Gabriella Corsi

The suspensor of Eruca sativa Miller (Cruciferae) during embryogenesis in vitro

Abstract Young embryos of Eruca sativa Miller, with and without suspensor, were cultured in vitro. The probable importance and/or necessity of suspensor during the embryo development was pointed out. Some data about the suspensor citology are also reported.

Studi sulla flora e vegetazione del Monte Pisano (Toscana Nord-Occidentale). 1. Le piante della medicina popolare nel versante pisano

Riassunto Vengono riportati i risultati di uno studio sulla medicina popolare nei paesi del versante sud-occidentale del Monte Pisano. La fitoterapia risulta essere ancora in uso, specialmente presso le persone anziane; sono risultate infatti utilizzate 82 entita vegetali distribuite in 41 famiglie. La maggior parte di tali entita e ben conosciuta nei suoi componenti chimici e nel suo comportamento farmacologico. Per alcune di esse un approfondito studio fito-chimico e farmacologico sembra invece necessario ed auspicabile.

Embryo and endosperm response to ageing in Triticum Durum seeds as revealed by chromosomal damage in the root meristem

Abstract A cytological analysis was carried out on root tips of seedlings raised from intact aged seeds (1963 crop), intact young seeds (1966 crop)_ and from both aged and young embryos transplanted onto either aged or young endosperms. The collected data indicate that the incidence of chromosomal aberrations detectable in an aged embryo is independent of its transplantation onto either aged or young endosperms. This implies that young endosperms do not induce any recovery from chromosomal damage in aged seeds. However, the possibility is not excluded that products responsible for chromosome aberrations might be formed in the endosperm and transferred to the embryo under some experimental conditions.

SECRETORY STRUCTURES IN ARTEMISIA NITIDA BERTOL. (ASTERACEAE)

ABSTRACT Artemisia nitida Bertol. has not been studied so far from a pharmaco-biological point of view. In the present work some results of morphological and histochemical studies on the secretory structures are given. The secretory structures are of two types: glandular trichomes, and secretory ducts whose secretion is quite similar but not identical. Taking all the precautions needed for the histochemical interpretation of the results, we can assume that the glandular trichomes and secretory ducts contain an oleoresin whose main constituents are terpenoids, steroids, and sesquiterpene lactones. Their presence in A. nitida justifies both biological and economic interest in this Italian species.

Biological and phytochemical aspects of Valeriana officinalis

Abstract Two populations of Valeriana officinalis L. subsp. collina (Wallr.) Nyman show considerable differences in anatomy and chemistry and one of them contains an accessory B chromosome, which is not present in the other. In consideration of the metabolic and adaptive role of this type of chromosome the hypothesis is put forward that there is a connection between the presence of an accessory chromosome and the histological, anatomical and chemical physiognomy of a particular population. This connection would involve considerable practical implications in the field of pharmaceutics.

Il sospensore embrionale nelle Cruciferae. I. Morfologia e struttura

Abstract Embryo suspensor in Cruciferae. I. Morphology and structure. — Embryo suspensors in seven species of Cruciferae (Alyssum argenteum All., Brassica nigra (L.) Koch, Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medicus, Diplotaxis erucoides (L.) DC., Eruca sativa Miller, Lepidium graminifolium L., Matthiola tricuspidata (L.) R. Br.) were morphologically investigated. These species have significant differences in their seeds, so that probable differences could be found in the structure of their ovules and therefore of their suspensors. Results indicate that it is impossible to generalize on the suspensor morphology and structure even in the same family. In Eruca sativa and Brassica nigra polyploidy and polyteny were found, suggesting a probably important metabolic function of their suspensors. In the other species polyteny was not present; a various degree of polyploidy could probably be assumed, suggesting a less active function of suspensors, maybe absorption and transport of nutritive material from the integument...

Il genere Allium L. in Italia. IV. Studio citofotometrico sul granulo pollinico di Allium Chamaemoly L.

Abstract The genus Allium L. in Italy. IV. A DNA cytophotometric study on the pollen grain of Allium chamaemoly L. — A cytophotometric analysis of DNA contents in pollen generative and vegetative nuclei of Allium chamaemoly L. was carried out. DNA synthesis in both nuclei was confirmed and a lightly higher DNA amount than 2C in the vegetative nucleus was pointed out. An analysis of the Fast-green stainable histones in the generative and vegetative nuclei was also accomplished. While the generative nucleus had a very high content of Fast-green stainable histone, the vegetative one have nearly no stainable histone. The occurrence of DNA synthesis and the very low histone content suggest the vegetative nucleus is functional and biochemically activ. The higher than 2C DNA content supports the possibility of a DNA amplification process including probably the amplification of ribosomal cistrons in the pollen vegetative nucleus.

Carum appuanum (Viv.) Grande (Umbelliferae). I. Histochemical and Anatomical Study

AbstractAnatomical and histochemical studies carried out on Carum appuanum, endemic to the Apuan Alps (NW Tuscany, Italy), show this species to be essentially xerophytic with adaptations for a mesophytic environment. This plant is rich in secreting structures and is of interest due to the presence of flavonoids and coumarins detected by fluorescent microscopy priliminary analyses. The relationship between Carum appuanum and the taxa from the Balkans referrable to the Carum rigidulum-graecum group are discussed.

A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Histones in the Mitotic Cycle

Abstract The results of cytochernical analyses on root tips of Allium cepa are reported. DNA and histones spectrophotometric determinations accomplished on nuclei in different stages of the mitotic cycle, show that histone content per nucleus is doubled from G1 to G2, it is slightly decreasing from G2 to prophase and again increasing from prophase to methaphase. If histones after acetylation are taken into account it is seen that the highest content of lysinerich histones is detectable in mataphase. The significance of these observations is discussed in the light of views on the histones function. Data collected with fast-green-cosin method are also presented.

On the glandular hairs of Cistus laurifolius L. (Cistaceae)

Abstract Two types of glandular hairs have been found in Cistus laurifolius L. (Cistaceae). Both types present a great degree of morphological and histochemical variability, not only at population level but even within a single plant. This fact excludes that the hairs of C. laurifolius could be given a diagnostic value. The two hair types have a mixed hydrophilous and lipophilous secretion in which we have identified, especially in one type of them, cathecolic tannins. The powerful antimycotic activity of such tannins, makes the hairs particularly interesting for the possible ecological implications.