Peroxidase Profiling Reveals Genetic Linkage between Peroxidase Gene Clusters and Basal Host and Non-Host Resistance to Rusts and Mildew in Barley

Background: Higher plants possess a large multigene family encoding secreted class III peroxidase (Prx) proteins. Peroxidases appear to be associated with plant disease resistance based on observations of induction during disease challenge and the presence or absence of isozymes in resistant vs susceptible varieties. Despite these associations, there is no evidence that allelic variation of peroxidases directly determines levels of disease resistance. Methodology/Principal Findings: The current study introduces a new strategy called Prx-Profiling. We showed that with this strategy a large number of peroxidase genes can be mapped on the barley genome. In order to obtain an estimate of the total number of Prx clusters we followed a re-sampling procedure, which indicated that the barley genome contains about 40 peroxidase gene clusters. We examined the association between the Prxs mapped and the QTLs for resistance of barley to homologous and heterologous rusts, and to the barley powdery mildew fungus. We report that 61 % of the QTLs for partial resistance to P. hordei, 61 % of the QTLs for resistance to B. graminis and 47 % of the QTLs for non-host resistance to other Puccinia species co-localize with Prx based markers. Conclusions/Significance: We conclude that Prx-Profiling was effective in finding the genetic location of Prx genes on the barley genome. The finding that QTLs for basal resistance to rusts and powdery mildew fungi tend to co-locate with Prx clusters provides a base for exploring the functional role of Prx-related genes in determining natural differences in levels o

Differences in selected areas of social capital regarding residence

Introduction. In addition to a massive increase in interest in the concept of social capital in the social sciences, the research has shown its considerable impact on various areas of human life. OECD points to the correlation between social capital and health and points out that social isolation is associated with misery and disease. Aim. The contribution aims at pointing out the differences in selected indicators of social capital, focusing on the participation and social involvement of respondents in their place of residence. Results. Quantitative research was conducted using the questionnaire method, which was compiled from the Social Capital Question Bank database, covered by the UK Statistical Office. Result Cluster analysis divided respondents into those with higher and lower social capital, and comparative analysis showed significant differences in selected indicators of social capital between urban and rural respondents. Conclusions. Respondents from cities and rural areas differ in the level of social capital in our areas of interest: Participation or involvement in local groups, Political activity or voting, Taking positive action about a local issue, Participation in religious activity, Completed or received a practical favour, Familiarity with neighbourhood, Provide regular service, help or care for others