Published by De Gruyter

Volume 41 Issue 4

Issue of Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C

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Journal Overview

Open Access June 2, 2014

Storage of Quinolizidine Alkaloids in Epidermal Tissues

Michael Wink

Page range: 375-380

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Abstract

Epidermal cells of lupine leaves, petioles and stems are the main storage site for quinolizidine alkaloids with an alkaloid content of 5-6 mg/g fw (= 15 - 25 mmol/kg). Epidermal tissue also store malate and hydrogen ions and show a vacuolar pH of < 5. It is argued that the specific storage of alkaloids in the vacuoles of epidermal cells might be due to active transport via carrier proteins and cannot be explained by a simple diffusion and ion trap mechanism.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Indole Alkaloids from Ochrosia elliptica Plant Cell Suspension Cultures

Karl-Heinz Pawelka, Joachim Stöckigt

Page range: 381-384

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Abstract

From cell suspension cultures of Ochrosia elliptica Labill. eight different monoterpenoid indole alkaloids were isolated and comprised three alkaloid classes viz. Corynanthe/Heteroyohimbine (tetrahydroalstonine, cathenamine, pleiocarpamine and two methoxylated heteroyohimbines), Strychnos (norfluorocurarine), Apparicine (apparicine and epchrosine). A ll these compounds except the Strychnos alkaloid are biogenetically closely related to the known alkaloids occurring in Ochrosia plants, although such alkaloids have not previously been detected in O. elliptica. Epchrosine has not before been described as a natural product.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Major Indole Alkaloids Produced in Cell Suspension Cultures of Rhazya strict a Decaisne

Karl-Heinz Pawelka, Joachim Stöckigt

Page range: 385-390

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Abstract

Eleven main alkaloids were identified from cell suspension cultures of Rhazya stricta grown in 4X-medium for 15 days. The alkaloids comprised the five groups Corynanthe, Strychnos, Eburnan, Secodine, and Aspidosperma and can be regarded as being typical Rhazya alkaloids, although the Strychnos alkaloid akuammicine has been isolated for the first time from the genus Rhazya. The most abundant compound was ( + )-1,2-dehydroaspidospermidine (15 mg/l medium) whereas all other constituents were synthesized in about 5 - 10 times lower amounts. More than 15 further alkaloids were formed as minor components which have not yet been identified. Cultivated Rhazya cells have been shown to be one of the richest alkaloid sources from apocynaceous cell suspensions. The isolated compounds, because of their structural heterogeneity, cannot be presently arranged into a scheme with coherent biosynthetic sequences.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Determination of Hyoscyamine and Scopolamine in Datura innoxia Plants by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Karin-Heide Plank, Karl G. Wagner

Page range: 391-395

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Abstract

For the determination of the hyoscyamine-scopolamine content in small quantities of fresh plant tissue an HP LC assay was developed; with a sensitivity of about 20 ng alkaloid per run. Analysis of the different organs of Datura innoxia plants are in accord with the concept that hyoscyamine is synthesized in the roots, whereas transformation to scopolamine starts in these organs and proceeds in the aerial parts of the plant.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Evidence for the Presence of Neutral Glycerylether Derivatives in Pollen Lipids of Pine Tree Pinus halepensis

Nikolaos K. Andrikopoulos, Athanasia Siafaka-Kapadai, Nikoletta Yanovits-Argyriadis, Constantinos A . Demopoulos

Page range: 396-402

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Abstract

The separation and identification of glyceryl ether (G E ) derivatives from pollen neutral lipids of Pine tree Pinus halepensis (Miller) is described. The separation and purification of GE derivatives from the other lipid classes, especially from monoglycerides and diglycerides, was done by thin layer chromatography. The purified GE derivatives were examined by infrared spectrometry analyzed by gas liquid chromatography, and the glycerylether backbones were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of its isopropylidene derivatives. Fatty acids were detected as esterified constituents after mild alkaline hydrolysis of the GE fraction. The GE derivatives are characterized as 1-O-(di)hydroxyalke(die)nyl-glycerols, the side hydroxyl group(s) of the O-carbonchain being esterified mainly with saturated fatty acids.

Open Access June 2, 2014

A Chemical Investigation of Pueraria mirifica Roots

John L. Ingham, Satoshi Tahara, Stanley Z. Dziedzic

Page range: 403-408

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Abstract

Ten isoflavonoids including daidzein, daidzin (daidzein-7-O-glucoside), puerarin (daidzein-8- C-glucoside), genistein and coumestrol have been isolated from a methanolic extract of Pueraria mirifica roots. Apart from these known compounds and mirificin, a novel apioside derivative of puerarin, the roots have also been found to contain three minor coumestans and one 5-deoxyisoflavone for which only limited spectroscopic data are currently available.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Characterization and Properties of Different Glucosyltransferases Isolated from Suspension-Cultured Cells of Daucus carota

Edgar Ingold, Hanns Ulrich Seitz

Page range: 409-420

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Abstract

Particulate enzymes (14,000 g pellet) from suspension-cultured carrot cells (Daucus carota L.) incorporated glucose from UDP-glucose and GDP-glucose into ethanol-insoluble products which were characterized as glucans or glucoprotein. Based on the test system to assay glucansynthe- tases I and II four different enzymatic activities could be distinguished on the basis of their substrate and divalent cation requirements, the influence of active substances such as nucleotides, nucleotide sugars, cellobiose, and in vivo inhibitors of cell wall glucan synthesis, their distribution in linear sucrose gradient and the nature of their products. The enzymatic activities which incorporated glucose from UDP-glucose or GDP-glucose at low substrate concentrations (10 -6 ᴍ) were both localized in membranes of a density of 1.129 g em -3 (Golgi membranes) and synthesized a β-1,4-glucan chain. Both showed similar properties in most of the characterization experiments. The glucosyltransferase that catalysed the formation of a β-1,3-glucan from UDP-glucose (0.48 mᴍ) was found in membranes which accumulated at a density of 1.170 g · cm -3 (plasma membrane) and differed in its properties from the Golgi-localized glucosyltransferase activities in many aspects. A soluble glucosyltransferase (175,000 × g supernatant) which was also active at low concentrations of UDP-glucose (10 -6 ᴍ) but showed enhanced activity under conditions where the other glucosyltransferases were inactive incorporated glucose into a proteinase-sensitive product. In linear sucrose gradients this enzyme migrated to different gradient densities depending on conditions.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Umsetzungsrate von Ozon mit flüchtigen Terpenen im Oberflächenbereich von Koniferennadeln / Conversion Rate of Ozone with Volatile Terpenes in the Surface Region of Conifer Needles

Heinz Russi

Page range: 421-425

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Abstract

The spatial concentration gradient of volatile terpenes near the surface of spruce needles was determined. The gradient comprised four orders of magnitude in the distance of 0 to 0.2 mm. The reaction of ozone with terpenes in this surface region was estimated. Within a diffusion limited reaction time of 1.4 milliseconds the chemical conversion amounts to one per thousand. Therefore it is not expected that one will find exceptional high concentrations of phytotoxic ozonolysis products, peroxides for example, in this micro environment.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Impact of UV-B Radiation on Photosynthetic Assimilation of ¹⁴C-Bicarbonate and Inorganic ¹⁵N-Compounds by Cyanobacteria

Günter Döhler, Irene Biermann, Joachim Zink

Page range: 426-432

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Abstract

The cyanobacteria Anabaena cylindrica and Synechococcus leopoliensis (= Anacystis nidulans) were grown at different levels of UV-B radiation (439. 717, 1230 and 1405 J m -2 d -1 weighted according Caldwell, 1971) for 2 days. Dry weight was hardly affected but phycocyanin content of both species decreased linearly to the level of UV-B radiation. Contents of protein, carotenoids and chlorophyll a were reduced only after exposure to high doses (1230 J m -2 d -1 ) of UV-B radiation. Photosynthetic 14 CO 2 fixation of Anabaena cells was reduced linearly with increasing UV-B dose whereas no effect could be observed in Synechococcus. A depression of photosynthetic 15 N-nitrate uptake was found after UV-B stress in both species. UV-B irradiance caused an increase of 15 N-incorporation into glutamine, but no effect was noted for incorporation into alanine or aspartic acid. An increase of 15 N-excess in glutamic acid linear with the UV-B dose was observed in Synechococcus, only. Patterns of 14 C-labelled photosynthetic products were either less affected by UV-B radiation (Anabaena) or an enhancement of 14 C-label in total amino acids was detected (Synechococcus). The amount of total free amino acids increased parallel to the level of UV-B radiation. Only, the high dose of UV-B (1405 J m -2 d -1 , weighted) results in a decrease of the glutamine pool. Our results indicate an inhibition of glutamate synthase by UV-B irradiation in Anabaena, only. Results were discussed with reference to the damage of the photosynthetic apparatus.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Pentachlorophenol Inhibits Photosynthetic Electron Flow and Quenches Chlorophyll Fluorescence after Preillumination

Christof Niehrs, Jan Ahlers

Page range: 433-436

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Abstract

The pesticide PCP was shown to inhibit the Hill reaction in broken chloroplasts (I 50 = 15 μᴍ) and to quench chlorophyll fluorescence. Both effects require preillumination. In contrast to the common “phenol-type” inhibitors, neither inhibition of Hill reaction nor chlorophyll fluorescence quench were affected by pretreatment of chloroplast with trypsin instead of preillumination. An inhibition site differing from the “phenol type” inhibitors is therefore assumed. The results presented indicate that the observed light requirement is due to electron transport through PS II. Measurements of intrinsic tryptophane fluorescence relate the PCP site of binding to a hydro- phobic environment.

Open Access June 2, 2014

The Diazo Reaction of Bilirubins and Phycorubins: A Quantitative Study*

W. Kufer, O. Schmid, G. Schmidt, H. Scheer

Page range: 437-452

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Abstract

A quantitative study of the diazo reaction has been made with several bilirubins including a 2,3- dihydrobilirubin and several phycorubins. The latter have been prepared from the integral phycocyanin of two cyanobacteria (Mastigocladus laminosus and Spirulina platensis), and from the phycocyanin subunits. These phycorubins have been subjected to the diazo reaction in order to test for the presence of a second covalent chromophore protein bond in the latter. 1)The diazo reaction of unsymmetrically substituted bilirubins, mesobilirubin (3) and bilirubin IXα (13) in aqueous solution yields four products, two isomeric 9-azo-dipyrromethenones, and two isomeric 9-hydroxymethyl-dipyrromethenones. The maximum total yield is ≥ 97% with diazotized sulfanilic acid, and ≤ 60% with diazotized ethylanthranilate. 2)The diazo reaction of the 2,3-dihydrobilirubin (16) yields likewise four products, two of them containing the 2,3-dihydrogenated ring A/B fragment. The attack is regioselective at C-11 (6:4). 3)The diazo reaction of the phycorubins with ethylanthranilate yields two peptide bound products, containing the ring A/B fragment, and two low molecular weight products. The latter correspond to the C/D fragment and are identical with the respective products derived from mesobilirubin 3. The attack is preferential at C-9 (≥ 4:1 with ≤ 1 mole reagent added). These results show, that there is no second covalent chromophore peptide bond in the PC investigated at the ring C/D fragment.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Orientation Measurements on Ordered Multibilayers of Phospholipids and Sphingolipids from Synthetic and Natural Origin by ATR Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Klaus Brandenburg, Ulrich Seydel

Page range: 453-467

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Abstract

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was applied to natural and synthetic planar membrane multibilayer systems made from phospholipids and sphingolipids to perform orientational measurements utilizing the attenuated total reflectance technique. Applying polarized infrared light, the dichroic ratios and the positions of the peak maxima of various infrared-active bands in dependence on temperature and degree of hydration as well as the phase behaviour were studied. Under certain assumptions - which are discussed - made for the order parameter S, the orientation of various functional groups with respect to the molecular axis or to the membrane normal can be determined. For the gel phase values for S between 0.80 ± 0.05 for the complete molecule and 0.40 ± 0.05 for the end methyl group and for the liquid crystalline phase a value of 0.50 ± 0.05 were approximated. Applying these data, a relatively precise determination of the angles of the oscillating dipole moments of various functional groups could be performed, which - for some vibrations - deviate considerably from those angles assumed earlier. Regarding the phase behaviour, it was found that not only the degree of hydration but the amount of bulk water of the sample has a strong influence on the phase transition temperature T c (lyotrophism), but only a weak influence on the orientational data.

Open Access June 2, 2014

The Dynamics of Bone Mineral in Some Vertebrates

F. C. M. Driessens, R. M. H. Verbeeck

Page range: 468-471

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Abstract

In the literature octocalcium phosphate as well as brushite have been proposed as the precursor phase for bone mineral in the higher vertebrates. In this study it is shown that the situation is more complex. A sodium and carbonate containing apatite (NCCA) and a magnesium whitlockite (MWH) are present from the beginning of mineralization together with octocalcium phosphate. Upon further bone development the NCCA and the MWH phase are deposited in amounts proportional to the amount of mineral deposited. However, the octocalcium phosphate is transformed slowly in a heavily carbonated defective hydroxyapatite. From the available experimental data it can be derived that the time of this transformation is smaller than four weeks under in vivo conditions.

Open Access June 2, 2014

A Serum-Free in vitro Culture System for Crayfish Organs

Gerd Gellissen, Marco Traub, Klaus-Dieter Spindler

Page range: 472-476

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Abstract

Midgut gland and hypodermis of the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus have been cultured in a serum-free medium for several days. The medium consists of 1 part of van Harreveld solution and 1 part of an amino acid mixture supplemented with 1.2 mᴍ Na 2 HP0 4 , 12 mᴍ Hepes and 80 mᴍ glucose. The antibiotics penicillin (15 mg/l) and streptomycin (25 mg/1) were added for long term culturing. This medium, called TG medium, allows the maintainance of the tissues for more than 100 h without any loss of their viability with respect to protein synthesis and secretion.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Characterization of a Defective Mutant of the Dahlemense Strain of Tobacco Mosaic Virus

J. M. Wertz, P. Smitamana, S. Sarkar

Page range: 477-482

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Abstract

A mutant of tobacco mosaic virus has been isolated after treating the dahlemense strain with nitrous acid and called D 16y. Like dahlemense it produces necrotic lesions on java-type tobacco but induces a strong chlorosis on samsun tobacco, in which it spreads systemically. Yield of virus from infected plants is significantly lower than that of dahlemense and the virus particles are unstable in vitro, and probably also in vivo. It is serologically closely related to dahlemense, its coat protein is somewhat less electronegative in weakly alkaline medium and it is inactivated at elevated temperatures more easily than dahlemense. Its coat protein contains a histidine residue, that is not present in dahlemense. The poor biological activity and the instability of D 16y toward storage and high temperatures are properties that are common with many defective mutants. D 16y is possibly the first induced mutant of dahlemense and with its several altered characters is expected to be very useful for comparative studies on the structure and action of TMV.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Electronmicroscopical Contrast by Palladium Chloride

J. M. Ferrer, A. Tato, J. C. Stockert

Page range: 483-484

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Abstract

Thin sections of glutaraldehyde-fixed, epoxy resin-embedded bone marrow from rats were treated with 2% palladium chloride in 2% concentrated HCl. This procedure was found to induce high electron density in chromatin from all cell types and in cytoplasmic granules of neutrophils and eosinophils. In the latter, the crystalline body showed more contrast than the matrix.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Cyanidin 3-Gentiobioside from Primary Leaves of Rye (Secale cereale L.)

E. Busch, D. Strack, G. Weissenböck

Page range: 485-486

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Abstract

An anthocyanin has been isolated from primary leaves of Secale cereale L. and identified as cyanidin 3-O-gentiobioside on the basis of UV spectroscopy, hydrolysis and cochromatography.

Open Access June 2, 2014

¹H-NMR Studies on the Effect of Spin Label on Lipids

W. Lohmann, B. Kiefer

Page range: 487-488

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Abstract

1 H-NM R studies on DPPC vesicles labelled with the spin label (1,14) have been performed below (34 °C) and above (52 °C) the phase transition temperature. At both temperatures, the spin label, located at the apolar end of the CH 2 chain, affects the whole structure of the lipids. Structural and functional investigations of membranes using spin labels have to consider always the effect described.

Open Access June 2, 2014

The Macromolecular Structure of Collagen in Tendon Fibres of Dermatosparactic Animals

E. Mosler, W. Folkhard, W. Geercken, O. Helle, E. Knorzer, M. H. J. Koch, H. Nemetschek-Gansler, B. Nusgens, B. Nusgens, Ch. M. Lapière

Page range: 489-492

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Abstract

Small-angle x-ray diffraction spectra of dermatosparactic tendon collagen show a decreased intensity of the first order reflection. We interprete this finding to be due to the N-terminal propeptide which fills the intermolecular gap region partially.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Quasisynergism as Evolutionary Advance to Increase Repellency of Beetle Defensive Secretions

K. Dettner, R. Grümmer

Page range: 493-496

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Abstract

Phylogenetically derived species of Oxytelinae rove beetles have been found to manufacture definite ratios of different lactone-alkene-solvents in their quinoic defensive secretions. At a certain ratio of solvents the formulation shows a maximal repellency which has actually been found both in naturally occurring beetle secretions and in synthetic mixtures. This phenomenon was identified as quasisynergism since the found ratio of different solvents correlates with a maximal penetration rate of the toxic ρ-toluquinone of the secretions through the integument of an aggressing arthropod.

About this journal

Objective

A Journal of Biosciences: Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C (ZNC) is an international scientific journal and a community resource for the emerging field of natural and natural-like products.

The journal publishes original research on the isolation (including structure elucidation), bio-chemical synthesis and bioactivities of natural products, their biochemistry, pharmacology, biotechnology, and their biological activity and innovative developed computational methods for predicting the structure and/or function of natural products.

A Journal of Biosciences: Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C (ZNC) welcomes research papers in fields on the chemistry-biology boundary which address scientific ideas and approaches to generate and understand natural compounds on a molecular level and/or use them to stimulate and manipulate biological processes.

Topics

Bio-chemical synthesis and bioactivities of natural products
Isolation (including structure elucidation)
Biochemistry
Biotechnology
Pharmacology
Chemistry
Biology

Article formats

Original research articles, research notes, letters and review articles

Please have a look at the call for papers for two upcoming Special Issues:

Special Issue on CAZymes

Special Issue on Chitin Structures and Pathways as Targets for Biopesticides and Drugs

Volume 41 Issue 4

Issue of Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C

Storage of Quinolizidine Alkaloids in Epidermal Tissues

Abstract

Indole Alkaloids from Ochrosia elliptica Plant Cell Suspension Cultures

Abstract

Major Indole Alkaloids Produced in Cell Suspension Cultures of Rhazya strict a Decaisne

Abstract

Determination of Hyoscyamine and Scopolamine in Datura innoxia Plants by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract

Evidence for the Presence of Neutral Glycerylether Derivatives in Pollen Lipids of Pine Tree Pinus halepensis

Abstract

A Chemical Investigation of Pueraria mirifica Roots

Abstract

Characterization and Properties of Different Glucosyltransferases Isolated from Suspension-Cultured Cells of Daucus carota

Abstract

Umsetzungsrate von Ozon mit flüchtigen Terpenen im Oberflächenbereich von Koniferennadeln / Conversion Rate of Ozone with Volatile Terpenes in the Surface Region of Conifer Needles

Abstract

Impact of UV-B Radiation on Photosynthetic Assimilation of 14C-Bicarbonate and Inorganic 15N-Compounds by Cyanobacteria

Abstract

Pentachlorophenol Inhibits Photosynthetic Electron Flow and Quenches Chlorophyll Fluorescence after Preillumination

Abstract

The Diazo Reaction of Bilirubins and Phycorubins: A Quantitative Study*

Abstract

Orientation Measurements on Ordered Multibilayers of Phospholipids and Sphingolipids from Synthetic and Natural Origin by ATR Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract

The Dynamics of Bone Mineral in Some Vertebrates

Abstract

A Serum-Free in vitro Culture System for Crayfish Organs

Abstract

Characterization of a Defective Mutant of the Dahlemense Strain of Tobacco Mosaic Virus

Abstract

Electronmicroscopical Contrast by Palladium Chloride

Abstract

Cyanidin 3-Gentiobioside from Primary Leaves of Rye (Secale cereale L.)

Abstract

1H-NMR Studies on the Effect of Spin Label on Lipids

Abstract

The Macromolecular Structure of Collagen in Tendon Fibres of Dermatosparactic Animals

Abstract

Quasisynergism as Evolutionary Advance to Increase Repellency of Beetle Defensive Secretions

Abstract

Impact of UV-B Radiation on Photosynthetic Assimilation of ¹⁴C-Bicarbonate and Inorganic ¹⁵N-Compounds by Cyanobacteria

¹H-NMR Studies on the Effect of Spin Label on Lipids