Showing papers in "Progress in botany in 1984"

Physiology of Movement

Abstract: The present knowledge on the physiology of turgor movements up to 1978 has been reported in several chapters in Vol. 7 of the Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, viz. “Reception and Transduction of Electrical and Mechanical Stimuli” (BENTRUP), “Endogenous Rhythms in the Movement of Plants”(SWEENEY), “Movements of Stomata” (RASCHKE), and “Leaf Movements and Tendril Curling” (SATTER). The present review will try to give a condensed survey of the more fundamental results and interpretations contained in these chapters, supplemented by papers published afterwards. Only the latter will be referred to individually in the text and in the reference list, whereas for the older literature the reader is referred to the chapters in question by (cf.) with the author of the Encyclopedia chapter.

Plant Water Relations

Abstract: Less than 20% of the about 1700 articles on plant water relations which appeared between 1981 and 1983 will be quoted here. For a more complete enumeration the reader is referred to the Water-in-Flants Bibliography (POSPISILOVA and SOLAROVA 1982, Vol. 7; 1983, Vol. 8) with its extensive indices. Also books entirely on plant water metabolism or with larger chapters on the topic were published, e.g., PALEG and ASPINALL 1981, EVANS and THAMES 1981, UNGER and STACKER 1981, MONTEITH and WEBB 1981, SPANSWICK et al. 1980, KOZLOWSKI 1981, JOHNSON 1981, SIMPSON 1981. The reader is also referred to the four volumes about ecological physiology of the Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology, New Series (LANGE et al. 1981, 1982a, 1983a,b).

Systematics and Evolution of the Algae

Abstract: This report covers books, reviews and original publications on the systematics and evolution of algae, including prokaryotic algae, which have been published mainly during the period 1982/1983. The number of papers in this field has again increased and only about 30% of the publications are included in this review. The scope of this review is again fairly broad taking into consideration the various approaches which lead to significant conclusions on the systematics and evolution of this important and diverse assembly of organisms.

Systematics of Lichenized Fungi

Abstract: By means of mathematical analysis of lobe division during thallus enlargement in Xanthoria elegans and Diploioia eanesoens, a new morphological parameter was found: the ratio lobe length to width (HILL 1984). PENTECOST and ROSE (1985) calculated the contribution of apothecia to thallus weight and compared the energy contents of both apothecia and sterile thallus, which were found to be similar. Parmelia saxatilis produces multilayered lobulate thalli growing out of isidia in open and dry habitats and thalli with soredia-like structures under humid conditions (JAHNS 1984).

Metabolism of Organic Acids

Abstract: The present review deals exclusively with the metabolism and biological significance of malate. Because indeed by far the majority of publications on acid metabolism since the last review (Progr. Bot. 40, 1978) concern malate, this restriction appears to be justified.

Secondary Plant Substances. Monoterpenes

Abstract: Monoterpenes occur in a variety of acyclic and cyclic structural types and derivatives (cf. Fig. 1), and represent one of the largest and most diverse families of natural products. The so-called isoprene rule was the first unified concept for a common structural relationship among terpenoid natural products (RUZICKA 1953). The principles of the monoterpene biosynthesis have been summarized some years ago (cf. Progr. Bot. 38, 129 ff.). But the last decade has witnessed many vivo and in vitro experimental approaches, which have been well covered in some complimentary reviews (BUNTON and CORI 1978, CHARLWOOD and BANTHORPE 1978, BANTHORPE and CHARLWOOD 1980, CANE 1980, CORI et al. 1980, LOOMIS and CROTEAU 1980, CROTEAU 1981, POULTER and RILLING 1981, CORI et al. 1982, CORI 1983).

Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Fungi

Abstract: This biennial report on fungal taxonomy covers mainly the period 1980–81, following a similar line to the last report by E. Muller (1980). The second author deals with the taxonomy of Basidiomycetes and the senior author with the remaining groups. The lichens are again excluded from the section on fungi, even though this separation is artificial. National or local fungal inventories are mentioned only when they are critically worked out and provide an aid to the identification of local finds. For the Myxomycetes, Discomycetes, Laboulbeniomycetes, and basidial macro- and parasitic fungi in particular, such exploratory work provides the major contribution toward progress in many countries. China is re-entering the mycological world, especially with studies of the Erysiphales, Uredinales, and Ustilaginales (review by Bo and Johnson, 1981).

Taxonomy. I: Systematics and evolution of the algae

Abstract: This report reviews progress in research about the systematics and evolution of algae that has been made during the period 1986/87. About 650 monographs, reviews, and original contributions were published in this field during this time period and have been evaluated

Geobotany: the history of flora and vegetation during the quaternary

Abstract: The basis for valid paleoecological investigations is a profound know ledge of the evolution of climate. Moreover, paleoclimatological studies enable us — perhaps — to draw conclusions as to the future development of climate, provided the reasons for and the possible periodicity of changes in climate during the past are understood. So paleoclimatology has become an intensively investigated discipline. Of course it should be known whether the solar irradiance is variable or not (WILLSON et al. 1981, KERR 1982), and tectonic uplifting or down- warping may play an important role in the evaluation of possible climatic influences on the biosphere. So it is worthwhile to note that according to VOZOVIK (1976) the mean elevation of the watersheds in the Central Caucasus Mts. increased from late Pliocene times (Lower Akchagyl: 2000 m), and from the very beginning of the Pleistocene (Upper Akchagyl, 2700 m) to the Middle Pleistocene (end of the Apsheron, 3500 m), to 4400 m in recent times. The same topic has been analyzed by ALESHINSKAYA et al. (1976 a,b) in regard of the Tien Shan Mts., in connection with changes in synchronous paleoecological conditions. Other important boundary conditions are the surface areas of the inland ice-masses (for the last glaciation see DENTON and HUGHES 1981; for the whole of the Pleistocene, the continental shelf areas included: GROSVALt) 1983), as well as the changes in the CO2-content of the global atmosphere in an interglacial-glacial-interglacial cycle.

Mineral Nutrition: Vacuoles and Tonoplasts

Abstract: In a much respected review published in 1976, MATILE and WIEMKEN (1976) wrote: “Although a number of biochemical properties of vacuoles have been investigated, the mechanisms of interaction between cytoplasm and vacuole remain largely to be elucidated.”

Systematics of the Pteridophytes

Abstract: Detailed investigations of a limited alliance of plants often lead to the discovery of new differentiating characters. These are then not rarely strongly emphasized in the process of evaluation, the points of similarity being underrated. This usually leads to the establishment of new genera and even families, the former resulting in many new combinations or names. A number of fern taxonomists thought that the time for a re-evaluation and for some measure of consolidation had come. They set themselves the task of critically re-examining all characters employed for splitting off families and especially genera of ferns, of which there was a great amount in recent times. All currently available evidence from biosystematics, karyology, chemotaxonomy, SEM study of spores and other organs, etc., was incorporated as far as possible in an attempt to arrive at a balanced system of classification above the level of species. The results are to be found in the contributions of some 25 specialists in the pteridophyte treatment in Vol. 1 of the newly started series The Families and Genera of Vascular Plants, edited by K. Kubitzki (Kramer and Green 1990). In many cases, there is an appreciable reduction in the number of families and especially genera upheld. Numerous genera recognized solely on the basis of local studies, based largely or entirely on characters like type of venation, shape of sorus, presence or absence of an indusium, all criteria that had gradually become rather obsolete, have been relegated to the synonymy. Special literature pertaining to (part of) a family or a genus is cited as fully as possible. Artificial, i.e., practical keys are provided to families and genera in general as well to the genera of each family.

Physiology: plant water relations

Abstract: Revue des principales references parues entre 1981-83 concernant les relations hydriques chez les vegetaux: au niveau cellulaire et tissulaire, transport de l'eau dans la plante entiere, comportement des stomates et transpiration, effets d'un deficit hydrique sur la croissance et le metabolisme, application et ecologie

Systematics of the Bryophytes

Abstract: In recent years the pace of bryological research has quickened and the dissemination of new findings has increased, creating a scientific climate comparable only to that at the beginning of this century. Fundamental and comprehensive publications dealing with almost all branches of bryology have revealed the wide scope of this subject and depicted the problems currently under investigation; ideas have been put forward and questions have been raised which illuminate future lines of inquiry in research.

Metabolism of Organic N-Compounds Ammonium Assimilation and Amino Acid Metabolism

Abstract: Plant nitrogen metabolism has been reviewed by DURZAN and STEWARD (1983) and with emphasis on ammonium assimilation and amino acid metabolism by MIFLIN and LEA (1982), LEA et al. (1982), WALLSGROVE et al. (1983a).

Photosynthesis. Carbon Metabolism: On Land and at Sea

Abstract: This contribution celebrates, for our part, a decade of reviewing photosynthetic carbon metabolism in Progress in Botany. Each 2 years an attempt has been made to highlight a particular aspect of this topic, and one would expect that by now the supply of aspects would be exhausted. Indeed, this may have appeared likely, had not one of us moved to a new Institute. This move gave birth to a realization that we have, to a considerable extent, ignored about 30% of the world’s CO2 fixation over the past decade of reviewing. The greater portion of this 30% belongs to the layer of unicellular algae (commonly termed marine phytoplankton) that occurs in the world’s oceans. Suspended at a depth where light intensity is low, light quality is blue-greenish, and in a medium of pH about 8 and containing 2 mM HCO 3 − , these marine photosynthetic CO2 fixers face problems quite unlike those that have made CAM, the C4 pathway, and photorespiration so predominant in their terrestrial counterparts. The remainder of the 30% is attributed to macrophytic algae and sea grasses, mainly in shallow waters near land masses. Carbon metabolism by the macrophytic algae has been recently thoroughly reviewed by KREMER (1981a).

Extrakaryotic Inheritance: Mitochondrial Genetics

Abstract: In previous articles of this series the mitochondrial genomes of human, yeast, and plants (MICHAELIS and PRATJE 1982), and DNA plasmids in mitochondria (TUDZYNSKI 1982) have been reviewed.

Cytology and morphogenesis of the fungal cell

Abstract: The translation of the second edition of Introduction to Fungi into German, entitled Pilze (WEBSTER 1983), points out some additional aspects of genetics, reproduction and developmental cycles. The fourth revised and enlarged edition of the compendium of Mykologie (MULLER and LOEFFLER 1982) has appeared. DEACON (1980) gives anIntroduction to Modern Mycology. The taxonomy and biology of hyphomycetes describes SUBRAMANIAN (1983). JONES (1983) reports in Recent Advances in Aquatic Mycology. Fungi of phytopathological significance are treated: rust fungi by SCOTT and CHAKRAVORTY (1982), zoosporic plant pathogens by BUCZACKI (1983), the biology of Botrytis by COLEY-SMITH et al. (1981), fungal wild diseases of plants by MACE et al. (1981). Development and/or special differentiation states are discussed: conidial fungi by COLE and SAMSON (1979a,b), MINTER et al. (1982, 1983), Physarum by SAUER (1982), zoospores of uniflagellate Phycomycetes by LANGE and OLSON (1979), basidium and basidiocarp by WELLS and WELLS (1982). ALDRICH and DANIEL (1982) together with 40 contributors treat comprehensively the Cell Biology of Physarum and Didymium and HARLEY and SMITH (1983) present a thorough review in Mycorrhizal Symbiosis. ESSER (1981) reports reports on some aspects of the contribution of basic research to the practical application of fungal processes.