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Topic Review
Himalayan Sources of Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins, the colored water-soluble pigments, have increasingly drawn the attention of researchers for their novel applications. The sources of anthocyanin are highly diverse, and it can be easily extracted. The unique biodiversity of the Himalayan Mountain range is an excellent source of anthocyanin, but it is not completely explored. Numerous attempts have been made to study the phytochemical aspects of different Himalayan plants. In this entry, some Himalayan sources of anthocyanins have been described to create a path for further research and sustainable utilization. 
  • 1.2K
  • 21 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Sulfotransferase (SOT) Gene Family in Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Various kinds of primary metabolisms in plants are modulated through sulfate metabolism, and sulfotransferases (SOTs), which are engaged in sulfur metabolism, catalyze sulfonation reactions. In this study, a genome-wide approach was utilized for the recognition and characterization of SOT family genes in the significant nutritional crop potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Twenty-nine putative StSOT genes were identified in the potato genome and were mapped onto the nine S. tuberosum chromosomes. The protein motifs structure revealed two highly conserved 5′-phosphosulfate-binding (5′ PSB) regions and a 3′-phosphate-binding (3′ PB) motif that are essential for sulfotransferase activities. The protein–protein interaction networks also revealed an interesting interaction between SOTs and other proteins, such as PRTase, APS-kinase, protein phosphatase, and APRs, involved in sulfur compound biosynthesis and the regulation of flavonoid and brassinosteroid metabolic processes. This suggests the importance of sulfotransferases for proper potato growth and development and stress responses. Notably, homology modeling of StSOT proteins and docking analysis of their ligand-binding sites revealed the presence of proline, glycine, serine, and lysine in their active sites. An expression essay of StSOT genes via potato RNA-Seq data suggested engagement of these gene family members in plants’ growth and extension and responses to various hormones and biotic or abiotic stimuli. Our predictions may be informative for the functional characterization of the SOT genes in potato and other nutritional crops.
  • 1.2K
  • 13 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Legume Nodule Senescence
Delaying the nodule senescence of legume crops can prolong the time of nitrogen fixation and attenuate the lack of fertilizer in the later stage of legume crop cultivation, resulting in improved crop yield and reduced usage of nitrogen fertilizer. 
  • 1.2K
  • 16 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Essential Oil from Korean Native Thyme Bak-Ri-Hyang
Thymus quinquecostatus Celak. (Korean name: bak-ri-hyang) is an important medicinal and aromatic herb in Korea, which is named for the spread of its fragrance over a distance of approximately 40 km. In traditional Korean systems of medicine, T. quinquecostatus has been used to treat cancer, constipation, hepatic disease, arteriosclerosis, poor circulation in women, constipation, and menstrual irregularities. 
  • 1.2K
  • 20 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Plant Immunity
In the plant immune system, according to the ‘gene-for-gene’ model, a resistance (R) gene product in the plant specifically surveils a corresponding effector protein functioning as an avirulence (Avr) gene product.
  • 1.2K
  • 02 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Anthropogenic Disturbance on Vegetation Dynamics
Irresponsible human interventions, encroachment of natural habitats, and climate change negatively affect wildlife. In this study, the effects of human influence on Wadi Hagul, an unprotected area in the north of the Egyptian Eastern Desert that has recently been subjected to blatant encroachments of vegetation, were studied. The most important of these threats is the construction of the new road Al-Galala–Wadi Hagul–Zafarana. In Wadi Hagul, 80 species are reported in this study; the most represented plant families are Asteraceae (15 species) and Brassicaceae (6 species). Perennial, chamaephyte and Saharo-Arabian species were recorded in the highest percentage. Detrended canonical correspondence analysis showed that latitude, longitude, altitude, silt, sand contents, pH, and CO32− content are the factors that have the highest effect on vegetation distribution in the studied stands. Several invasive and alien species such as Euphorbia prostrata have been listed; these species typically have a negative effect on native species. The Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) indicated a decrease in plant cover during the study period, as compared to previous years. In 2013 and 2020, SAVI ranged from −0.02 to 0.42 and from −0.18 to 0.28, respectively. Recently, the violation and destruction of wildlife have increased, therefore, preserving it along with general biodiversity has become an urgent necessity.
  • 1.2K
  • 15 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Na+ Uptake and Accumulation under Salt Stress
High concentrations of sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl−), calcium (Ca2+), and sulphate (SO42−) are frequently found in saline soils. Crop plants cannot successfully develop and produce because salt stress impairs the uptake of Ca2+, potassium (K+), and water into plant cells. Different intracellular and extracellular ionic concentrations change with salinity, including those of Ca2+, K+, and protons. These cations serve as stress signaling molecules in addition to being essential for ionic homeostasis and nutrition. Maintaining an appropriate K+:Na+ ratio is one crucial plant mechanism for salt tolerance, which is a complicated trait. 
  • 1.2K
  • 09 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are the most abundant and ubiquitous secondary metabolites present in the plant kingdom with more than 8000 phenolic structures currently known. These compounds play an important role in plant growth and reproduction, providing protection against biotic and abiotic stress such as pathogen and insect attack, ultra violet (UV) radiation and wounding.
  • 1.2K
  • 04 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Acquisition of Brassica Yellows Virus
Brassica yellows virus (BrYV) is a tentative species of the genus Polerovirus, which occurs widely, and mostly damages Brassicaceae plants in East Asia. Because BrYV cannot be transmitted mechanically, an insect-based transmission method is required for further virus research. Here, a reliable and unrestricted method is described, in which non-viruliferous aphids (Myzus persicae) acquired BrYV from transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana, harboring the full-length viral genome germinated from seeds and its frozen leaves. The aphids then transmitted the virus to healthy plants. There was no significant difference in acquisition rates between fresh and frozen infected leaves, although the transmission rate from frozen infected leaves was lower compared to fresh infected leaves. This simple novel method may be used to preserve viral inocula, evaluate host varietal resistance to BrYV, and investigate interactions among BrYV, aphids, and hosts. 
  • 1.2K
  • 03 Oct 2021
Topic Review
The Conservation Physiology of Bryophytes
Conservation physiology is a rather new scientific discipline emerging over the last several decades with the aim of solving the conservation problems of different biological entities. This is an integrative approach applying physiological concepts and tools to gain new knowledge about the features of those targeted biological entities which are the subject of conservation.
  • 1.2K
  • 16 May 2022
Topic Review
Ground Level Isoprenoid Exchanges
The emissions of isoprenoids, a kind of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), from soils is not well characterized. We quantified the exchange of isoprenoids between soil with litter and atmosphere along a horizontal gradient from the trunks of the trees, in a Mediterranean Pinus pinea plantation with dry and green needle litter to open herbaceous turf during mornings at mid-summer. Further, potential associated drivers were identified. Isoprenoid emissions were greatest and most diverse, and also can be roughly estimated by litter dry weight near the trunk, where the needle litter was denser. The composition of emitted isoprenoid by needle litter was different than the composition previously described for green needles. Low exchange rates of isoprenoids were recorded in open turf. Isoprenoid exchange rates were correlated positively with soil temperature and negatively with soil moisture. Given the variations in ground emissions with soil, vegetation, microorganisms, and associated interactions, we recommend widespread extensive spatio-temporal analysis of ground level BVOC exchanges in the different ecosystem types.
  • 1.2K
  • 07 Aug 2020
Topic Review
Wheat Omics
Plant omics, including genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics, have played a remarkable role in discovering new genes and biomolecules that can be deployed for crop improvement. In wheat, great insights have been gleaned from the utilization of diverse omics approaches for both qualitative and quantitative traits. Especially, a combination of omics approaches has led to significant advances in gene discovery and pathway investigations and in deciphering the essential components of stress responses and yields.
  • 1.2K
  • 23 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Plant Defense Mechanisms against Drought Stress
Drought, the most significant environmental stressor, severely limits plant growth and development and significantly reduces crop production. Drought stress responses vary among plants, allowing them to withstand and survive adverse conditions. Plants resist drought by maintaining signaling pathways, such as the abscisic acid pathway, and activating unusual proteins, such as dehydrins.
  • 1.2K
  • 23 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Plant Extracts for Cachexia
A natural product is a chemical compound or substance produced by a living organism—that is, found in nature. Sequela is a result or condition that follows from a disease or illness Cachexia is a condition that causes extreme weight loss and muscle wasting. It is a symptom of many chronic conditions, such as cancer, chronic renal failure, HIV, and multiple sclerosis.
  • 1.2K
  • 16 Sep 2020
Topic Review
Helichrysum Mill
The genus Helichrysum Mill comprises hundreds of species that are mostly flowering perennial shrubs. Some of these plants that belong to the Helichrysum species are used in traditional medicine to treat cough, back pain, diabetes, asthma, digestive problems, menstrual pain, chest pain, kidney disorders, skin disorders, wounds, open sores, among other conditions, but, only a few scientific studies are reported in the literature with sufficient information that validates the acclaimed folkloric benefits of these plants. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, anti-proliferative, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-HIV, anti-malarial, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-tyrosinase, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities are reported of selected Helichrysum species of interest: H. petiolare, H. cymocum, H. foetidum, and H. pandurifolium Schrank, using scientific databases as well as electronic and print sources.
  • 1.2K
  • 13 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Emerging Threat of Microplastic Pollution to Terrestrial Plants
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous and constitute a global hazard to the environment because of their robustness, resilience, and long-term presence in the ecosystem.
  • 1.2K
  • 14 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Regulatory Role of Circadian Clocks under Water-Deficit Conditions
Plants undergo diurnal oscillations that are generated and maintained by an endogenous system known as the circadian clock. The circadian system is a complex, inter-connected, and reciprocally regulated network. The core oscillator consists of many coupled feedback loops in plants. Circadian rhythms are governed by a molecular clock system that synchronizes plant function with daily light and temperature cycles to maintain homeostasis, and the efficient functioning of plants depends on the proper operation of the circadian clock system. In fact, many plant processes follow a rhythmic sinusoidal pattern over the course of a 24 h period, in perfect sync with the diurnal cycle. These oscillations persist in the absence of environmental stimuli (under continuous light and constant temperature), and can be sustained for several weeks.
  • 1.2K
  • 15 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Gravi-Sensitivity of Bryophytes Ontogenesis
Gravi-morphoses affect the variability of plants and are the morphogenetic adaptation to different environmental conditions. Gravity-dependent phenotypic plasticity of gametophytes as well as gravi-sensitivity of moss protonemata in microgravity and simulated microgravity conditions are discussed. Attention is focused on the influence of gravity on bryophyte ontogenesis, including the gravitropic reactivity of moss protonemata, gravi-sensitivity at the stage of leafy shoot development and sporogonium formation, gravity-influenced morphogenesis of apical cell budding, and gravity-dependent spiral growth patterns.
  • 1.2K
  • 15 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Microalgae Cultivated under Magnetic Field Action
Microalgae and cyanobacteria include procaryotic and eucaryotic photosynthetic micro-organisms that produce biomass rich in biomolecules with a high value. Some examples of these biomolecules are proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, pigments, antioxidants, and vitamins. Microalgae are also considered a good source of biofuel feedstock. The microalga-based biorefinery approach should be used to promote the sustainability of biomass generation since microalga biomass production can be performed and integrated into a circular bioeconomy structure. To include an environmentally sustainable approach with microalga cultures, it is necessary to develop alternative ways to produce biomass at a low cost, reducing pollution and improving biomass development. Different strategies are being used to achieve more productivity in cultivation, such as magnets in cultures. Magnetic forces can alter microalga metabolism, and this field of study is promising and innovative, remains an unexplored area.
  • 1.2K
  • 17 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Custard Apple (Annona squamosa L.)
Annona squamosa L. (custard apple) belongs to the family Annonaceae and is an important tropical fruit cultivated in the West Indies, South and Central America, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, India, Mexico, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Egypt. Leaves of custard apple plants have been studied for their health benefits, which are attributed to a considerable diversity of phytochemicals. These compounds include phenol-based compounds, e.g., proanthocyanidins, comprising 18 different phenolic compounds, mainly alkaloids and flavonoids. Extracts from Annona squamosa leaves (ASLs) have been studied for their biological activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiobesity, lipid-lowering, and hepatoprotective functions.
  • 1.2K
  • 05 May 2021
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