NATURAL TOXINS FROM CYANOBACTERIA 

JOANNA MANKIEWICZ¹*, MALGORZATA TARCZYNSKA², ZOFIA WALTER¹, AND MACIEJ ZALEWSKI³ 

¹Department of Molecular Genetics and ²Department of Applied Ecology University of Lódź, ul. Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lódź, Poland 
³International Centre for Ecology, PAS, ul. M. Konopnickiej 1, 05-092 Łomianki, Poland 

* e-mail: mankiew@biol.uni.lodz.pl. 

Received April 5, 2002; revision accepted November 22, 2002 

Morphologically, physiologically and metabolically, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are one of the most diverse groups of prokaryotes. Cyanobacteria bloom abundantly in surface waters as a result of eutrophication, and they produce different types of toxins, so they not only hinder recreational use of bodies of water but also cause health problems in humans and animals. Cyanobacterial toxins (cyanotoxins) can be classified in five groups: hepatotoxins, neurotoxins, cytotoxins, dermatotoxins and irritant toxins (lipopolysaccharides). 

Key words: Cyanobacteria, blue-green algae, cyanotoxins, effect on health. 

THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM AND GERMINATION IN ORCHIDS 

TATYANA B. BATYGINA, ELENA A. BRAGINA, AND VALENTINA E. VASILYEVA 

Department of Embryology and Reproductive Biology, Komarov Botanical Institute, Prof. Popov Str., 2, 197376 St. Petersburg, Russia 

e-mail: batygina@TB1390.spb.edu 

Received August 12, 2002; revision accepted May 15, 2003 

The peculiarities of seminal and vegetative multiplication in orchids are discussed. The main pathways of morphogenesis during the formation of the whole organism of orchids in natural conditions and in vitro culture are reviewed. Peculiarities of development and the role of the protocorm in the life cycle are pointed out. Special attention is paid to the phenomenon of polyembryony of orchids and their germination. 

Key words: Orchids, polyembryony, germination, protocorm, brood bud, reproductive strategy. 

AUTORADIOGRAPHIC AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES OF THE EFFECT OF CHILLING ON SOYBEAN ROOT MERISTEM NUCLEOLI 

DARIUSZ STĘPIŃSKI* AND MARIA KWIATKOWSKA 

Department of Cytophysiology, University of Łódź, ul. Pilarskiego 14, 90-231 Łódź, Poland 

*e-mail: dareks@biol.uni.lodz.pl 

Received May 30, 2002; revision accepted November 20, 2002 

Root meristem nucleoli from soybean (Glycine max. cv. Aldana) seedlings germinated for 3 days at 25°C and then for 4 days at 10°C or still at 25°C (control) were examined. Chill was observed to reduce root meristematic zone growth 15-fold. Nucleoli doubled their volume at 10°C. Autoradiographic studies showed that after 20 min 3H-uridine incubation at 10°C, incorporation of this precursor (postincubation 0) into nucleoli of chilled seedlings was 4.7 times weaker than in the control. After 80 min postincubation in nonradioactive medium, the cytoplasm became the most intensely labelled cell area in the control material, while in chilled roots the nucleoli were still most intensely labelled and the cytoplasm was 11 times less labelled than in the control. The increase in nucleoli volume at 10°C is suggested to result from greater cold-induced inhibition of the dynamics of maturation and transport of ribosome subunits than of rRNA synthesis dynamics. Ultrastructural studies of chilled seedling nucleoli showed a significant decrease in the fibrillar component and an increase in the granular component, forming characteristic clusters. They are supposed to correspond to shortened and condensed pre-rRNA transcription complexes (compacted “Christmas trees”). 

Key words: 3H-uridine incorporation, ultrastructure, nucleolus, meristematic soybean root cells. 

ANATOMICAL AND CHEMICAL ADAPTATION OF SPARTIUM JUNCEUM L. IN ARID HABITAT 

NADA BEZIĆ*¹, VALERIJA DUNKIĆ¹, AND ANI RADONIĆ² 

¹Department of Biology, University of Split, Teslina 12, 21000 Split, Croatia 
²Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Split, Teslina 10/V, 21000 Split, Croatia 

*e-mail: bezic@pmfst.hr 

Received March 6, 2002; revision accepted November 15, 2002 A number of anatomical adaptations to an arid habitat can be noted in the microscopic structure of Spartium junceum L. vegetative organs. The xerophytic adaptation of the leaf is seen in its short life and the transformation of its inner structure, with palisade parenchyma dominating. The top part of the stem has taken over the leaf function, while sclerenchyma fiber and conductive elements occupy most of its secondary units. A peculiar feature of the primary structure of the root is its incompletely developed endodermis, and the secondary structure points to its storage and mechanical roles. GC/MS analyses of the essential oils showed that they consist mainly of monoterpene hydrocarbons with α-thujene as the main compound. The essential oils also play a xeromorphic role in this plant species. 

Key words: Spartium junceum L., xeromorphic adaptation, stem, leaf, root, essential oil, α-thujene. 

KARYOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF SELECTED ANGIOSPERMS FROM GEORGIA AND AZERBAIJAN 

HANNA SCHNEEWEISS¹* AND GERALD M. SCHNEEWEISS² 

¹Department of Higher Plant Systematics and Evolution 
²Department of Chorology and Vegetation Science, Institute of Botany, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, A-1030 Vienna, Austria 

*e-mail: hanna.weiss@univie.ac.at 

Received October 29, 2002; revision accepted January 30, 2003 

Chromosome numbers of eleven angiosperm species, five dicots and six monocots from Georgia and Azerbaijan are reported. The chromosome number of Cruciata coronata (Rubiaceae) is provided for the first time (2n = 22). Additionally, karyotypes are presented for five species, those of Danae racemosa (Ruscaceae), Paris incompleta (Trilliaceae) and Ruscus hyrcanus (Ruscaceae) for the first time. The new data are compared with previous karyological information, and both are discussed in a biosystematic context. 

Key words: Chromosome number, karyotype, karyosystematics, polyploidy, Georgia, Azerbaijan. 

STUDY OF OVULE AND MEGAGAMETOPHYTE DEVELOPMENT IN FOUR SPECIES OF SUBTRIBE PHASEOLINAE (LEGUMINOSAE) 

ANA FAIGÓN SOVERNA*, BEATRIZ GALATI**, AND PATRICIA HOC 

Department of Biology, Buenos Aires University, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina 

*e-mail: anafaig@yahoo.com.ar 
**e-mail: galati@bg.fcen.uba.ar 

Ovule development, megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis were studied in Macroptilium bracteatum, Phaseolus augusti, P. vulgaris var. aborigineus and Vigna adenantha to elucidate their taxonomic position. The ovule is anacampylotropous, bitegmic and crassinucellate. Megaspore tetrads are linear in M. bracteatum and T-shaped in the other three species. In all species the chalazal megaspore produces an embryo sac of Polygonum type. The results are discussed in relation to the current taxonomic classification. Our findings support the position of Macroptilium as a separate genus and the inclusion of V. adenantha in the genus Phaseolus. This is the first report of the use of embryological characters to solve intergeneric relationships of the Phaseolus-Vigna-Macroptilium neotropical complex, pointing out the method’s usefulness. 

Key words: Phaseolinae, ovule, megaspore tetrad, embryo sac. 

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MATURE CONE TRAITS AND SEED VIABILITY IN JUNIPERUS OXYCEDRUS L. SUBSP. MACROCARPA (SM.) BALL (CUPRESSACEAE) 

ROCIO JUAN, JULIO PASTOR, INMACULADA FERNÁNDEZ, AND JUAN CARLOS DIOSDADO 

Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of Sevilla, Box 1095, 41080 Sevilla, Spain 

Received September 24, 2002; revision accepted February 11, 2003 

The study addressed different biological aspects of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa, including female cone production, biometric analysis of mature cones and seeds, and their viability. The results indicate that the proportion of aborted female cones was very high. In the four populations studied, cone diameter and weight and seed length and weight were closely related. The distribution of numbers of seeds with and without embryos in mature cones was examined, as well as the frequency of numbers of seeds with embryos. The general trend in all populations was three seeds per mature cone, of which only one or two showed embryos. Tetrazolium tests showed the percentage of viable seeds to be lower. 

Key words: Biometric, fertility, tetrazolium test, Juniperus, Cupressaceae. 

SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS IN GENTIANA PNEUMONANTHE L. 

ANNA BACH AND BOŻENA PAWŁOWSKA 

Department of Ornamentals, Agricultural University Al. 29 Listopada 54, 31-425 Cracow, Poland 

Received August 21, 2002; revision accepted February 7, 2003 

A method for micropropagation of the protected species Gentiana pneumonanthe L. by somatic embryogenesis (SE) was elaborated. For SE induction, secondary explants of leaves and apical meristems from in vitro cultures were successfully used. Tests of callus induction were carried out on ten media containing BA (0.04-8 μM) and Picloram or 2,4-D (4.0-8.0 μM). The greatest amounts of embryogenic callus developed on media containing 2,4-D and also when the incubation period in darkness was prolonged. Embryos matured on media with reduced content of auxins [Picloram or 2,4-D (0.8 μM or 0.08 μM) and BA (0.8 μM)] and germinated on hormone-free media. Cytometric analysis of the callus and plants obtained from somatic embryos showed that DNA content differed from that of the mother plants, but acclimatized marsh gentians contained the same amount of DNA as donor plants. 

Key words: Gentiana pneumonanthe L, in vitro, somatic embryogenesis, zygotic embryos, nature protection, nuclear DNA amount, flow cytometry. 

CHLOROPHYLLS AND CAROTENOIDS IN NEEDLES OF DAMAGED FIR (ABIES ALBA MILL.) FROM RISNJAK NATIONAL PARK IN CROATIA 

TOMISLAV BAČIĆ¹, ZVONIMIR UŽAREVIĆ¹, LJILJANA GRGIĆ¹, JADRANKA ROŠA² AND ŽELJKO POPOVIĆ¹ 

¹Department of Biology, J. J. Strossmayer University, L. Jägera 9, 31000 Osijek, Croatia 
²Department of Ecology, Croatian Forests, Vukotinovićeva 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia 

Received July 16; revision accepted January 20, 2003 

Chlorophyll and carotenoid content was studied in needles of damaged silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) trees growing in a polluted habitat, Risnjak National Park, and of almost undamaged ones growing at a much less polluted site, Donja Dobra, both locations in the Gorski Kotar region. Chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophylls and carotenoids were lower in needles from the polluted Risnjak site than in those from the unpolluted Donja Dobra site. The data indicate an increase of pigment content over the course of a year; and somewhat smaller content in the first in comparison with the second experimental year. The chlorophyll a:b ratios varied independently of pollution level and locality. 

Key words: Pinaceae, Abies alba Mill., needles, chlorophylls, carotenoids, air pollution. 

CHROMOSOME NUMBERS OF POLISH FERNS 

DANIELLA IVANOVA¹ and HALINA PIĘKOŚ-MIRKOWA² 

¹Institute of Botany, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 23 Acad. G. Bonchev Street, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria 
²Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. A. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Cracow, Poland 

Received June 30, 2002; revision accepted February 14, 2003 

The paper reports the results of karyological studies on seven fern species from the Polish Carpathians. Their chromosome numbers counted in root tip mitoses are reported for the first time from Poland. The specimens originated from the Tatra Mts and Pieniny range. Chromosome numbers were established for Asplenium viride (2n = 72), Athyrium filix-femina (2n = 80), Dryopteris filix-mas (2n = 164), Gymnocarpium dryopteris (2n = 160), Gymnocarpium robertianum (2n = 160), Phegopteris connectilis (2n = 90) and Phyllitis scolopendrium subsp. scolopendrium (2n = 72). The chromosome numbers from the Polish material match those reported from other countries. Information on the distribution and habitats of the investigated fern species is also provided. 

Key words: Pteridophytes, ferns, chromosome numbers, southern Poland, Carpathians. 

RAPD ANALYSIS OF SOMACLONAL AND NATURAL DNA VARIATION IN HYPERICUM PERFORATUM L. 

JANA HALUŠKOVÁ* AND JÁN KOŠUTH 

Institute of Biology and Ecology, P. J. Šafárik University, Mánesova 23, 041 67 Koąice, Slovakia 

*e-mail: janaha@kosice.upjs.sk

Received May 6, 2002; revision accepted April 22, 2003 

RAPD analysis of DNA variation in somaclones of Hypericum perforatum which passed through one or two cycles of in vitro regeneration revealed great variation among the donor plants from which the somaclones were regenerated. The donor plants represented either seed-derived plants or the seed progeny of first-cycle somaclones. The variation among them may indicate natural genetic variation in Hypericum perforatum. In addition, no differences were found in the RAPD profiles of 51 first-cycle somaclones within groups originated from 7 donor plants. This may point to relative stability of the Hypericum perforatum genome under given conditions of in vitro regeneration. One polymorphic band was found in 3 of 51 RAPD profiles of second-cycle somaclones, perhaps an effect of repeated in vitro regeneration on DNA changes. Study of DNA variation among 75 Hypericum perforatum progenies derived from 8 mother plants indicates the prevalence of the apomictic mode of reproduction. Analysis of 47 seed progenies of diploid somaclones derived from 5 R3 plants may suggest the sexual mode of reproduction. 

Key words: Hypericum perforatum, RAPD, intraspecific variation, in vitro regeneration, somaclonal variation, DNA changes. 

KARYOLOGY OF PLAGIOMNIUM. II. PLAGIOMNIUM UNDULATUM (HEDW.) T. KOP. 

LESŁAW PRZYWARA¹, ELŻBIETA KUTA¹, AND JOANNA KŁOS² 

¹Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Grodzka 52, 31-044 Cracow, Poland 
²Cytogenetics Group in the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Science, The Agricultural University of Cracow, ul. Łobzowska 24, 31-140 Cracow, Poland 

Received February 1, 2003; revision accepted March 3, 2003 

In a study of Plagiomnium undulatum from Poland, variability in karyotype formula and chromosome set length contrasted with high uniformity of chromosome number. Haploid chromosome number n = 6 was counted in 215 of 216 metaphases of plants originating from five populations, and n = 7 (6 + 1m) in one cell. The chromosomes were examined and ranked by total and relative length and arm ratio. The haploid set of P. undulatum consists of three chromosome types: metacentric (m), submetacentric (sm) and subtelocentric (st). The frequencies of chromosome types differ between plates. In one population three types of karyotype were distinguished: 5m + 1sm, 3m + 2sm + 1st, and 2m + 3sm + 1st. The arm ratio of the longest chromosome is stable, and the chromosome represents a mainly metacentric type. 

Key words: Plagiomnium undulatum, bryophytes, mosses, chromosome numbers, chromosome morphology. 

EFFECT OF THE MAGNETIC FIELD ON THE BIOLOGICAL CLOCK IN PENICILLIUM CLAVIFORME 

BERNARDA PISKORZ-BIŃCZYCKA¹ , JANINA FIEMA², AND MARTA NOWAK¹ 

¹University of Rzeszów, Institute of Biotechnology, ul. Rejtana 16c, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland 
²The F. Górski Department of Plant Physiology, Polish Academy of Sciences ul. Niezapominajek 21, 30-239 Cracow, Poland 

Received December 5, 2002; revision accepted May 10, 2003 

Cultures of Penicillium claviforme were grown in a magnetic field (60-70 mT) for 12 days under constant light or constant darkness. In light, the magnetic field affected the length of the rhythm period, which was at first somewhat shortened and later prolonged (24 h Ž 24 h Ž 36 h Ž 36 h). In darkness, activation of the biological clock was manifested in the rhythm of the formation of coremia rings. The period of induced rhythm was different from that induced in light, representing a multiple of the 24 h period (96 h Ž 96 h Ž 96 h). The magnetic field distinctly affected the morphology of the newly formed coremia, which were identical in light and in darkness. In the applied conditions the magnetic field replaced the inductive effect of light, activating the expression of the biological clock in darkness. This is the first time that a magnetic field has been used to replace the inductive effect of light. 

Key words: Penicillium claviforme, magnetic field (static), biological clock. 

CYTOGENETIC STABILITY OF WHEAT LINES (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) WITH ADDED AND SUBSTITUTED CHROMOSOMES OF RYE (SECALE CEREALE L.) 

MARIA CHRZĄSTEK 

Institute of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agricultural University, ul. Akademicka 15, 20-934 Lublin, Poland 

Received February 20, 2003; accepted May 25, 2003 

Transmission of added and substituted rye chromosomes through generations and behavior of chromosomes at meiosis was analyzed. Among the addition lines, chromosome 7R was most often transmitted and 6R most rarely. In substitution line 1B/1R, no elimination of rye chromosomes was observed in any generation. The tested lines differed from wheat in the behavior of chromosomes at meiosis. The rye and wheat chromosomes interacted during meiosis. The added rye chromosomes influenced bivalent shape and univalent frequency at metaphase I, the number of delayed chromosomes and chromatid bridges at anaphase I, and the occurrence of micronuclei in tetrads. In the majority of lines the frequency of open bivalents and univalents was higher than in ‘Grana’ wheat and ‘Dańkowskie Złote’ rye. Rye chromosomes occurred more frequently as univalents than wheat chromosomes did. Neither multivalent associations nor homoeologous pairing were observed. The studied lines had good cytogenetic stability. 

Key words: mitosis, meiosis, cytogenetic stability, addition lines, substitution line 1B/1R. 

IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF CENTAUREA RUPESTRIS L. 

MIRNA ĆURKOVIĆ PERICA 

Department of Biology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 20/II, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia 

e-mail: mirna@croatica.botanic.hr 

Received June 30, 2002; revision accepted April 15, 2003 

A rapid clonal propagation method was developed for Centaurea rupestris L., a Balkan Apennine endemic which contains a flavonoid with strong antiphytoviral, antibacterial and antifungal activity. Shoots from aseptically germinated seeds were used for culture initiation. The highest multiplication rate, 11.88 shoots per explant, was achieved in 4 weeks in the third subculture on MS medium supplemented with 1 μM 6-benzylaminopurine and 2.9 μM gibberellic acid. The best rooting of excised shoots was achieved on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 3 μM indole-3-butyric acid. Rooted plantlets were transferred to potting soil and acclimatized to outdoor conditions. 

Key words: Centaurea rupestris L., endemic plant, flavonoid, micropropagation. 

ACCUMULATION OF CESIUM IN LEAVES OF LEPIDIUM SATIVUM AND ITS INFLUENCE ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND TRANSPIRATION 

GRAŻYNA BYSTRZEJEWSKA-PIOTROWSKA AND PAWEŁ Ł. URBAN 

Isotopic Laboratory, University of Warsaw, ul. Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland 

Received February 20, 2003; revision accepted June 1, 2003 

The study examines the transfer factor (TF) for cesium in a soil-plant system and cesium accumulation in cress Lepidium sativum L. plants grown in hydroponic culture and subjected to root and foliar application of 0.3 mM CsCl. The experiments showed a high TF for radiocesium: 2.97 (kBq/kg plant DW)/(kBq/kg soil DW). High accumulation of cesium was observed in leaves after both root and foliar treatments. A higher concentration of cesium (3 mM) caused significant disturbance in water uptake, tissue hydration (FW/DW) and production of biomass (DW). Accumulation of cesium in leaves affected gas exchange parameters. Stomatal conductance (C) and transpiration rate (E) were strongly inhibited but photosynthetic CO2 assimilation (P) was disturbed to a lesser extent. As a result, photosynthetic water utilization efficiency (P/E) was unaffected by 3 mM cesium at photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) of 220 ľmol ´ m-2 ´ s-1. Increasing PAR from 220 to 450 ľmol ´ m-2 ´ s-1 stimulated the photosynthetic rate after 3 days, but no stimulation was observed after 5 days of cesium treatment, in comparison with potassium-grown plants. Changes in chlorophyll fluorescence, indicating maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, were observed only as a late stress effect. Decreased stomatal opening was an early effect of cesium stress in Lepidium sativum, which resulted in limitation of transpiration and water uptake. It is suggested that the decrease in tissue hydration is what limits photosynthetic CO2 assimilation, synthesis of organic matter and light reactions of photosynthesis. 

Key words: Lepidium sativum L., cesium accumulation, stress detection, stomatal conductance, transpiration, photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence. 

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE CHANGES IN PROTEINS IN ACER PLATANOIDES L. SEEDS DURING MATURATION

TOMASZ PAWŁOWSKI¹* AND ANDRZEJ KALINOWSKI² 

¹Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Parkowa 5, 62-035 Kórnik, Poland 
²Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Strzeszyńska 34, 61-479 Poznań, Poland 

*e-mail: tapawlow@man.poznan.pl 

Received March 19, 2003; revision accepted June 12, 2003 

Maturation of Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) seeds produces deep physiological dormancy and resistance to desiccation. This study used two-dimensional electrophoresis to investigate the protein products of genes activated during the complex developmental process of maturation. Qualitative and quantitative changes in protein composition during maturation were tracked in this species. The most intensive changes in protein content appeared at the end of seed maturation, in embryo axes and cotyledons. During this time their protein content increased significantly and new proteins appeared. Presumably the proteins Q (15 kDa, pI 8) and X (16 kDa, pI 5) separated from cotyledons are associated with maturation of seeds. 

Key words: Acer platanoides, desiccation, development, Norway maple, seed dormancy, trees. 

REGENERATION OF DIPLOID AND TETRAPLOID PLANTS OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA VIA CALLUS 

ALICJA FRAS* AND JOLANTA MALUSZYNSKA 

Department of Plant Anatomy and Cytology, University of Silesia, ul. Jagiellonska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland 

*e-mail: fras@us.edu.pl 

Received March 30, 2003; revision accepted June 30, 2003 

Different explants from diploid and tetraploid Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Wilna were cultured in vitro on the same medium in the same conditions. The mode of and capacity for regeneration and the ploidy level of regenerants were examined in eight callus lines. The explant responses to in vitro conditions depended on the ploidy level of donor plants and on the type of explant. Callus derived from leaves of tetraploid plants showed the highest ability to regenerate. Histological investigation showed that plants regenerated mostly through organogenesis and occasionally through embryogenesis. Somatic embryos were observed more frequently in callus derived from tetraploid plants. Regenerated plants were diploids, triploids and tetraploids. The majority of regenerated plants from callus of diploid origin were diploid, but diploids were also observed quite frequently among regenerants from callus of tetraploid origin. 

Key words: Arabidopsis thaliana, regeneration, ploidy, organogenesis, polyploidization, somatic embryogenesis. 

SEDUM ACRE EMBRYOGENESIS: POLYPLOIDIZATION IN THE SUSPENSOR 

MAŁGORZATA KOZIERADZKA-KISZKURNO AND JERZY BOHDANOWICZ* 

Department of Genetics and Cytology, University of Gdańsk, ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland 

*e-mail: jurboh@biotech.univ.gda.pl 

Received April 1, 2003; revision accepted July 2, 2003 

Cytological processes of differentiation in the embryo suspensor of Sedum acre L. were compared with the development of the embryo proper. The zygote undergoes an asymmetric division to produce an apical cell and a basal cell, which becomes the basal cell of the suspensor. The mature differentiated suspensor consists of a large haustorial basal cell and 3-4 chalazal cells. The basal cell nucleus gradually grows to a considerable size, and the amount of nuclear DNA also increases. The highest degree of ploidy (1024C) was observed in basal cell in large >100-celled embryos. Chromocenters at low (8C-16C) and middle (32C-64C) levels of ploidy, endochromocenters at higher (128C-256C) and the highest (512C-1024C) levels of ploidy were observed. Changes in DNA content, nucleus size and chromatin structure point to endoreduplication as the mechanism of polyploidization of the suspensor in Sedum acre. 

Key words: Sedum acre, DNA cytophotometry, endoreduplication, polyploidization, suspensor, basal cell. 

KARYOLOGY OF NINE LILY GENOTYPES 

AGNIESZKA MARASEK* AND TERESA ORLIKOWSKA 

Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture, Skr. Pocz. 105, 96-100 Skierniewice, Poland 

*e-mail: amarasek@insad.pl 

Received April 3, 2003; revision accepted July 3, 2003 

Chromosome morphology was studied in lily genotypes L. candidum, L. x formolongi, L. henryi and L. pumilum, and cultivars 'Alma Ata,' 'Expression,' 'Marco Polo,' 'Muscadet' and 'Star Gazer' belonging to the horticultural group Oriental hybrids. All genotypes tested represented 2n = 2x = 24 chromosomes. Chromosomal markers were established after Feulgen and silver staining, from analysis of the chromosome length and position of the primary and secondary constrictions. For each chromosome the arm index was calculated. Based on these data, idiograms were drawn. For the genotypes analyzed the markers were the secondary constrictions, as confirmed by silver staining. Chromosome length can be used as a marker in only a few cases. From 4 to 10 chromosomes could be identified using secondary constrictions as markers, depending on the genotype. Markers are proposed for each possible species x cultivar and cultivar x species combination. 

Key words: Lilium spp., chromosome morphology, hybrids. 

MICROTUBULE PATTERNS AND ORGANELLES DURING MICROSPOROGENESIS IN APOMICTIC CHONDRILLA JUNCEA L.

MARIA KOŚCIŃSKA-PAJĄK¹* AND JÓZEF BEDNARA² 

¹Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Grodzka 52, 31-044 Cracow, Poland 
²Department of Plant Anatomy and Cytology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, ul. Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland 

*e-mail: m.pajak@iphils.uj.edu.pl 

Received April 6, 2003; revision accepted July 10, 2003 

This study investigated patterns of cytoskeletal organization during microsporogenesis in Chondrilla juncea L., an autonomous apomict with a triploid chromosome number (2n = 15). The distribution of microtubules and organelles is not typical. The microtubules do not form a normal phragmoplast and consequently the organelle equatorial plate observed in many taxons is not present. The organelles are dispersed randomly in both the central and peripheral parts of the cytoplasm. 

Key words: Chondrilla juncea L., immunofluorescence, microsporogenesis, phragmoplast, microtubular cytoskeleton, organelle aggregation. 

GENETIC VARIATION IN NATURAL AND CULTIVATED POPULATIONS OF PRIMULA VERIS 

MARIA MOROZOWSKA¹ AND MARIA KRZAKOWA² 

¹Department of Botany, August Cieszkowski Agricultural University, ul. Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznań, Poland 
²Department of Genetics, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Międzychodzka 5, 60-371 Poznań, Poland 

e-mail: mariamor@owl.au.poznan.pl 

Received March 10, 2002; revision accepted July 24, 2003 

Primula veris, a well-known pharmaceutical plant, is a long-lived perennial protected by law in Poland, so its rhizomes and roots can be collected as pharmaceutical stock only from cultivation. Genetic variation of three natural P. veris populations numbering 500-1200 individuals and of three cultivated populations derived from seeds collected from natural sites was investigated in respect of two enzyme systems: phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) and diaphorase (DIA). Four presumptive loci were identified from these two enzyme systems. In 6PGD, only one (6PGD-2) of two detected loci was polymorphic, consisting of three alleles a, b and c. Each of two electrophoretically detected loci in DIA was polymorphic and had two alleles. Comparison of the cultivated and natural populations revealed slight differentiation in the presence and composition of genotypes for 6PGD-2, while for DIA all populations except one preserved the same set of genotypes. Mean values of the polymorphism index for three loci ranged from 0.239 to 0.345 for natural populations and from 0.303 to 0.446 for cultivated populations, indicating that cultivated populations were more polymorphic than natural ones. The level of heterozygosity in the examined populations was very low. Mean values for Ho calculated for three polymorphic loci ranged from 0.033 to 0.056. The observed low heterozygosity level was confirmed by high values of Wright’s fixation index, ranging from 0.798 to 0.910. 

Key words: Primula veris, electrophoresis, genetic diversity, cultivation. 

THE EFFECT OF CARBOHYDRATE SOURCE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF BRASSICA NAPUS L. IMMATURE EMBRYOS IN VITRO 

HALINA ŚLESAK AND LESLAW PRZYWARA* 

Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Grodzka 52, 31-044 Cracow, Poland 

e-mail: * przywara@iphils.uj.edu.pl

Received June 1, 2003; accepted July 24, 2003 

The effect of fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose at various concentrations on Brassica napus embryos was studied. The morphogenetic reaction depended on the type and concentration of sugar in the medium. The frequency of developing embryos was highest on sucrose, followed by maltose and glucose. Fructose did not stimulate embryo growth. Spectrophotometry of autoclaved fructose showed an absorbance rise between 260-320 nm that could correspond to the formation of furfural derivatives. Autoclaving-induced toxicity probably inhibited embryo growth; heart-shaped stage embryos developed on filter-sterilized fructose. The frequency of developing embryos increased with sugar concentration, but normal embryogenesis occurred only on 1% sucrose and maltose; at higher concentrations callus and/or shoots were formed. On media with 6% sucrose and 12% maltose, shoots and somatic embryos were produced. 

Key words: Brassica napus, carbohydrates, embryo culture, organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis.