The proteins encoded by two tapetum-specific transcripts, Satap35 and Satap44, from Sinapis alba L. are localized in the exine cell wall layer of developing microspores

Staiger D, Kappeler S, Müller M, Apel K. The proteins encoded by two tapetum-specific transcripts, Satap35 and Satap44, from Sinapis alba L. are localized in the exine cell wall layer of developing microspores. Planta. 1994;192(2):221-231.By differential screening of a copy DNA (cDNA) library from flowering Sinapis alba L. apices against cDNAs from vegetative apices, two cDNA clones were isolated representing transcripts that are expressed transiently at an early stage of tapetum development. The Sa tap35 cDNA encodes a polypeptide with a predicted molecular weight of 12.7 kDa and an isoelectric point of 10.4. The Sa tap44 cDNA codes for a putative 12.4-kDa polypeptide with an isoelectric point of 7.5. The deduced amino-acid sequences display 76% sequence identity and contain an N-terminal stretch of hydrophobic amino acids which has characteristics of secretory signal sequences. In-vitro transcription of the cDNAs and translation of the resulting RNAs in the presence of canine pancreatic microsomes demonstrates that the two proteins are translocated into the microsomes and that the putative preproteins are proteolytically processed to the mature forms. By immunoelectron microscopy the Sa TAP35 and Sa TAP44 proteins were detected at the developing peritapetal membrane between the tapetal cytoplasm and the adjacent middle layer of the anther wall. Furthermore, labelling was observed within the locule in association with globules resembling pro-Ubisch bodies which appeared at the tetrad stage. During the early vacuolate stage of microspore development the young exine was strongly labelled. The exine and the peritapetal membrane both are composed of sporopollenin, and the pro-Ubisch bodies are thought to contain sporopollenin precursors. Thus, Sa TAP35 and Sa TAP44 might be involved in sporopollenin formation and/or deposition

The database of the PREDICTS (Projecting Responses of Ecological Diversity In Changing Terrestrial Systems) project

The PREDICTS project—Projecting Responses of Ecological Diversity In Changing Terrestrial Systems (www.predicts.org.uk)—has collated from published studies a large, reasonably representative database of comparable samples of biodiversity from multiple sites that differ in the nature or intensity of human impacts relating to land use. We have used this evidence base to develop global and regional statistical models of how local biodiversity responds to these measures. We describe and make freely available this 2016 release of the database, containing more than 3.2 million records sampled at over 26,000 locations and representing over 47,000 species. We outline how the database can help in answering a range of questions in ecology and conservation biology. To our knowledge, this is the largest and most geographically and taxonomically representative database of spatial comparisons of biodiversity that has been collated to date; it will be useful to researchers and international efforts wishing to model and understand the global status of biodiversity