ProtoplasmaPub Date : 2025-04-09DOI: 10.1007/s00709-025-02066-w
Peter Nick
{"title":"Protists-the dark matter of eukaryotic evolution.","authors":"Peter Nick","doi":"10.1007/s00709-025-02066-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00709-025-02066-w","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":20731,"journal":{"name":"Protoplasma","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143812163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ProtoplasmaPub Date : 2025-04-08DOI: 10.1007/s00709-025-02060-2
Mohammad Shiraz, Yamshi Arif, Havza Imtiaz, Ameer Azam, Pravej Alam, Shamsul Hayat
{"title":"Cerium oxide nanoparticles: biogenic synthesis, characterization, and effects of foliar application on photosynthetic and antioxidant performance on Brassica juncea L.","authors":"Mohammad Shiraz, Yamshi Arif, Havza Imtiaz, Ameer Azam, Pravej Alam, Shamsul Hayat","doi":"10.1007/s00709-025-02060-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00709-025-02060-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The term \"green synthesis\" refers to the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly methods to produce materials, chemicals, or nanoparticles (NPs). This approach emphasizes the use of renewable resources, energy-efficient processes, and non-toxic chemicals to minimize environmental impact. In our study, we synthesized cerium oxide NPs (CeO₂ NPs) of varying crystal sizes using leaf extract from the Moringa oleifera plant and evaluated their effects on the photosynthetic and antioxidant properties of mustard (Brassica juncea L.). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of CeO₂ NPs, with average crystal sizes determined using the Debye-Scherrer equation as 4.5 nm, 8.5 nm, and 15.4 nm (designated as A, B, and C respectively). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed stretching frequencies at 550 cm⁻<sup>1</sup>, confirming the presence of Ce-O stretching bands and the use of natural compounds in the synthesis process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the CeO₂ NPs were irregularly shaped and agglomerated, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed that the particles were spherical and polydisperse. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analysis further confirmed the polydispersity and stability of synthesized NPs in solution. Following synthesis, the CeO₂ NPs were applied foliarly to mustard crops at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 ppm. The results demonstrated that all concentrations of NPs enhanced growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and gaseous exchange parameters in mustard. Additionally, the NPs regulated balance between oxidation and reduction (redox) reactions in cell. It helps maintain cellular function by controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, preventing damage and ensuring normal metabolism. Notably, the 4.5 nm-sized NP (A) at a concentration of 100 ppm was the most effective in improving these parameters. CeO₂ NPs show promise as a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers and pesticides, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. This pioneering research highlights the potential of biogenically synthesized CeO₂ NPs in boosting crop performance, marking a significant advancement in agricultural nanotechnology.</p>","PeriodicalId":20731,"journal":{"name":"Protoplasma","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143812162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ProtoplasmaPub Date : 2025-04-07DOI: 10.1007/s00709-025-02059-9
David Scheuring, Stefan Hillmer, Karin Schumacher
{"title":"In memoriam: David G. Robinson.","authors":"David Scheuring, Stefan Hillmer, Karin Schumacher","doi":"10.1007/s00709-025-02059-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00709-025-02059-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We are deeply saddened to report that David Gordon Robinson passed away on Tuesday, 5 November 2024. He has left behind his wife and three children. Without doubt, David was one of Europe's leading plant cell biologists and electron microscopists, best known for his research on intracellular trafficking and cellular organization. He is leaving a legacy of groundbreaking research and influence in the field. In this obituary, we want to recapitulate the most important stages from the impressive career of a truly unique character.</p>","PeriodicalId":20731,"journal":{"name":"Protoplasma","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143804121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ProtoplasmaPub Date : 2025-04-03DOI: 10.1007/s00709-025-02061-1
Y Nemcova, J Neustupa, M Pichrtová
{"title":"Desiccation tolerance in peatland desmids: a comparative study of Micrasterias thomasiana and Staurastrum hirsutum (Zygnematophyceae).","authors":"Y Nemcova, J Neustupa, M Pichrtová","doi":"10.1007/s00709-025-02061-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00709-025-02061-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Desmids are valuable bioindicators in peatland ecosystems due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. In temperate and boreal wetlands, seasonal desiccation of aquatic habitats, which is increasing in frequency and severity due to ongoing climate change, is currently considered a key factor structuring the distribution of individual taxa. In this study, the desiccation tolerance of Micrasterias thomasiana and Staurastrum hirsutum isolated from contrasting hydrological environments in the peatland habitats of the Ore Mountains, Czech Republic, is investigated. Using controlled experimental conditions, we subjected both young, actively growing and old, mature cultures to four different desiccation treatments and evaluated morphology and photosynthetic performance. Our results showed that young and old cultures of both species exhibited a very similar photophysiological response. Severe desiccation led to an irreversible decline in the effective quantum yield of photosystem II in both species, resulting in cell death. Mild drought stress allowed the cultures to recover, indicating that the stress severity determines the recovery potential. Finally, prolonged desiccation resulted in irreversible damage in older cultures of both species, emphasizing the limited desiccation resilience of desmids. We observed similarities in morphology with Zygnema \"pre-akinetes,\" but in contrast to these resilient cells, the old cells of M. thomasiana and S. hirsutum did not survive the harsher desiccation conditions. Long-term mild desiccation revealed a higher resistance of S. hirsutum, probably due to the protective role of its dense mucilage. In nature, these two species usually inhabit localities with low desiccation risk or avoid and mitigate desiccation stress through localized survival strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":20731,"journal":{"name":"Protoplasma","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143780980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Acute and chronic toxicity study for Madhumukthi Kudineer Chooranum.","authors":"Rajamanickam Baskar, Govindaraju Bharathkumar, Yovas Rajammal Manekshah, Sikkal Selvaraaju Selvapriya, Thangarasu Hema Devi, Selvaraj Bharathi, Kuppuswamy Kavitha, Arumugam Rajalakshmi, Balasubramanian Ramesh","doi":"10.1007/s00709-025-02056-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00709-025-02056-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Madhumukthi Kudineer Chooranum (MKC) is a decoction from polyherbal Siddha formulation for managing diabetes. The safety of this formulation has not been reported earlier. This study evaluates the chronic toxicity of the Siddha herbal formulation MKC in experimental Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. In an acute oral toxicity study, male and female SD rats were orally administered a single dose of MKC (2000 mg/kg), and clinical signs and mortality stages were observed for 14 days along with weekly body weight. On day 15, the rats were euthanized and the gross morphology was carried out during necropsy. In a chronic (repeated dose) oral toxicity study, the male and female rats were orally administered MKC (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) once daily for up to 180 days. MKC showed outstanding tolerance in SD rats with a NOAEL of 2000 mg/kg, with no adverse effects or death during the study. In acute and chronic toxicity trials, MKC did not alter parameters or cause harmful effects. No group died or became moribund in either study.</p>","PeriodicalId":20731,"journal":{"name":"Protoplasma","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143780977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ProtoplasmaPub Date : 2025-04-03DOI: 10.1007/s00709-025-02063-z
José Fernando Richit, Sofia Aumond Kuhn
{"title":"Root idioblasts reveal a specialized underground site for the storage of putative alkaloids in Rutaceae.","authors":"José Fernando Richit, Sofia Aumond Kuhn","doi":"10.1007/s00709-025-02063-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00709-025-02063-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rutaceae plants are a rich source of alkaloids, but their cell-specific localization remains relatively unknown in the underground tissues, except for the acridone-containing idioblasts in Ruta graveolens roots. To fill this gap, we used broad taxonomic sampling to investigate both the microchemistry and the root structure of Rutaceae species. Utilizing both transmitted light and epifluorescence microscopy, we examined seven distinct Rutaceae species to determine if root idioblasts were present. For the microchemical analysis of the idioblasts contents, we employed Nile red staining and Dragendorff's test. All analyzed species presented root idioblasts with contents that are reactive with Dragendorff's reagent and Nile red, suggesting the presence of putative alkaloids and lipophilic environments, respectively. These idioblasts are typically found in the radicular cortex and can be easily observed under UV light due to their autofluorescent contents. We found that the occurrence of root idioblasts is a widely distributed condition in Rutaceae, showing for the first time both structural and microchemical analyses for broad taxonomic sampling. These cell types could play an important role in alkaloid metabolism in the underground tissues of plants in this family and offer an exciting opportunity for future investigations.</p>","PeriodicalId":20731,"journal":{"name":"Protoplasma","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143780992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ProtoplasmaPub Date : 2025-04-03DOI: 10.1007/s00709-025-02062-0
Shagun Sharma, Shivanti Negi, Pankaj Kumar, Mohammad Irfan
{"title":"Cellular strategies for surviving the alpine extremes: methylerythritol phosphate pathway-driven isoprenoid biosynthesis and stress resilience.","authors":"Shagun Sharma, Shivanti Negi, Pankaj Kumar, Mohammad Irfan","doi":"10.1007/s00709-025-02062-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00709-025-02062-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>High altitude conditions pose a significant challenge to all earth's inhabitants including flora. Low atmospheric pressure (thin air), intense ultraviolet (UV) light, and ultra-low temperatures combine to cause oxidative stress in plants. In these abiotic stress conditions, plants exhibit various ecophysiological, morphological, and biochemical adaptations to cope with stress. Morphologically, plants may develop smaller, thicker leaves with protective trichomes or waxy cuticles against intense UV radiation, and minimize water loss in the thin, dry air. However biochemically, plants increase the production of UV-absorbing compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids along with antioxidant enzymes for neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS). To protect against these stress conditions plants start producing specialized metabolites, i.e., isoprenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, sterols, carotenoids, etc. The production of these specialized metabolites occurs through MEP (methylerythritol phosphate) and MVA (mevalonic acid) pathways. Although, this article aims to review the scientific complexities of high-altitude plants by providing an in-depth explanation of the MEP pathway, including its regulation, sources and causes of oxidative stress in plants, functions and roles of isoprenoids in stress tolerance, and the adaptation strategies that support alpine plant survival and acclimation. The MEP pathway's products, several carotenoids, viz., phytoene, lycopene, β-carotene, etc., and terpenoids, viz., geraniol, citral, phytol, etc., act as potent scavengers of ROS, providing defense against oxidative damage. Also, phytohormones, viz., abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid play crucial roles in modulating plant responses to oxidative stress. To date, little scientific literature is available specifically on high-altitude plants with respect to MEP pathway and oxidative stress management. Understanding the interaction between the MEP pathway and oxidative stress in high-altitude plants can provide insight into the implications for improving crop resilience and producing bioactive chemicals with potential human health benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":20731,"journal":{"name":"Protoplasma","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143780979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antidiabetic activity of polyherbal formulations: a comprehensive review.","authors":"Aditya Jain, Tanvi Jangid, Ram Niwas Jangir, Gauri Shankar Bhardwaj","doi":"10.1007/s00709-025-02057-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00709-025-02057-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition marked by high blood glucose levels, resulting from either insufficient insulin production or poor insulin function. While conventional treatments have progressed, there is growing interest in alternative therapies, especially polyherbal formulations, due to their natural origin, cost-effectiveness, and fewer side effects. This review uniquely explores the antidiabetic potential of polyherbal formulations derived from various plants, focusing on their synergistic effects, where combinations of plant species work together to enhance therapeutic, outcomes. It discusses common plants used, types of extracts, plant parts, and dosing regimens in experimental studies. Both in vitro and in vivo models are examined to assess the effectiveness of these formulations in managing diabetes. The mechanisms behind their antidiabetic action-such as boosting insulin secretion, improving insulin sensitivity, regulating glucose metabolism, and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation-are highlighted. Overall, polyherbal formulations offer significant promise for integrating into diabetes management and reducing complications when used alongside conventional therapies. This review underscores the novelty of using polyherbal combinations to enhance diabetes treatment, offering a holistic and cost-effective approach to management. In conclusion, further research into these formulations could lead to more accessible and personalized therapeutic options for diabetes patients worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":20731,"journal":{"name":"Protoplasma","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143773253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ProtoplasmaPub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1007/s00709-025-02058-w
Loriana Demecsová, Ľubica Liptáková, Katarína Valentovičová, Veronika Zelinová, Ladislav Tamás
{"title":"Inhibition of flavohemeproteins enhances the emission and level of nitric oxide in barley root tips.","authors":"Loriana Demecsová, Ľubica Liptáková, Katarína Valentovičová, Veronika Zelinová, Ladislav Tamás","doi":"10.1007/s00709-025-02058-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00709-025-02058-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, using a pharmaceutical approach, we analyzed the NO accumulation and emission from the root tips of barley seedlings and the possible mechanisms of NO catabolism. Application of flavohemeprotein inhibitors, such as azide, cyanide, diphenyleneiodonium and dicumarol, an inhibitor of the plasma membrane electron transport chain, increased the NO level in root tissue and stimulated the NO emission from root tip cells. It can be concluded that barley root tips generate and, at the same time, consume a considerable amount of NO, probably by the plasma membrane flavohemeproteins. This high NO-consuming activity of barley root tips efficiently degraded even the externally applied high concentrations of NO without marked root growth inhibition. These results suggest that the root tip cells NO consumption activity plays an important role in the regulation of NO level in barley root tips.</p>","PeriodicalId":20731,"journal":{"name":"Protoplasma","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143754333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ProtoplasmaPub Date : 2025-03-19DOI: 10.1007/s00709-025-02054-0
Cristian Vaccarini, María Inés Mercado, Graciela Inés Ponessa, Andrés McCarthy, Christina McCarthy, Raúl Amado Cattáneo, Daniela Sedan, Darío Andrinolo
{"title":"Morphoanatomical, histochemical, and molecular characterization of female Cannabis plants from three Argentine strains.","authors":"Cristian Vaccarini, María Inés Mercado, Graciela Inés Ponessa, Andrés McCarthy, Christina McCarthy, Raúl Amado Cattáneo, Daniela Sedan, Darío Andrinolo","doi":"10.1007/s00709-025-02054-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00709-025-02054-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study analyzed the morphoanatomical, histochemical, and molecular characteristics of three Cannabis sativa strains, CAT1, CAT2, and CAT3, acronyms for Argentine therapeutic strains in Spanish (Cepas Argentinas Terapéuticas), using bright light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy. The strains were previously cultivated and chemically characterized at CIM, UNLP, CONICET. Five plants from each strain were collected at the end of the vegetative and flowering phases; part of the material was fixed for anatomical studies, and part was used fresh for histochemical analyses. Anatomical features of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers were analyzed, focusing on stomatal density, trichome types, and the presence of laticifers. Histochemical analyses detected phenolic compounds, cannabinoids, lipophilic compounds, and other metabolites using specific staining techniques. Additionally, short sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers were employed to characterize and confirm the genomic identity of the strains. Morphoanatomical and histochemical traits enabled differentiation among the strains, revealing significant variations in leaflet dimensions, trichome density, and metabolic profiles. For example, CAT1 exhibited thicker leaves and larger stomata, CAT2 had a higher density of laticifers, and CAT3 showed a greater density of cannabinoid-rich glandular trichomes. Using SSR molecular markers, strain genomic identity was confirmed with a probability greater than 99.99999983%. This integrative approach, combining morphoanatomical, histochemical, and molecular analyses, highlights the unique features of CAT1, CAT2, and CAT3 and underscores the importance of molecular markers in validating strain identity.</p>","PeriodicalId":20731,"journal":{"name":"Protoplasma","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143664382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}