Imbibed Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seeds are encapsulated by mucilage that is formed of hydrated polysaccharides released from seed coat epidermal cells. The mucilage is structured with water-soluble and adherent layers, with cellulose present uniquely in an inner domain of the latter. Using a reverse-genetic approach to identify the cellulose synthases (CESAs) that produce mucilage cel...

The mucilage envelope of seeds has various functions including the provision of different ways for the dispersal of diaspores. Chemical composition and water content of the mucilage yield particular adhesive and frictional properties in the envelope that also influence the dispersal of seeds. To determine the physical properties of Plantago lanceolata seed mucilage we studied (1) composition, (...

Opuntia ficus-indica, commonly referred to as prickly pear or nopal cactus, is a dicotyledonous angiosperm plant. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is characterized by its remarkable adaptation to arid and semi-arid climates in tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. In the last decade, compelling evidence for the nutritional and health benefit potential of this cactus has been prov...

Exposure to TEX-OE®, a patented extract of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) containing chaperone-stimulating factor, was shown to protect common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., fingerlings against acute ammonia stress. Survival was enhanced twofold from 50% to 95% after exposure to 5.92 mg L(-1) NH(3) , a level determined in the ammonia challenge bioassay as the 1-h LD50 concentration f...

Climate-resilient and highly water-use efficient crops are needed to meet the future food, feed, fiber, fuel demands of a growing human population. Cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) productive yet have crop water that approximately 20% traditional due their ability perform crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). In first long-term field trial Opuntia for bioenergy in United States, aboveground biomass (cl...

The analysis of publications is devoted to the problem treatment and prevention gastroesophageal reflux disease with use cytoprotectors. Special attention paid Gastrotop, new complex plant origin. Gastrotop (Еrвоzета S.p.A, San Marino) a medication cytoprotective action, containing Mucosave CG, standardized polysaccharides from stems Indian prickly pear (Opuntia ficus‑indica, 33.5%), leaves Eur...

BACKGROUND The cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear cactus) have a low protein content; for use as a balanced feed, supplementation with other protein sources is therefore desirable. We investigated protein enrichment by cultivation of the yeasts Candida utilis and Kluyveromyces marxianus in an enzymatic hydrolysate of the cladode biomass. RESULTS Dilute acid pretreatment and enzyma...