◽  
Large Families ◽  
Stress Related Genes ◽  
Unique Domain ◽  
Clock Mechanism

B-box proteins represent diverse zinc finger transcription factors and regulators forming large families in various plants. A unique domain structure defines them—besides the highly conserved B-box domains, some B-box (BBX) proteins also possess CCT domain and VP motif. Based on the presence of these specific domains, they are mostly classified into five structural groups. The particular members widely differ in structure and fulfill distinct functions in regulating plant growth and development, including seedling photomorphogenesis, the anthocyanins biosynthesis, photoperiodic regulation of flowering, and hormonal pathways. Several BBX proteins are additionally involved in biotic and abiotic stress response. Overexpression of some BBX genes stimulates various stress-related genes and enhanced tolerance to different stresses. Moreover, there is evidence of interplay between B-box and the circadian clock mechanism. This review highlights the role of BBX proteins as a part of a broad regulatory network in crop plants, considering their participation in development, physiology, defense, and environmental constraints. A description is also provided of how various BBX regulators involved in stress tolerance were applied in genetic engineering to obtain stress tolerance in transgenic crops.

The role of social enterprises in facilitating labour market integration for people with disabilities: A convenient deflection from policy mainstreaming?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
CHERYL HIU-KWAN CHUI ◽  
CHEE HON CHAN ◽  
YANTO CHANDRA
Keyword(s):  
Labour Market ◽  
Market Integration ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Labour Market Integration ◽  
Job Opportunities ◽  
Primary Means ◽  
Work Integration ◽  
Disability Employment

Abstract Policymakers have increasingly embraced social enterprises as a vehicle to create job opportunities for the disadvantaged. However, there is limited research on social enterprises in the context of disability in relation to labour market integration. Drawing on the perspectives of representatives of work integration social enterprises and people with disabilities employed in these enterprises (n=21), this study examines whether and how work integration social enterprises promote inclusion for people with disabilities, and also explores the role of WISEs in enabling people with disabilities to transition into open employment. Thematic analysis revealed three key emergent themes: Cocooned inclusion but not transition; Reinforced normative demarcation; and WISEs as a deflection from institutionalizing proactive disability policy measures. This article argues that, although WISEs were able to provide job opportunities for people with disabilities, their purported function in enabling disabled people to transition into open employment remains constrained by factors beyond their control including prevailing norms and the absence of proactive disability employment measures. This article cautions against the over-romanticisation of WISEs as the primary means to ensure the rights of people with disabilities to participate in the labour market. Implications on disability employment policies in relation to social enterprises are discussed.

scholarly journals Potential Role of Trace Elements (Al, Cu, Zn, and Se) in Multiple Sclerosis Physiopathology

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 163-177
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sadegh Hesamian ◽  
Nahid Eskandari
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Trace Elements ◽  
Plasma Cells ◽  
Peripheral Tolerance ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Tolerance Breakdown ◽  
Peripheral Immune Cells

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. The cause of MS is not known completely, and pathology is specified by involved demyelinated areas in the white and gray matter of the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation and peripheral tolerance breakdown due to Treg cell defects and/or effector cell resistance are present at all stages of the disease. Several invading peripheral immune cells are included in the process of the disease such as macrophages, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells, and plasma cells. Trace elements are known as elements found in soil, plants, and living organisms in small quantities. Some of them (e.g., Al, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Se) are essential for the body’s functions like catalysts in enzyme systems, energy metabolism, etc. Al toxicity and Cu, Zn, and Se toxicity and deficiency can affect the immune system and following neuron inflammation and degeneration. These processes may result in MS pathology. Of course, factors such as lifestyle, environment, and industrialization can affect levels of trace elements in the human body.

scholarly journals The Role of Infectious Agents in the Etiology of Ocular Adnexal Neoplasia

2008 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 312-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varun Verma ◽  
Defen Shen ◽  
Pamela C. Sieving ◽  
Chi-Chao Chan
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Agents

Biopolymers: A comprehensive review

2022 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 013-018
Author(s):  
Mohini Chandrashekhar Upadhye ◽  
Mohini Chetan Kuchekar ◽  
Rohini Revansiddhappa Pujari ◽  
Nutan Uttam Sable
Keyword(s):  
Pharmaceutical Industry ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Biological Systems ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Skin Care ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Green Nanotechnology ◽  
Biological Sources ◽  
Living Organisms

Biopolymers are compounds prepared by using various living organisms, including plants. These are composed of repeated units of the same or similar structure (monomers) linked together. Rubber, starch, cellulose, proteins and DNA, RNA, chitin, and peptides are some of the examples of natural biopolymers. Biopolymers are a diverse and remarkably versatile class of materials that are either produced by biological systems or synthesize from biological sources. Biopolymers are used in pharmaceutical industry and also in food industry.Naturally derived polymers are also used for conditioning benefits in hair and skin care. Biopolymers have various applications in medicine, food, packaging, and petroleum industries. This review article is focused on various aspects of biopolymers with a special emphasis on role of biopolymers in green nanotechnology and agriculture.

The role of tree stem proximity in the spatial variability of soil water repellency in a eucalypt plantation in coastal Portugal

Soil Research ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 251 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Keizer ◽  
A. J. D. Ferreira ◽  
C. O. A. Coelho ◽  
S. H. Doerr ◽  
M. C. Malvar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Repellency ◽  
Soil Water Repellency ◽  
Individual Measurement ◽  
Hydrophobic Compounds ◽  
Ethanol Droplet ◽  
Central Portugal ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Tree Stem

Certain organic compounds derived from living organisms or their decaying parts are generally accepted to induce soil water repellency. Water repellency may therefore be expected to increase with proximity to organisms releasing hydrophobic compounds. This hypothesis is tested here for Eucalyptus globulus trees, since eucalypt species are frequently associated with elevated repellency levels. In a young, first-rotation plantation on coastal dune sands in central Portugal, repeat measurements of water repellency using the ‘Molarity of an Ethanol Droplet’ (MED) test were carried out in situ between April 2001 and May 2002. On 25 dates, repellency was measured at initially 2 and later 3 distances on 2 sides of 8–11 randomly selected trees. On 15 occasions, additional repellency measurements were performed within small grids aside 3 of the selected trees. The postulated decrease in topsoil water repellency with increased distance from eucalypt tree stems was found to apply on several individual measurement dates, as well as, more unexpectedly since repellency usually is a transient phenomenon, for the study period as a whole. The results confirm the general association of eucalypt trees with water repellency, and indicate that tree stem proximity is an important but not sufficient factor to explain repellency distribution in topsoil.

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