Cytokinin concentrations were

low during the dark period and increased during the light period. In 48 h experiments using synchronized C. minutissima (MACC 361), half the cultures were maintained in continuous dark conditions for the second photoperiod. Cell division occurred during both dark periods, and cells increased in size during the light periods. Cultures kept in continuous dark did not increase in size following cell division. DNA analysis confirmed these results, with cultures grown in light having increased DNA concentrations prior to cell division, while cultures maintained in continuous dark had less DNA. Cytokinins (cZ and iP derivatives) were detected in all samples with concentrations increasing over the Selleck SAHA HDAC first 24 h. This increase was followed by a large increase, especially during the second light period where cytokinin concentrations increased 4-fold. Cytokinin concentrations did not increase in cultures maintained in continuous dark conditions. In vivo deuterium-labeling technology was used to measure cytokinin biosynthetic rates during the dark and

light periods in C. minutissima with highest biosynthetic rates measured during the light period. These results show that there is a relationship between light, cell division, and cytokinins. “
“Cysts belonging to the benthic dinoflagellate Bysmatrum GSI-IX chemical structure subsalsum were recovered from palynologically treated sediments collected in the Alvarado Lagoon (southwestern Gulf of Mexico). The cysts are proximate, reflecting the features of the parent thecal stage, and their Demeclocycline autofluorescence implies a dinosporin composition similar to the cyst walls of phototrophic species. This finding is important for our understanding of B. subsalsum life cycle transitions and ecology. Encystment may play an important role in the bloom dynamics of this species as it can enable the formation of a sediment cyst bank that allows reinoculation of the water column when conditions become favorable. This is the

first report of a fossilized cyst produced by a benthic dinoflagellate recovered from sub-recent sediments. “
“The cell nucleus harbors a large number of proteins involved in transcription, RNA processing, chromatin remodeling, nuclear signaling, and ribosome assembly. The nuclear genome of the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii P. A. Dang. was recently sequenced, and many genes encoding nuclear proteins, including transcription factors and transcription regulators, have been identified through computational discovery tools. However, elucidating the specific biological roles of nuclear proteins will require support from biochemical and proteomics data. Cellular preparations with enriched nuclei are important to assist in such analyses. Here, we describe a simple protocol for the isolation of nuclei from Chlamydomonas, based on a commercially available kit.