Arum
Araceae
Zantedeschia
Carotenoid and ultrastructure variations in plastids of Arum italicum Miller fruit during maturation and ripening. (1/11)
The changes in the pigment pattern and composition occurring in the Arum italicum berry during the various steps of maturation (ivory to deep-green stages) and ripening (yellow and red-orange stages) were studied and correlated to the ultrastructural modifications of plastids. Transmission electron microscopy showed that each stage was characterized by a specific plastidial type following the unusual sequence amyloplast-->chloroplast-->chromoplast. Plastidial transitions were accompanied by profound modifications in the pigmental composition, in particular, in the pattern of carotenoids and their precursors. The HPLC analysis of the carotenoids showed that, besides the two usual all-trans metabolic pathways leading to lutein through alpha-carotene and to auroxanthin through beta-carotene, an additional cis-isomeric biosynthetic pathway leading to cis-neoxanthin through cis-beta-carotene exists. During the pre-ripening stages, the three pathways were present even if with qualitative and quantitative variations. When complete ripening was reached, a block occurred at the cyclization level causing the accumulation of both all-trans (i.e. gamma-carotene and neurosporene) and cis-isomer (i.e. lycopene and zeta-carotene) carotene precursors. Because of the occurrence of unusual pigments and the presence of the three main plastidial types, the fruit of A. italicum may constitute a most instructive model for the study of carotenogenesis. (+info)Ubiquitous expression of a gene encoding for uncoupling protein isolated from the thermogenic inflorescence of the dead horse arum Helicodiceros muscivorus. (2/11)
Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are a family of mitochondrial inner membrane proteins that have been implicated in heat production in mammalian cells. The inflorescences of several members of the arum lily family (Araceae) have also been shown to produce heat during flowering, but the involvement of UCP-mediated heat production in plants is not known. In this work a gene has been isolated termed HmUCPa that encodes for a putative uncoupling protein from Helicodiceros muscivorus, a highly thermogenic arum lily. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of HmUCPa was ubiquitously found, both in thermogenic male florets and appendix, and the non-thermogenic female florets, spathe and club-shaped organs of the spadix. These results suggest that HmUCPa is not primarily involved in organ-specific heat production in H. muscivorus. (+info)Purification of the plant alternative oxidase from Arum maculatum: measurement, stability and metal requirement. (3/11)
We have purified plant alternative oxidase (AOX) protein from the spadices of thermogenic Arum maculatum (cuckoo pint) to virtual homogeneity. The obtained enzyme fraction exhibits a high specific activity, consuming on average 32 micromol oxygen min(-1) mg(-1), which is completely stable for at least 6 months when the sample is stored at -70 degrees C. This exceptionally stable AOX activity is inhibited approximately 90% (I(50) approximately 10 microM) by 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-OHQ) and also, although to a lesser extent, by other metal chelators such as o-phenanthroline, alpha,alpha'-dipyridyl and EDTA. When inhibited by 8-OHQ, AOX activity is fully restored upon addition of 1.2 mM ferric iron, but neither ferrous iron nor manganese has any effect, whilst zinc decreases activity even further. Furthermore, we have developed a spectrophotometric assay to measure AOX activity in an accurate manner, which will facilitate future steady state and transient kinetic studies. The reliability of this assay is evidenced by retained stability of AOX protein during the course of the reaction, reproducibility of the measured initial rates, an observed 2:1 duroquinol-oxygen stoichiometry and by the fact that, in absolute terms, the measured rates of duroquinone formation and duroquinol disappearance are identical. (+info)Pollen-wall formation in Arum alpinum. (4/11)
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Arum alpinum has a quite uncommon pollen wall. A sporopolleninous ektexine is missing. The outermost pollen wall layer is formed by the endexine which is covered by polysaccharidic ornamentation elements. An ontogenetical investigation was accomplished to clarify pollen-wall development, with special reference to callose and pollen-wall development. METHODS: Plants of Arum alpinum grown in their natural habitat were collected once a week within the vegetative period and processed for semi- and ultra-thin sectioning. KEY RESULTS: At any stage of pollen-wall formation callose is missing. Microspores are released from the tetrad by invagination of the amoeboid tapetum. The polysaccharidic wall ornamentations are formed by the tapetum. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no truth in the dogma that callose is essential for microspore separation and release from the tetrad. The lack of callose does not influence fertility but could be the reason for the uncommon pollen wall, where a sporopolleninous ektexine is missing. (+info)A novel functional element in the N-terminal region of Arum concinnatum alternative oxidase is indispensable for catalytic activity of the enzyme in HeLa cells. (5/11)
(+info)Endothermy of dynastine scarab beetles (Cyclocephala colasi) associated with pollination biology of a thermogenic arum lily (Philodendron solimoesense). (6/11)
(+info)A deceptive pollination system targeting drosophilids through olfactory mimicry of yeast. (7/11)
(+info)Chemosensory ecology: deceiving Drosophila. (8/11)
(+info)"Arum" is a genus name that refers to a group of flowering plants in the family Araceae. These plants are commonly known as calla lilies, jack-in-the-pulpit, and wild arums. Some species of Arum contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and pain if ingested or come into contact with skin or mucous membranes.
It is worth noting that "Arum" is not a medical term per se, but rather a scientific name for a group of plants. However, it is possible to have an allergic reaction or other adverse effects from exposure to these plants, so it is important to be aware of their potential hazards if you come into contact with them.
Araceae is a family of flowering plants, also known as the arum or aroid family. It includes a diverse range of species, such as calla lilies, peace lilies, and jack-in-the-pulpit. These plants are characterized by their unique inflorescence structure, which consists of a specialized leaf-like structure called a spathe that surrounds and protects a spike-like structure called a spadix, where the flowers are located.
The flowers of Araceae plants are often small and inconspicuous, and may be surrounded by showy bracts or modified leaves. Many species in this family produce attractive berries or fruits that contain seeds. Some members of Araceae contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes if handled improperly.
Araceae plants are found worldwide, with a majority of species occurring in tropical regions. They are grown for their ornamental value, as well as for their edible fruits and tubers. Some species have medicinal uses, while others are invasive and can cause ecological damage in certain areas.
'Zantedeschia' is not a medical term. It is the botanical name of a genus of flowering plants, commonly known as Calla Lilies or Arum Lilies. These plants belong to the family Araceae and are native to southern Africa. They have large, funnel-shaped flowers that come in various colors such as white, yellow, pink, red, and purple. While Zantedeschia species have been used in traditional medicine for treating ailments like wounds, burns, and skin conditions, the term itself is not a medical definition.
Propyl Gallate is a synthetic antioxidant used in the preservation of fats and oils, as well as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Its chemical formula is C10H12O3, and it is structurally similar to other gallates such as octyl gallate and dodecyl gallate. Propyl Gallate works by scavenging free radicals and preventing the oxidation of lipids, thereby increasing the shelf life of products. It has been approved for use in food by regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), but its use is restricted to certain levels due to potential health concerns. Some studies have suggested that propyl gallate may have hormonal effects, genotoxicity, and carcinogenic potential, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
"Amorphophallus" is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae, also known as the aroid family. These plants are native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. They are characterized by their large, distinctive inflorescences, which are often accompanied by a strong, unpleasant odor that attracts pollinators such as flies and beetles.
The name "Amorphophallus" comes from the Greek words "amorphos," meaning formless, and "phallos," meaning penis, and refers to the shape of the inflorescence in some species. The most well-known species is Amorphophallus titanum, also known as the corpse flower, which produces one of the largest and smelliest inflorescences in the plant kingdom.
In addition to their unusual inflorescences, many species of Amorphophallus are also grown for their large, starchy tubers, which are used as a food source in some cultures.