An ultrastructural analysis of the development of mycorrhizas in Rhododendron ponticum

1982 ◽  
Vol 60 (11) ◽  
pp. 2345-2356 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Duddridge ◽  
D. J. Read
Keyword(s):  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Ultrastructural Level ◽  
Natural Soil ◽  
Host Cytoplasm ◽  
Rhododendron Ponticum ◽  
Sequence Of Events ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Ericoid Mycorrhizas

The sequence of events involved in the initiation, establishment, and degeneration of the ericoid mycorrhizas of Rhododendron ponticum was followed at the ultrastructural level. Seedlings were planted in inoculated sterile soil or natural soil and harvested sequentially over a period of weeks. Their roots were fixed and examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Field-collected roots were also examined for comparative purposes. In inoculated soil, surface colonisation of root epidermal cells occurs within 4 weeks of inoculation, and penetration follows immediately. The functional life of the infected epidermal cell is short, evidence of degeneration of host cytoplasm being visible within 7 weeks. Host breakdown precedes fungal degeneration, which suggests that nutrient transfer between partners must occur in the short period when both have full structural integrity. Endophyte hyphae degenerate after collapse of host cytoplasm, first becoming vacuolate and then devoid of contents. The result of this pattern of infection is that most cells of the root epidermis are dead and devoid of contents. The pattern is the same in natural soil, though each stage is delayed by 2–3 weeks. The possible relationship between the structural and functional characteristics of ericoid roots is discussed and comparisons are made with other types of endomycorrhizas.

Infection of beech leaves (Fagus sylvatica) by the endophyte Discula umbrinella (teleomorph: Apiognomonia errabunda): low-temperature scanning electron microscopy studies

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (11) ◽  
pp. 1520-1527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Viret ◽  
Christoph Scheidegger ◽  
Orlando Petrini
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Germ Tube ◽  
Ultrastructural Level ◽  
Malt Extract ◽  
Leaf Extracts ◽  
Sequence Of Events ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Specific Induction ◽  
Temperature Scanning ◽  
Germ Tubes

The sequence of events leading to infection by Discula umbrinella of leaves taken from axenically grown beech seedlings was studied at the ultrastructural level. On the host surface, even under optimal conditions and when contact with the host is established, only approximately 70% germination can be observed. In hanging drops containing malt extract, germination is only approximately 10%, suggesting that abundant nutrient supply alone is not enough to promote germination. Incubation of conidia in leaf extracts, on the other hand, results in the induction of germination even if no contact with an appropriate support is established. Between 16 and 24 h after infection four stages of germination can be observed on beech leaves: (i) ungerminated conidia; (ii) germinating conidia producing long superficial hyphae; (iii) conidia with distinct, appressorium-like swelling at the end of the germ tube; and (iv) germinated conidia with a halo around the tip of the germ tube. Transmission electron microscopy shows that subcuticular penetration into the host occurs at places where halos are seen. Apparently only germination with formation of appressorium-like structures and halos leads to successful penetration. Application of conidia to the abaxial side of the host leaf results in the formation of structures similar to those observed on the adaxial surface. Conidial germ tubes penetrate the cuticular layers of the outer edges of the guard cells, but direct penetration through the stomata was rarely observed. Appressorium or halo formation, observed only on the host surface and never on other substrates, suggests host-specific induction of penetrating structures. The mode of penetration observed for D. umbrinella bears some similarities with that described for some biotrophs and pathogens, suggesting affinities between endophytes and pathogens. Key words: beech anthracnose, electron microscopy, endophytes, latent pathogens, ultrastructure.

Plug-in scripts for EFTEM automation

1996 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 546-547
Author(s):  
N. D. Evans ◽  
M. K. Kundmann
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
National Laboratory ◽  
Oak Ridge ◽  
Multiple User ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Short Period ◽  
User Facility ◽  
Instrument Control ◽  
And Control ◽  
Research Equipment

Post-column energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) is inherently challenging as it requires the researcher to setup, align, and control both the microscope and the energy-filter. The software behind an EFTEM system is therefore critical to efficient, day-to-day application of this technique. This is particularly the case in a multiple-user environment such as at the Shared Research Equipment (SHaRE) User Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Here, visiting researchers, who may oe unfamiliar with the details of EFTEM, need to accomplish as much as possible in a relatively short period of time.We describe here our work in extending the base software of a commercially available EFTEM system in order to automate and streamline particular EFTEM tasks. The EFTEM system used is a Philips CM30 fitted with a Gatan Imaging Filter (GIF). The base software supplied with this system consists primarily of two Macintosh programs and a collection of add-ons (plug-ins) which provide instrument control, imaging, and data analysis facilities needed to perform EFTEM.

scholarly journals Calcium Biogeochemical Cycle in a Typical Karst Forest: Evidence from Calcium Isotope Compositions

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 666
Author(s):  
Guilin Han ◽  
Anton Eisenhauer ◽  
Jie Zeng ◽  
Man Liu
Keyword(s):  
Soil Depth ◽  
Isotope Composition ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Natural Soil ◽  
Calcium Isotope ◽  
Karst Forest ◽  
Content Ratio ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Preferential Uptake ◽  
Vital Factor

In order to better constrain calcium cycling in natural soil and in soil used for agriculture, we present the δ44/40Ca values measured in rainwater, groundwater, plants, soil, and bedrock samples from a representative karst forest in SW China. The δ44/40Ca values are found to differ by ≈3.0‰ in the karst forest ecosystem. The Ca isotope compositions and Ca contents of groundwater, rainwater, and bedrock suggest that the Ca of groundwater primarily originates from rainwater and bedrock. The δ44/40Ca values of plants are lower than that of soils, indicating the preferential uptake of light Ca isotopes by plants. The distribution of δ44/40Ca values in the soil profiles (increasing with soil depth) suggests that the recycling of crop-litter abundant with lighter Ca isotope has potential effects on soil Ca isotope composition. The soil Mg/Ca content ratio probably reflects the preferential plant uptake of Ca over Mg and the difference in soil maturity. Light Ca isotopes are more abundant in mature soils than nutrient-depleted soils. The relative abundance in the light Ca isotope (40Ca) is in the following order: farmland > burnt grassland > forests > grassland > shrubland. Our results further indicate that biological fractionation in a soil–plant system is a vital factor for Ca–geochemical transformations in soil surface systems.

scholarly journals Rapid Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells into Testosterone-Producing Leydig Cell-Like Cells In vitro

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun-Young Shin ◽  
Seah Park ◽  
Won Yun Choi ◽  
Dong Ryul Lee
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Embryonic Stem Cells ◽  
Human Embryonic Stem Cells ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Male Hypogonadism ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Sequence Of Events ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Molecular Compounds

Abstract Background: Leydig cells (LCs) are testicular somatic cells that are the major producers of testosterone in males. Testosterone is essential for male physiology and reproduction. Reduced testosterone levels lead to hypogonadism and are associated with diverse pathologies, such as neuronal dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. LC transplantation is a promising therapy for hypogonadism; however, the number of LCs in the testis is very rare and they do not proliferate in vitro. Therefore, there is a need for an alternative source of LCs. Methods: To develop a safer, simple, and rapid strategy to generate human LC-like cells (LLCs) from stem cells, we first performed preliminary tests under different conditions for the induction of LLCs from human CD34/CD73 double positive-testis-derived stem cells (HTSCs). Based on the embryological sequence of events, we suggested a 3-step strategy for the differentiation of human ESCs into LLCs. We generated the mesendoderm in the first stage and intermediate mesoderm (IM) in the second stage and optimized the conditions for differentiation of IM into LLCs by comparing the secreted testosterone levels of each group. Results: HTSCs and human embryonic stem cells can be directly differentiated into LLCs by defined molecular compounds within a short period. Human ESC-derived LLCs can secrete testosterone and express steroidogenic markers. Conclusion: We developed a rapid and efficient protocol for the production of LLCs from stem cells using defined molecular compounds. These findings provide a new therapeutic cell source for male hypogonadism.

Haustorial development of Peronospora tabacina infecting Nicotiana tabacum

1983 ◽  
Vol 61 (12) ◽  
pp. 3444-3453 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. N. Trigiano ◽  
C. G. Van Dyke ◽  
H. W. Spurr Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Toluidine Blue ◽  
Mesophyll Cell ◽  
Wall Layer ◽  
Peronospora Tabacina ◽  
Host Cytoplasm ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Mold Fungus ◽  
Host Cell Wall ◽  
Hyphal Wall

The development of haustoria in tobacco by the blue-mold fungus Peronospora tabacina was examined using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Electron-lucent, callose-like appositions were observed between the host plasmalemma and the host mesophyll cell wall prior to haustorial penetration. An electron-opaque penetration matrix was present between the apposition and the host cell wall. The intercellular hyphal wall consisted of two layers which differed in staining quality. The haustorial wall was also two layered, but was primarily composed of and continuous with the inner wall layer of the intercellular hypha. Haustoria were either finger-like or branched and were encased with callose-like material. Most encasements were thickened at the proximal regions of haustoria but were thinner along the distal portions. Vesicles were present in host cytoplasm and were occasionally attached to the invaginated host plasmalemma. These vesicles might contribute to the deposition of the encasement material. The encasement stained positively for callose using aniline blue; calcofluor and toluidine blue O tests for cellulose were inconclusive, and lignin was not detected using toluidine blue O or phloroglucinol–HCl.

InAs Quantum Dots in AlAs/GaAs Short Period Superlattices: Structure, Optical Characteristics and Laser Diodes

2001 ◽  
Vol 707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vadim Tokranov ◽  
M. Yakimov ◽  
A. Katsnelson ◽  
K. Dovidenko ◽  
R. Todt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Threshold Current ◽  
Threshold Current Density ◽  
Inas Quantum Dots ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Short Period Superlattices ◽  
Emitting Lasers ◽  
Cladding Layers

ABSTRACTThe influence of two monolayer - thick AlAs under- and overlayers on the formation and properties of self-assembled InAs quantum dots (QDs) has been studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photoluminescence (PL). Single sheets of InAs QDs were grown inside a 2ML/8ML AlAs/GaAs short-period superlattice with various combinations of under- and overlayers. It was found that 2.4ML InAs QDs with GaAs underlayer and 2ML AlAs overlayer exhibited the lowest QD surface density of 4.2x1010 cm-2 and the largest QD lateral size of about 19 nm as compared to the other combinations of cladding layers. This InAs QD ensemble has also shown the highest room temperature PL intensity with a peak at 1210 nm and the narrowest linewidth, 34 meV. Fabricated edge-emitting lasers using triple layers of InAs QDs with AlAs overlayer demonstrated 120 A/cm2 threshold current density and 1230 nm emission wavelength at room temperature. Excited state QD lasers have shown high thermal stability of threshold current up to 130°C.

Morphological and biochemical changes in peanut nodules during photosynthate stress

1992 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 526-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. B. M. Siddique ◽  
A. K. Bal
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Fixation ◽  
Root Nodules ◽  
Ultrastructural Level ◽  
Malate Synthase ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
Lipid Bodies ◽  
Biochemical Status ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Ultrastructural Damage

Nitrogen fixation in legume root nodules is believed to be supported by the supply of photosynthate of the current photoperiod. However, in peanut nodules, prolonged periods of darkness or detopping do not disrupt nitrogen fixation for at least 48 h. During this period, nodule oleosomes (lipid bodies) have been shown to decrease in number within the infected cells, and it has been suggested that lipids from oleosomes are mobilized to maintain the energy and carbon requirements of the nitrogen-fixing nodules. We present morphological evidence, at the ultrastructural level, for the utilization of oleosomes during photosynthate stress. The biochemical status of the nodule has also been assessed and correlated with ultrastructure. For comparison cowpea nodules were used that totally lacked oleosomes. In peanut nodules leghemoglobin and total protein remained unchanged along with integrated ultrastructure on nodule cells for 48 h, whereas in cowpea a decline in proteins with ultrastructural damage became apparent within a very short period of photosynthate stress. In peanut nodules empty or partially empty oleosomes were taken as evidence for their utilization during the stress period. Key words: N2 fixation, photosynthate stress, lipid bodies, catalase, malate synthase, peanut nodule, β-oxidation.

Dipetalonema viteae: ultrastructural study on the in vitro interaction between rat macrophages and microfilariae in the presence of IgE antibody

Parasitology ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Ouaissi ◽  
A. Haque ◽  
A. Capron
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Ultrastructural Study ◽  
Peritoneal Macrophages ◽  
Immune Serum ◽  
Sequence Of Events ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Dipetalonema Viteae ◽  
In Vitro Interaction

SUMMARYThe in vitro interaction between rat peritoneal macrophages and Dipetalonema viteae microfilariae in the presence of amicrofilaraemic rat immune serum was studied by transmission electron microscopy. The probable sequence of events leading to the killing of D. viteae microfilaria by macrophages is as follows. (a) Rat peritoneal macrophages in the presence of amicrofilaraemic rat immune serum adhere to the parasite surface, (b) the macrophages extend their pseudopodia around the parasite, (c) the ‘lysosome-like’ granules discharge their contents on to the parasite surface, (d) the lytic activity of these products begins at the parasite surface and (e) subsequent breaking of the microfilarial cuticle occurs, exposing the parasite intracellular material.

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