INTRODUCTIONRNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful method for determining the role of specific genes during Drosophila embryogenesis. This protocol describes a technique by which Drosophila embryos can be injected with dsRNA in order to disrupt targeted gene function. The approach is straightforward, utilizing improved methods for injecting the dsRNA directly through the chorion of the embryo. T...

Desiccation tolerance allows plant seeds to remain viable in a dry state for years and even centuries. To reveal potential evolutionary processes of this trait, we have conducted a shotgun proteomic analysis of isolated embryo and endosperm from mature seeds of Amborella trichopoda, an understory shrub endemic to New Caledonia that is considered to be the basal extant angiosperm. The present an...

In many but not all recalcitrant Quercus seeds, water loss during drying only occurs through the scar. Consequently, embryo axis sitting on opposite side of scar is well protected from desiccation. However, whether such a mechanism common throughout Fagaceae species unexplored. Similarly, little known about desiccation response other genera. Germination and tolerance Castanopsis sclerophylla (L...

Mechanisms controlling germination of > 2600 Arecaceae species adapted to the tropical forests are not clearly understood. This contribution underpins notion that coexistence dormancy and desiccation sensitivity in some could significantly affect ecology. Although evolutionary ecological significance behind this occurrence is unknown, these traits together limit from inappropriate depths allow ...

Carica papaya (papaya) seed germinate readily fresh from the fruit, but desiccation induces a dormant state. Dormancy can be released by exposure of the hydrated seed to a pulse of elevated temperature, typical of that encountered in its tropical habitat. Carica papaya is one of only a few species known to germinate in response to heat shock (HS) and we know little of the mechanisms that contro...

Protoplasts were isolated from pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) embryonic axes during and after germination to determine whether the loss of desiccation tolerance in the embryos also occurs in the protoplasts. At all times studied, protoplast survival decreased as water content decreased; however, the sensitivity to dehydration was less when the protoplasts were isolated from embryos that were...

In this study it is shown that at least 10% of the major storage product of developing embryos of Brassica napus (L.), triacylglycerol, is lost during the desiccation phase of seed development. The metabolism of this lipid was studied by measurements of the fate of label from [1-(14)C]decanoate supplied to isolated embryos, and by measurements of the activities of enzymes of fatty acid cataboli...

Chemical defoliation of seed corn production fields accelerates maturation and desiccation expedites harvest. Early harvest is important to minimize the risk frost damage while in field. This newly adopted practice also allows companies plan manage dryer space more efficiently. However, premature may interfere with migration oil bodies within embryo cells during affect germination vigor. The ob...