PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C Baysdorfer

Publications and source records attributed to C Baysdorfer.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

A maize map standard with sequenced core markers, grass genome reference points and 932 expressed sequence tagged sites (ESTs) in a 1736-locus map.

We have constructed a 1736-locus maize genome map containing1156 loci probed by cDNAs, 545 probed by random genomic clones, 16 by simple sequence repeats (SSRs), 14 by isozymes, and 5 by anonymous clones. Sequence information is available for 56% of the loci with 66% of the sequenced loci assigned functions. A total of 596 new ESTs were mapped from a B73 library of 5-wk-old shoots. The map contains 237 loci probed by barley, oat, wheat, rice, or tripsacum clones, which serve as grass genome reference points in comparisons between maize and other grass maps. Ninety core markers selected for low copy number, high polymorphism, and even spacing along the chromosome delineate the 100 bins on the map. The average bin size is 17 cM. Use of bin assignments enables comparison among different maize mapping populations and experiments including those involving cytogenetic stocks, mutants, or quantitative trait loci. Integration of nonmaize markers in the map extends the resources available for gene discovery beyond the boundaries of maize mapping information into the expanse of map, sequence, and phenotype information from other grass species. This map provides a foundation for numerous basic and applied investigations including studies of gene organization, gene and genome evolution, targeted cloning, and dissection of complex traits.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Partial sequencing and mapping of clones from two maize cDNA libraries.

As one component of a maize genome project, we report the analysis of a number of randomly selected cDNAs, by a combination of measuring mRNA expression, 'single-pass' sequencing (SPS), and genome mapping. Etiolated seedling (490) and membrane-free polysomal endosperm cDNA clones (576) were evaluated for their transcription levels by hybridizing with a probe prepared from total mRNA and categorized as corresponding to abundantly or rarely expressed mRNAs and as either constitutive or tissue-specific. A total 313 clones from the two libraries were submitted to 'single-pass' sequencing from the presumed 5' end of the mRNA and the nucleotide sequence compared with the GenBank database. About 61% of the clones showed no significant similarities within GenBank, 14% of the clones exhibited a high degree of similarity, while the remaining 25% exhibited a lesser degree of similarity. The chromosomal location of more than 300 clones was determined by RFLP mapping using standard populations. The results demonstrate that a combination of analyses provides synergistic information in eventually deducing the actual function of these types of clones.

Chromosomes↗

Partial sequence analysis of 130 randomly selected maize cDNA clones.

As part of a project to identify novel maize (Zea mays L. cv B73) genes functionally, we have partially sequenced 130 randomly selected clones from a maize leaf cDNA library. Data base comparisons revealed seven previously sequenced maize cDNAs and 18 cDNAs with sequence similarity to related maize genes or to genes from other organisms. One hundred five cDNAs show little or no similarity to previously sequenced genes. Our results also establish the suitability of this library for large-scale sequencing in terms of its large insert size, proper insert orientation, and low duplication rate.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Carbohydrate Responsive Proteins in the Roots of Pennisetum americanum.

The effect of changes in carbohydrate status on the synthesis of specific proteins was investigated in millet (Pennisetum americanum L., Leeke, Tift 23B(1)E(1)) seedlings grown in sterile solution culture. Carbohydrate status was altered by extended darkness and sucrose feeding. Root proteins from intact seedlings were labeled with [(35)S]methionine, phenol-extracted, separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and visualized by autoradiography. In four separate experiments, two proteins showed a consistent change in labeling when root carbohydrate levels were varied between 200 and 1000 micromole hexose per gram residual dry weight. Labeling of the first protein (P(47), M(r) 47 kD) increased as the carbohydrate levels rose above 500 micromole hexose per gram residual dry weight. Labeling of the second protein (P(34), M(r) 34 kD) increased as carbohydrate levels declined from 500 to 200 micromole hexose per gram residual dry weight. Under extreme conditions, when carbohydrate levels fell below 100 micromole hexose per gram residual dry weight, the labeling pattern of most proteins was drastically altered. It is suggested that P(47) and P(34) are ;carbohydrate responsive proteins,' i.e. proteins whose concentrations are controlled either directly or indirectly by tissue carbohydrate status. In contrast, the changes in protein labeling that occur once carbohydrate pools are depleted may be involved in adaptation to periods of prolonged starvation.

Journal Article↗

Mechanisms of starvation tolerance in pearl millet.

The response of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.]) seedlings to prolonged starvation was investigated at the biochemical and ultrastructural level. After 2 days of darkness the bulk of the seedling carbohydrate reserves were depleted. After 8 days in the dark the respiratory rate had declined to less than 50% of its initial value and the plants had lost half of their total protein content. Unlike the situation with carbohydrate depletion, protein loss was restricted to specific organs. The secondary leaf and stem (including the apical meristem) showed little or no protein loss during this period. In the primary leaf, seed, and roots, protein loss was substantial. In spite of the high rate of protein degradation in the primary leaf and roots, these organs showed no ultrastructural changes suggestive of tissue, cellular, or subcellular degradation. In addition, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase was not preferentially degraded during starvation and only a small decline in chlorophyll content was observed after 8 days in the dark. During the period from 8 to 14 days, cell death started at the tip of the primary leaf and gradually spread downward. Both shoot and root meristems remained alive up to 14 days. Consequently, the eventual death of the plant was due to the loss of the carbohydrate-producing regions rather than the meristems. We suggest that these results provide an explanation for the high degree of starvation tolerance exhibited by pearl millet.

Journal Article↗

A comparative analysis of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate levels and photosynthate partitioning in the leaves of some agronomically important crop species.

Starch, sucrose, and fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (F2, 6BP) levels were measured in pea (Pisum sativum L.), maize (Zea mays L.), onion (Allium cepa L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) leaves throughout a light/dark cycle. Leaf starch accumulated in pea, maize, and soybean but not in onion. Sucrose was a major leaf storage reserve in pea, maize, and onion but was only found at low levels in soybean. In all species examined, the most dramatic changes in F2,6BP concentration coincided with light/dark transitions. During the light period F2,6BP levels were about 0.1 nanomole/milligram chlorophyll in soybean source leaves and there was a small increase in effector concentration in the dark. Levels of F2,6BP were also low in pea and maize leaves during the light period but then increased 10- or 20-fold in the dark. Dark onion leaf F2,6BP levels were about 1.1 to 1.3 nanomole/milligram chlorophyll and these values decreased by 20 to 30% in the light. Thus, three different patterns were identified that describe diurnal F2,6BP levels in source leaves. These results support the suggestion that F2,6BP is involved in the regulation of sucrose biosynthesis. However, it was not possible to demonstrate that high levels of F2,6BP are essential for starch synthesis in the chloroplast.

Journal Article↗

Relationship between Fructose 2,6-Bisphosphate and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Darkened Barley Primary Leaves.

Initial dark fructose 2,6-bisphosphate levels in 10-day-old barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) leaves increased when the photosynthetic period was lengthened, when the temperature during the prior photosynthetic period was reduced, and following leaf excision. These treatments also increased the leaf sucrose concentration. Conversely, a decrease in dark fructose 2,6,-bisphosphate occurred during extended darkness, with increasing leaf age and when photosynthate in the leaf was reduced by earlier low light treatments. These variations in fructose 2,6-bisphosphate content correlate with known changes in dark respiration. These findings suggest, but do not conclusively prove, a causal relationship between dark fructose 2,6-bisphosphate levels and dark respiration rates.

Journal Article↗

Photosynthate supply and utilization in alfalfa : a developmental shift from a source to a sink limitation of photosynthesis.

Long-term carbon dioxide enrichment, (14)CO(2) feeding, and partial defoliation were employed as probes to investigate source/sink limitations of photosynthesis during the development of symbiotically grown alfalfa. In the mature crop, long-term CO(2) enrichment does not affect the rates of net photosynthesis, relative growth, (14)C export to nonphotosynthetic organs, or the rates of (14)C label incorporation into leaf sucrose, starch, or malate. The rate of glycolate labeling is, however, substantially reduced under these conditions. When the mature crop was partially defoliated, a considerable increase in net photosynthesis occurred in the remaining leaves. In the seedling crop, long-term CO(2) enrichment increased dry matter accumulation, primarily as a result of increases in leaf starch content. Although the higher rates of starch synthesis are not maintained, the growth enhancement of the enriched plants persisted throughout the experimental period. These results imply a source limitation of seedling photosynthesis and a sink limitation of photosynthesis in more mature plants. Consequently, both the supply and the utilization of photosynthate may limit seasonal photosynthesis in alfalfa.

Journal Article↗

Metabolic Interactions between Spinach Leaf Nitrite Reductase and Ferredoxin-NADP Reductase: Competition for Reduced Ferredoxin.

Steady state rates of NADP reduction decline upon commencement of nitrite reduction in reconstituted chloroplast preparations. Similarly, steady state rates of nitrite reduction are lower, but not zero, during concurrent NADP reduction. These results imply that competition for substrate occurs and suggest that nitrite reduction can successfully compete for reduced ferredoxin, even at high rates of NADP reduction.

Journal Article↗

Sucrose and Starch Synthesis in Spinach Plants Grown under Long and Short Photosynthetic Periods.

The flow of carbon into sucrose and starch was investigated in fully expanded primary leaves of spinach using the long to short day transition and partial defoliation as tools to manipulate sucrose/starch synthesis. Transfer from 12 hour to 7 hour photosynthetic periods resulted in a 4-fold increase in the initial rate of starch synthesis, a 50% increase in the initial rate of sucrose synthesis, a 30% increase in leaf sucrose, and a 40% decrease in fructose, 2,6-biphosphate. In addition, sucrose synthesis rates in cells isolated from shortened daylength plants are 80% higher than in cells isolated from control plants. These results show that, in spinach, an increase in the rates of both sucrose and starch synthesis can occur under short day conditions. In contrast, when short day plants are partially defoliated, starch levels remain high, fructose 2,6-biphosphate levels remain low, but the level of leaf sucrose drops by 50%. Thus, when demand exceeds supply, starch synthesis has priority over filling of leaf sucrose pools in the short day plant.

Journal Article↗

A Rapid Increase in Spinach Leaf Fructose 2,6-Bisphosphate Occurs during a Light to Dark Transition.

Spinach leaf fructose 2,6-bisphosphate levels increase rapidly during the first 15 minutes of a normal dark period followed by a gradual decline during the next 5 hours. The regulatory mechanism responsible for the dark-induced rise in fructose 2,6-bisphosphate levels can be counteracted by a brief exposure to light intensities greater than 1 microeinstein per square meter per second.

Journal Article↗

Spinach pyruvate kinase isoforms : partial purification and regulatory properties.

Pyruvate kinase from spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.) leaves consists of two isoforms, separable by blue agarose chromatography. Both isoforms share similar pH profiles and substrate and alternate nucleotide K(m) values. In addition, both isoforms are inhibited by oxalate and ATP and activated by AMP. The isoforms differ in their response to three key metabolites; citrate, aspartate, and glutamate. The first isoform is similar to previously reported plant pyruvate kinases in its sensitivity to citrate inhibition. The K(i) for this inhibition is 1.2 millimolar citrate. The second isoform is not affected by citrate but is regulated by aspartate and glutamate. Aspartate is an activator with a K(a) of 0.05 millimolar, and glutamate is an inhibitor with a K(i) of 0.68 millimolar. A pyruvate kinase with these properties has not been previously reported. Based on these considerations, we suggest that the activity of the first isoform is regulated by respiratory metabolism. The second isoform, in contrast, may be regulated by the demand for carbon skeletons for use in ammonia assimilation.

Journal Article↗