The primary structure of three hemoglobin chains from the indigo snake (Drymarchon corais erebennus, Serpentes): First evidence for αD chains and two β chain types in snakes

The hemoglobin of the indigo snake (Drymarchon corais erebennus, Colubrinae) consists of two components, HbA and HbD, in the ratio of 1:1. They differ in both their alpha and beta chains. The amino acid sequences of both alpha chains (alpha(A) and alpha(D)) and one beta chain (betaI) were determined. The presence of an alpha(D)chain in a snake hemoglobin is described for the first time. A comparison of all snake beta chain sequences revealed the existence of two paralogous beta chain types in snakes as well, which are designated as betaI and betaII type. For the discussion of the physiological properties of Drymarchon hemoglobin, the sequences were compared with those of the human alpha and beta chains and those of the closely related water snake Liophis miliaris where functional data are available. Among the heme contacts, the substitution alpha(D)58(E7)His-->Gln is unusual but most likely without any effect. The residues responsible for the main part of the Bohr effect are the same as in mammalian hemoglobins. In each of the three globin chains only two residues at positions involved in the alpha1/beta2 interface contacts, most important for the stability and the properties of the hemoglobin molecule, are substituted with regard to human hemoglobin. On the contrary, nine, eleven, and six alpha1/beta1 contact residues are replaced in the alpha(A), alpha(D), betaI chains, respectively

Redescription of <i>Lindia gravitata</i> with comments on <i>L. tecusa</i> (Rotifera: Monogononta: Lindiidae)

Lindia gravitata, previously considered a synonym of L. tecusa by several authors is redescribed. Body shape and trophi structure show that both species are closely related, and unequivocally differentiated by e.g. toe shape, number of sensory papillae, and shape of subunci and epipharyn Halolindia are discussed

Three new species of the genus <i>Encentrum</i> (Rotifera,Monogononta, Dicranophoridae)

Three new species of Rotifera belonging to the genus Encentrum (Monogononta, Dicranophoridae) are described and illustrated. Encentrum barti sp.nov. was found among algae in the Eastern Scheldt estuary, the Netherlands. Its main distinguishing taxonomic features are the rostrum provided with a triangular projection, the conical and slightly incurved toes, and the characteristic trophi. Encentrum listensoides sp.nov. was collected among algae in the Eastern Scheldt estuary, the Netherlands. The main diagnostic features of this new species are the foot composed of three pseudosegments, a single pair of large pedal glands, and the trophi showing asymmetrical unci, evenly curved manubria, and preuncinal teeth set at a right angle to the axis. Encentrum tenuidigitatum sp.nov. was found in hygropsammon of a bight of the North Sea in Belgium. It is diagnosed by its slender, acutely pointed toes, and the trophi bearing a tooth on the inner margin of the subbasal rami chambers

Some Marine Rotifera from Reunion Island, with a description of a new species of <i>Lindia</i> Harring and Myers, 1924 and one of <i>Synchaeta</i> Ehrenberg, 1832

The rotifer fauna of 2 samples from the marine littoral zone of Réunion I. (Indian Ocean) was studied. In total 12 taxa were identified, of which the monogononts Lindia elsae sp. nov. (Lindiidae) and Synchaeta squamadigitata sp. nov. (Synchaetidae) are described herein. Lindia elsae sp. nov. is characterized by conical toes, a long fulcrum, short anterior manubrial branches running parallel to the main branches, and a complex, single epipharyngeal element with 2 serrate semicircular parts. Synchaeta squamadigitata sp. nov. is diagnosed by the short cylindrical toes terminating in a short, rounded squamose part, with subterminal and ventrolateral tubuli. Concise comments are provided on the other species found

Description of two new species of <i>Myersinella</i> (Rotifera: Monogononta: Dicranophoridae) from the Mediterranean

Two new species of rotifers belonging to the Dicranophoridae are described from marine psammon collected at a depth of 30-40 m in the Mediterranean near the island of Elba, Italy. Myersinella uncodonta sp. nov. is characterized by two colourless eyespots; single, incurved acute apical rami teeth; two needle-shaped, slightly incurved elongate unci; manubria with forked head and crutched cauda; outer margin of rami angular postero-laterally. Myersinella longiforceps sp. nov. is characterized by two large red eyespots; a pair of extremely elongated, gouge-shaped apical rami teeth; two short, needle-shaped unci; manubria with forked head and double-crutched cauda; outer margin of rami rounded laterally, tapering towards fulcrum. This is the first report of the genus Myersinella from marine environments

Marine Rotifera from the Crozet and Kerguelen Islands (Subantarctica), with the description of a new <i>Encentrum</i> (Monogononta: Dicranophoridae)

As part of a survey of the rotifer fauna of Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises, marine rotifers from the littoral of the subantarctic Grande Terre, Kerguelen archipelago and Ile de la Possession, Crozet archipelago are reported. Nine taxa were found: Bdelloidea indet. and eight Monogononta. One species, Encentrum frenoti, is new to science and described