The genetic variation in all known populations of an endangered Australian native terrestrial orchid Pterostylis gibbosa R.Br., was investigated with starch gel electrophoresis. A total of 16 isozyme loci were assayed. The percentage of polymorphic loci (P), the number of alleles per locus (A), observed and expected heterozygosity at population levels were 69%, 2.21, 0.210, 0.261, respectively....

Mediterranean orchids of the subtribe Orchidinae are highly diverse and display a range of fascinating pollination strategies. Based on observations that orchid-pollinator relationships are often highly specialized and species specific, Darwin and others have argued that selection for different pollinators has been the driving force behind the evolutionary diversification of orchids. This may b...

Protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of Brassidium Shooting Star orchid were successfully cryopreserved using droplet-vitrification method. Vitrification based cryopreservation protocol is comprised of preculture, osmoprotection, cryoprotection, cooling, rewarming, and growth recovery and each and every step contributes to the achievement of successful cryopreservation. In order to reveal the lethal an...

Few methods are available for mapping the local structure of DNA throughout a genome. The hydroxyl radical cleavage pattern is a measure of the local variation in solvent-accessible surface area of duplex DNA, and thus provides information on the local shape and structure of DNA. We report the construction of a relational database, ORChID (OH Radical Cleavage Intensity Database), that contains ...

The mitochondrial ribosomal large subunit (Ls) DNA was used to identify the orchid mycorrhizal fungi found in roots of Dactylorhiza majalis. The gene was amplified using DNA extracted from single pelotons obtained from fresh and silica gel dried roots. Furthermore, sequencing a variety of well-characterized orchid isolates expanded the fungal database of the mitochondrial ribosomal LsDNA. Polym...

Ants are one of the most successful and widespread organisms in the world. Although ants of the genus Pachycondyla (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae) are predominantly tropical in distribution, Pachycondyla chinensis (Emery) is especially abundant in temperate zones in Asia. Recently, P. chinensis has also become an abundant invasive ant species in the United States. However, it was well-know...

With less than four years to reach the elimination target for trachoma, we need to tackle this preventable disease head-on. Through the powerful unity of the Alliance for GET2020, there is global commitment to eliminating a disease that has existed for thousands of years. According to data released in April, around 200 million people are at risk of trachoma, 1.2 million people are blind and 3.6...

BACKGROUND Trachoma is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa and is mainly associated with poor water accessibility. However, these associations have never been demonstrated in some of the communities, especially in northern Tanzania. To cover that gap, the present case control study was conducted to assess the association of water related factors, general hygiene and active trachoma among p...

The Yanomami are one of the last primitive groups of Indians living in Brazil. They have almost no contact with other cultures. The epidemiology of eye disease among Yanomami is virtually unknown. For the first time, a trachoma survey was conducted among Yanomami Indians in the State of Amazonas near the Venezuelan border of the Brazilian rain forest. Ophthalmic examination was carried out on a...

correspond in every way to the 'typical' form; they differ, however, in their action on some of the other carbohydrates. Much controversy has arisen as to the part played by B. granulosis in the aetiology of trachoma; moreover, other microorganisms have been isolated and put forward as aetiological factors. Again, various authors have maintained that the condition is due to a virus, to diet def...