State and Value of Natural Capital As the Basis for Regional Economic Decisions

The economy of the Limansky district is based on the use of natural capital, and its preservation is of paramount importance for the region. Ecological-genetic-economic studies demonstrate the need for adequate economic accounting of natural capital and the environmental factor in economic decisions related to the development of the territory and transport infrastructure of the region

Germ plasm provides clues on meiosis: The concerted action of germ plasm granules and mitochondria in gametogenesis of the clam Ruditapes philippinarum

Summary Germ plasm-related structures (GPRS) are known to accompany meiotic cell differentiation but their dynamics are still poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the ultrastructural mechanisms of GPRS transformation during oogenesis and spermatogenesis of the bivalve mollusc Ruditapes philippinarum (Manila clam), exploring patterns of GPRS activity occurring at meiosis onset, sex-specific difference/similarity of such patterns, and the involvement of mitochondria during GPRS-assigned events. In the two sexes, the zygotene-pachytene stage of meiosis is anticipated by three shared steps. First, the dispersion of germ plasm granules containing the germ line determinant VASA occurs. Second, the VASA protein deriving from germ plasm granules enters neighbouring mitochondria and appears to induce mitochondrial matter release, as supported by cytochrome B localization outside the mitochondria. Third, intranuclear VASA entrance occurs and the protein appears involved in chromatin reorganization, as supported by VASA localization in synaptonemal complexes. In spermatogenesis, these three steps are sufficient for the normal course of meiosis. In oogenesis, these are followed by the action of 'germ plasm granule formation complex', a novel type of structure that appears alternative to the Balbiani body. The possibility of germ plasm involvement in reproductive technologies is also suggested

New data on Myxomycetes of North-Eastern Russia

Results of the study of species diversity of myxomycetes in North-Eastern Russia are presented. Moist chamber cultures were prepared with samples of leaf litter from Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and Magadan oblast and with samples of bark from two sample plots in the vicinity of Yakutsk and Neryungri. A total of 49 species in 23 genera, 9 families, and 5 orders were recorded during the study

Variation of sperm morphology in Pacific oyster precludes its use as a species marker but enables intraspecific geo-authentification and aquatic monitoring

Abstract According to recent reports, shell morphology is unreliable for the identification of oysters because of the high phenotypic plasticity of these bivalves. Using COI DNA barcoding and sperm morphology, we reinvestigated the species validity of wild Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas habituating the Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan). DNA barcoding confirmed the species validity of samples collected. Application of the single sperm pattern was not possible for species identification due to pronounced sperm plasticity being found. Six sperm morphs were discovered in the testes of each oyster collected. The amount of abundant sperm morphs and the type of the most dominant sperm pattern are particular to geographical localities that are individual depending on the environmental factors. Ecological monitoring of marine areas and commercially assigned intraspecific geo-authentification of the Pacific oyster seems possible based on the analysis of this species’ heterogenic sperm. Further work will be needed to test if sperm heterogeneity exists in other Ostreidae species and if heterogenic sperms could be used for interspecific analysis

State and Value of Natural Capital as the Basis for Regional Economic Decisions

The economy of the Limansky district is based on the use of natural capital, and its preservation is of paramount importance for the region. Ecological-genetic-economic studies demonstrate the need for adequate economic accounting of natural capital and the environmental factor in economic decisions related to the development of the territory and transport infrastructure of the region