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One male gametophyte clone (designated as M23) of I U. pinnatifida i , which was established from one zoospore originating from a cultivated mature sporophyte ([25]) in Dalian, China, was used for genome sequencing (Figure 1A). A draft genome of 616.6 Mb which consisted of 807 contigs was obtained, with an N50 length of 1.8 Mb. The full-length transcriptome, which was obtained from a pooled sample of gametophytes and sporophytes of I U. pinnatifida i in our previous study (unpublished data), were used to predict the open reading frames (ORFs) with PASA v2.0.2. Novel means for variety breeding and sporeling production in the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida (Phaeophyceae): crossing female gametophytes from parthenosporophytes with male gametophyte clones. [Extracted from the article]

Highlights • Different location and seaweed species produce fucoidan with different structure. • The structure of fucoidan from New Zealand Undaria pinnatifida was characterised. • It had a fucose–galactose backbone linked via 1,3 glycosidic bonds. • Sulfation occurred at C2 and C4 positions of the fucoidan backbone. • It exhibited strong antioxidant activity and potential as functional ingredient. Abstract Fucoidan from brown seaweed species, Undaria pinnatifida , has numerous bioactive properties such as antioxidant and anticancer activities. The objective of this research was to quantify the chemical composition of fucoidan isolated from U. pinnatifida harvested in New Zealand and to determine its molecular structure and antioxidant capacity. Crude fucoidan (F crude) and purified fucoidan with molecular weight cut off (MWCO) of 300 kDa (F 300) were compared against a fucoidan standard (F Std). F Std contained significantly higher sulfate content as compared to F crude and F 300. Based on FTIR and 2D HSQC analysis, it was proposed that the purified fucoidan was composed of an alternating fucose–galactose backbone linked together via 1,3 glycosidic bonds with sulfation at C2 and C4 positions. Fucoidan samples from New Zealand exhibited secondary antioxidant capacity close to that of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), with low-molecular-weight fucoidan had significantly higher capacity than that of BHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If ever there were 'charismatic megaflora' of the sea, the Laminariales (kelp) would undoubtedly meet that designation. From the Northeast Pacific kelp forests to the less diverse, but nonetheless dense, kelp beds ranging from the Arctic to the cold temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere, kelp provide habitat structure and food for a variety of productive marine systems. Consequently, kelp are well represented in the literature, however, understanding their evolution has proven challenging. We used a 152-gene phylogenomics approach to better resolve the phylogeny of the 'derived' kelp families (viz., Agaraceae, Alariaceae, Laminariaceae, and Lessoniaceae). The formerly unresolved Egregia menziesii firmly joined a significantly expanded Arthrothamnaceae including Arthrothamnus, Cymathaere, Ecklonia, Macrocystis, Nereocystis, Pelagophycus, Postelsia, Pseudolessonia, Saccharina, and Streptophyllopsis, which rendered both the Laminariaceae and Lessoniaceae monogeneric. A published eight-gene alignment, the most marker-rich prior to this study, was expanded and analyzed to facilitate inclusion of Aureophycus. Although the topology was unchanged at the family level between the transcriptome data set relative to eight-gene analyses, the superior resolving power of the former was clearly established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the formation of gametophytes and the early stages of the development of sporophytes in the kelp seaweed Alaria angusta from Kamchatka. To establish laboratory cultures we used zoospores obtained from A. angusta sporophytes collected on October 29, 2014. The gametophytes were grown under different conditions: at 6-7°С and natural light and at 10°С and illumination with cool white fluorescent bulbs, 30 μmol photon m s, 12: 12 h L: D cycle. In the first case (natural light, 6-7°С), the vegetative growth of male and female gametophytes lasted for more than 4 months; maturation of sexual products occurred 144 days after germination of the embryospores. In the second case (artificial light, 10°С), rapid development of the gametophytes occurred; the first juvenile sporophytes appeared on the 10th day after the zoospores settled onto the substrate. Our data contribute to understanding of the regulatory effect of temperature and light on the peculiarities of species vegetation in the natural environment and formation of the age structure of the species population, one particular feature of this process is the continuous appearance of juvenile sporophytes in the warm period of the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining which factors contribute to the establishment and spread of an introduced species is a challenge with substantial management implications, especially when that species is found associated with another introduced species. Here, we report for the first time the presence of two introduced species, the macroalga Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar, 1873 and the clubbed tunicate Styela clava (Herdman, 1881), in San Antonio Bay (northern Patagonia), where apparent facilitation by the tunicate may be contributing to the establishment of the algae. Because S. clava is an ecosystem engineer and acts as a facilitator for the settlement (and further growth) of other species, it may create habitats that are more suitable for U. pinnatifida invasion at locations not yet colonized by the algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA barcoding was used to investigate dietary habits and prey selection in members of the African-endemic family Distichodontidae noteworthy for displaying highly specialized ectoparasitic fin-eating behaviors (pterygophagy). Fin fragments recovered from the stomachs of representatives of three putatively pterygophagous distichodontid genera ( Phago, Eugnathichthys, and Ichthyborus) were sequenced for the mitochondrial gene co1. DNA barcodes ( co1 sequences) were then used to identify prey items in order to determine whether pterygophagous distichodontids are opportunistic generalists or strict specialists with regard to prey selection and, whether as previously proposed, aggressive mimicry is used as a strategy for successful pterygophagy. Our findings do not support the hypothesis of aggressive mimicry suggesting instead that, despite the possession of highly specialized trophic anatomies, fin-eating distichodontids are opportunistic generalists, preying on fishes from a wide phylogenetic spectrum and to the extent of engaging in cannibalism. This study demonstrates how DNA barcoding can be used to shed light on evolutionary and ecological aspects of highly specialized ectoparasitic fin-eating behaviors by enabling the identification of prey species from small pieces of fins found in fish stomachs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wakame, Undaria pinnatifida, is one of the most popular seaweeds used for human consumption in the world. Wakame quality is mainly valued on the basis of its morphological features. Continual inbreeding and directional selection have traditionally been used with economic seaweeds to obtain elite strains with high-quality forms. In this study, we compared the morphological traits of cultured sporophytes originating from wild and selected strains of U. pinnatifida in Galicia ( NW Spain). Seedlings (young sporophytes) of the two strains were cultured at a sheltered site in a coastal bay of Galicia under the same environmental conditions. Sixteen different morphological measurements were taken on cultured sporophytes. We found that the sporophytes of both wild and selected strains were significantly similar in all studied morphological characters. These results suggest that the morphology of cultured strains of U. pinnatifida from Galicia is due to environmental conditions and that specific morphological traits are dependent on the cultivation environment. Consequently, the morphological traits of Galician U. pinnatifida populations are not an important factor in selective breeding for enhanced wakame quality, and hence, for the establishment of a germplasm bank (e.g., gametophyte stocks). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian kelp Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar 1873 was found for the first time in Belfast Lough, Northern Ireland during 2012 and was probably established in 2013. This currently is the most northern locality in Europe. The recent expansion around Britain is likely to continue with further colonisation in Ireland and extension to Scotland. Conditions are suitable for colonisation of Celtic, North and perhaps Norwegian Sea coasts, where it is likely to become an important fouling organism on marinas, aquaculture equipment, and other structures. Its preponderance on marina and other pontoons suggests artificial structures are its preferred initial sites of colonisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In aquatic ecosystems, the stable nitrogen isotope ratio (δN) of wakame is affected by the δN of its nitrogen source. Thus, the δN of wakame is thought to differ between those grown in different aquatic ecosystems. To confirm the authenticity of the geographic origin of Naruto dried wakame (DW), we conducted δN analysis. The δN (mean ± σ) of Naruto DW model samples ( n = 72) was 11.1 ± 1.9 ‰. The δN confidence range of Naruto DW from the model was 5.3-16.9 ‰ (mean ± 3 σ). The δN values of the DW model of Chinese ( n = 23) and South Korean origin ( n = 22) were 4.2 ± 1.4 and 1.6 ± 2.3 ‰, respectively. Within the δN confidence range of Naruto DW, two model samples of Chinese DW and one model sample of South Korean DW were found. From those results, DW of Naruto origin was able to be distinguished from DWs of the Chinese and the South Korean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Eleven species of the genus Diaparsis, including two unidentified species, are recorded from South Korea. One new species, D. koreana Khalaim, et al., sp. nov., is described, and six species, D. carinifer (Thomson), D. convexa Khalaim, D. egregia Khalaim, D. hyperae Kusigemati, D. jucunda (Holmgren) and D. neoplicator Khalaim, are recorded from this country for the first time. Diaparsis hyperae and D. pulchra are the most abundant species of the genus in the Korean fauna. A key to eleven species of Diaparsis occurring in South Korea is provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The lipid compositions from four alga species of the family Laminariaceae and one species of the family Alariaceae in addition to the antimicrobial and hemolytic activity of the lipids and pigments from these algae were studied. Total lipids (TL) from the Laminariaceae algae, in contrast with those from the Alariaceae alga, were more active against microorganisms and exhibited greater hemolytic activity. Separate lipid classes and their fractions isolated from the less active Alariaceae alga suppressed the growth of microorganisms and caused hemolysis of erythrocytes. The lipid fatty acids affected the manifestation of biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar 1873 is native to Northern Asia and has become well established in the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Europe, New Zealand, Tasmania, Australia, Pacific coasts of United States and Mexico and Patagonia Argentina. On the 13th of September of 2011 sporophytes of U. pinnatifida were found growing from the subtidal-intertidal limit to 4.5 m depth in Mar del Plata. This contribution brings the first Undaria pinnatifida report in Mar del Plata and extends 1300 km the northern distribution limit of this kelp in Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on importance and distribution of Alaria alata in the wild boars of eastern France. The A. alata's life cycle is considered as complex as it involves several hosts and tissue locations like the adult A. alata being classified as an intestinal parasite of canids including Red Fox, Wolf and Raccoon Dog. Identification of the presence of A. alata was first registered in 2004 from wild boars in Aube department and an increase in infected carcasses was seen from 2007-2009 in eight departments from East of France. The authors conclude that European A. alata species still poses potential risk for food safety.

Spatial and temporal patterns of growth, erosion, productivity, and morphology of the dominant habitat-forming kelp Ecklonia radiata (C. Agardh) J. Agardh were studied bimonthly over 1.5 years in a southern New Zealand fjord characterized by strong gradients in light and wave exposure. Spatial differences in growth were observed with rates at two outer coast, high-light, wave-exposed sites reaching 0.42 and 0.45 cm · d, respectively, compared to 0.27 cm · d at an inner, more homogeneous site. Sporophyte productivity was similar among sites, although population productivity was greater at the outer sites due to population density being 5-fold greater than at the inner site. It was expected that the inner site would have no pronounced seasonal pattern in growth and productivity due to its homogeneity; however, all three sites displayed maximum rates in late winter/spring and minimal in autumn. Growth rates were 2-fold greater during the first growth period than the following year. This discrepancy was not correlated to inorganic nitrogen (N) levels, which remained low year-round (<4 μM), and is likely a result of an interaction between light and temperature, and the photosynthetic capability of E. radiata. Variable pigment content indicated photoacclimation at the inner site. Morphological differences were observed between sites, with E. radiata from the inner site having longer, wider, thinner blades and longer stipes. While E. radiata displayed spatial differences in growth, erosion, productivity, and morphology, populations displayed no temporal differences. These results highlight the need for greater understanding of the mechanisms influencing kelp growth and productivity in a unique marine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For small tube-building amphipods that live on the algae they consume, food and habitat are tightly linked. This study compared two closely related amphipods to determine whether the species’ algal preferences are based on the food value of the algae or on some other aspect of their algal habitat. Ampithoe lacertosa and Peramphithoe humeralis are both abundant on Shannon Point beach (Anacortes, Washington, USA; 48°30.542′ N, 122°41.070′ W) but specialize on different algae. In observations and laboratory experiments conducted July–September 1997, 2007, and 2008, the two species exhibited markedly different choices of food and habitat when offered six common macroalgae. Ampithoe lacertosa ate all algae offered, but preferentially built tubes on the green alga Ulva lactuca. Survival was relatively low among juveniles maintained on single species diets, except when they were fed Mazzaella splendens. Conversely, P. humeralis consumed primarily the brown kelp Saccharina latissima, Alaria marginata, and Desmarestia ligulata and preferred those species for tube building. Juvenile P. humeralis could not survive on a diet of U. lactuca or M. splendens. While A. lacertosa builds simple, temporary tubes and relocates frequently, P. humeralis is a highly thigmotactic species that builds long-term, complex tubes on the alga it prefers to eat. Feeding and habitat preferences of the two species were not clearly linked to nitrogen content of the algae, C:N ratio, or toughness of the algal tissue. Instead, preferences of the species may be related to their mobility and the permanence of the tubes they build. Ampithoe lacertosa and P. humeralis also use different feeding strategies; the former appears to mix algae to produce a high-quality diet, while the latter is more selective and has a capacity for compensatory feeding. The species are abundant on the same protected rocky shores, but specialize on different algae for habitat and food. Results suggest that the nutritional requirements of these sympatric mesograzers differ considerably and even closely related species can exhibit divergent behavioral strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In our consecutive research on an anti-AD remedy derived from maritime plants, the BACE1 inhibitory activities of Eisenia bicyclis and its isolated phlorotannins were evaluated. The E. bicyclis extract and its fractions exhibited predominant BACE1 inhibition. With the exception of phloroglucinol (1), all test phlorotannins isolated from the most active EtOAc soluble fraction, showed significant and non-competitive inhibition against BACE1:dioxinodehydroeckol (2, IC50 =5.35μM; K i =8.0); eckol (3, IC50 =12.20μM; K i =13.9); phlorofurofucoeckol-A (4, IC50 =2.13μM; K i =1.3); dieckol (5, IC50 =2.21μM; K i =1.5); triphloroethol A (6, IC50 =11.68μM; K i =12.1); 7-phloroethol (7, IC50 =8.59μM; K i =7.2). In addition, plausible protein–ligand interactions of 3, 4, and 5 were similar and may occur primarily through the TYR132 and THR133 of BACE1 via molecular docking simulations (autodock 4.0 and fred 2.0 programs). As a result, the E. bicyclis extract and the phlorotannins contained therein would clearly have beneficial use in the development of therapeutic and preventive agents for AD and suggest potential guidelines for the design of BACE-selective inhibitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract  Nitrogen content and δ15N (nitrogen stable isotope ratio) were measured in different parts of the sporophyte of Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar from two bays in the northeastern Japan. There were clear differences between the thalli collected in winter and in summer: high nitrogen content and low average δ15N were observed for the thalli collected in winter, while the opposite pattern was found for the thalli from summer. In addition, the pattern of internal δ15N distribution in the thallus changed with season. It is possible that the cause for these seasonal differences in the algae was the seasonal change in environmental conditions, because in winter water is normally rich in nitrogen, while in summer it is poor. U. pinnatifida sporophyte may be useful as an indicator of nitrogen sources in coastal waters, but consideration must be given to the effect of isotope fractionation on δ15N of the plant, especially in winter. Potential may exist for the use of different parts of the thallus to indicate nitrogen sources at different periods, but more investigation is necessary to accomplish this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Temperature is one of the primary factors determining the geographic boundaries of seaweeds. Thus, investigations of how seaweeds cope with temperature stress and what affects their ability for range expansion are particularly important when studying invasive species. In physiological ecology, an established index of thermotolerance is the up-regulation of heat shock genes and subsequent synthesis of heat shock proteins (Hsps). The goal of this study was to examine the up-regulation of the hsp70 gene to assess physiological tolerances of the Eastern Pacific invasive kelp, Undaria pinnatifida, as compared to a potentially competing native kelp, Egregia menziesii. Individuals of both species were collected from six known Undaria invasion sites on the west coast of North America and held in the laboratory for 1–2 weeks for acclimation at 10°C. Samples were then heat shocked at 7 temperatures for 1 h. RNA was extracted, reverse transcribed, and amplified in quantitative PCR reactions to determine relative amounts of hsp70 transcript. Results indicate that the native Egregia may be locally adapted to different thermal regimes across latitude, while the invasive Undaria populations exhibit similar expression profiles across latitude but differ by habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Infection rates of pinhole disease in farmed Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar were examined between November 2002 and April 2003 at an Undaria farm at Wando on the southwestern coast of Korea. The growth stages of U. pinnatifida can be defined as: a growth phase from December to the end of February, and a decay phase from March to April. There was a significant increase in the level of infection with pinhole disease (measured as the number of pinholes per cm2) between December and April (P [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide isolated from an edible brown alga Undaria pinnatifida, was previously shown to be a potent inhibitor of the in vitro replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 is a member of herpes viruses that cause infections ranging from trivial mucosal ulcers to life-threatening disorders in immunocompromised hosts. In the in vivo conditions, the replication of HSV-1 is controlled under the immunoresponse coordinated by both the innate and adaptive immune systems. In the present study, the effects of the fucoidan were examined on in vivo viral replication and the host''s immune defense system. Oral administration of the fucoidan protected mice from infection with HSV-1 as judged from the survival rate and lesion scores. Phagocytic activity of macrophages and B cell blastogenesis in vitro were significantly stimulated by the fucoidan, while no significant change in the release of NO2 − by macrophages was observed. In in vivo studies, oral administration of the fucoidan produced the augmentation of NK activity in HSV-1-infected mice immunosuppressed by 5-fluorouracil treatment. CTL activity in HSV-1-infected mice was also enhanced by oral administration of the fucoidan. The production of neutralizing antibodies in the mice inoculated with HSV-1 was significantly promoted during the oral administration of the fucoidan for 3 weeks. These results suggested that oral intake of the fucoidan might take the protective effects through direct inhibition of viral replication and stimulation of both innate and adaptive immune defense functions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Environmental factors have long been shown to influence species distributions, with range limits often resulting from environmental stressors exceeding organism tolerances. However, these abiotic factors may differentially affect species with multiple life-history stages. Between September 2004 and January 2006, the roles of temperature and nutrient availability in explaining the southern distributions of two understory kelps, Pterygophora californica and Eisenia arborea (Phaeophyceae, Laminariales), were investigated along the coast of California, USA and the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, by limiting either: (a) tissue nitrogen uptake and storage by adult sporophytes during periods of elevated temperature, and/or (b) production of embryonic sporophytes by microscopic gametophytes. Results suggest that while adult sporophytes of both species are tolerant of high temperatures and low nutrients, reproduction by their microscopic stages is not. Specifically, while E. arborea produced embryonic sporophytes at both 12 and 18°C, temperatures commonly observed throughout the southern portion of its range, P. californica produced sporophytes at 12 but not at 18°C. As a result, it appears that the southern distribution of P. californica, which ends in northern Baja California, Mexico, may be limited by temperature acting on its microscopic stages. In contrast, the ability of E. arborea’s microscopic and adult stages to tolerate elevated temperatures allows it to persist in the warmer southern waters of Baja California, as well as to the north along the California coast where both species co-occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Monthly growth and reproduction of Undaria pinnatifida sporophytes were examined over a period of 5 months in a cultivation farm in Korea. A total of 11 characters of Undaria were measured to determine a reliable morphological character representing its growth and reproduction. Plant weight of Undaria sporophytes increased steadily over the experimental period, but it increased in four different ways. Undaria pinnatifida increased body weight by growth in length and width (October–early December), and by growth in width with the thickening of blade and stipe when sporophytes began to be fertile (December–January). In the middle of January, growth in length and width had almost stopped with the maturation of Undaria sporophytes. Finally, the weight of Undaria increased again by growth in width at the end of February. Present results indicate that Undaria sporophytes increase body weight by growth in length and width at different times, and the relationship between reproduction and vegetative growth is exclusive. Plant weight was positively correlated and fitted well with stipe width and blade width. The blade of Undaria was very thin (ca. 254 μm) and breakable by wave action, but its stipe was strong and relatively thick (ca. 8.7 mm). Furthermore, the fertility of U. pinnatifida was fitted better with stipe width than blade width. Thus, we suggest that the stipe width is the most feasible character with which to estimate the growth and reproduction of U. pinnatifida sporophytes in the cultivation farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year numerous ecological, biochemical, and physiological studies are performed using members of the order Laminariales. Despite the fact that kelp are some of the most intensely studied macroalgae in the world, there is significant debate over the classification within and among the three “derived” families, the Alariaceae, Laminariaceae, and Lessoniaceae (ALL). Molecular phylogenies published for the ALL families have generated hypotheses strongly at odds with the current morphological taxonomy; however, conflicting phylogenetic hypotheses and consistently low levels of support realized in all of these studies have resulted in conservative approaches to taxonomic revisions. In order to resolve relationships within this group we have sequenced over 6000 bp from regions in the nuclear, chloroplast, and mitochondrial genomes and included 42 taxa in Bayesian, neighbor-joining, and parsimony analyses. The result is the first comprehensive and well-supported molecular phylogeny for the ALL complex of the Laminariales. We maintain the three recognized families (Alariaceae, Laminariaceae, and Lessoniaceae), but with vastly different compositions, as well as propose the Costariaceae fam. nov. for Agarum, Costaria, Dictyoneurum, and Thalassiophyllum, the only genera in the Laminariales with flattened, occasionally terete, stipes and either a perforate or reticulate blade. In addition, our data strongly support a split of the genus Laminaria. We resurrect the genus Saccharina Stackhouse for the Laminaria clade that does not contain L. digitata (Hudson) J.V. Lamouroux, the type of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Size-based matrix models have been an important analytical tool in the study of populations. Although size can be an important variable in determining demographic parameters such as survivorship, growth, and reproduction, other factors such as genetic variation and access to resources can play key roles. We determined that size was not the only state variable that explained the survivorship, reproduction and future growth of the annual kelp, Alaria nana. A. nana shows persistent differences among individuals in growth (growth autocorrelation) that could be characterized with a negative residual (relatively poor growth) or positive residual (relatively good growth) from the relationship between size and growth. In two separate years of demographic study, we show that, during good growth conditions, growth autocorrelation is relatively strong, while poorer growth conditions associated with the 1997 El Niño event resulted in less consistency among individuals in growth state. To quantitatively describe this population, we used a size based matrix model with an added state to reflect previous growth status. We show that a matrix projection model with growth state better captures the size structure of a natural population of A. nana and the fate of individuals than one that uses only size; Without growth state, a size-based model underestimates the number of individuals that get large and thus the potential growth rate of the population. When we used our model to approximate among-generations pattern, and included a loop analysis algorithm, we found that fast growth to the largest size class contributed greatly to population growth in the relatively good year but that there were not such obvious benefits to getting large in the El Niño year. The size-based model with growth state that we present here is general and applicable to any species where persistent individual differences in performance violate the first-order Markov assumption of stage- or size-based matrix models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article will explore how symbolic and institutional violence shaped students' understandings of themselves within the educational context, and will argue that the creation of critical educational spaces can enable students and teachers to explore and transgress the internal and external influences and violence that shape the learning experience. Bourdieu's construction of symbolic power, violence and the institution will be employed to illustrate the complex and contradictory ways in which schools and their representatives commit egregious acts against students under the guise of benevolence. The article will also illustrate how the development of a critical educational space in a magnet program entitled the 'Becoming Teachers Program' enabled students and teachers to transgress and combat the normative and oppressive relations of the institution as a result of and in response to school violence, and pose some considerations for how we approach teaching for peace and social justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undaria pinnatifida gametophytes were grown in 2.5 l bubble column and airlift reactor at 25 °C and light intensity of 40 μmol m-2 s-1 for 6 days. With aeration at 1 l min-1, the airlift reactor yielded higher growth rate (0.12 mg DW ml-1 d-1) than a bubble column (0.08 mg DW ml-1 d-1). The advantages were related to the more homogeneous fluid dynamic characteristics of the airlift reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the distribution of Undaria (U.) pinnatifida Suringer population in Timaru harbour, New Zealand. Information on the distribution, abundance, size and reproductive status of plants; Variation in size; Influence of life history and ecology of U. pinatifida on the distribution.

This article presents information related to Kombu cultivation in Japan. Kombu is the common Japanese name for the edible species of Laminaria and some closely related genera such as Kjellmaniella, Cymathaere and Arthrothamnus, which all belong to the Laminariales. Kombu has long been a part of the Japanese diet and the Japanese people have a special liking for the seaweed. Although Kombu grows extensively along the coasts of northern Japan, the distribution range of each species is divided into fairly well defined areas.

Alaria grandifolia is recorded from Nova Scotia for the first time and is briefly compared with A. esculenta from this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents observations about the isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in the nuclear genome of brown algae. How kelps are the most abundant algae along rocky coasts; Characteristics of Laminariales; Consideration of how laminariales present a haplodiplophasic, heteromorphic cycle; Alternation of macroscopic sporophytes with microscopic gametophytes; Use of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to construct two partial genomic libraries from the meristematic zone.

We decoded the complete chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequence of the Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida), an important economic macroalga of the family Alariaceae, by using next-generation sequencing technology. The genome consists of 130 336 bp containing a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 4790 bp, which was separated by a large single-copy region and a small single-copy region of 77 821 and 42 934 bp, respectively. The genic regions account for 77.7% of whole cpDNA, and the GC content of the cpDNA was 30.6%. TheU. pinnatifidacpDNA encodes 153 unigenes (129 protein-coding genes, 3 rRNA genes and 21 tRNA genes). There are 1 PCG (rpl33) and 1 tRNA genes (trnL) containing an intron. A phylogenetic analysis of the four complete cpDNA from Phaeophyceae showed thatU. pinnatifidais closely related toSaccharina japonicawith high bootstrap value supported. The complete cpDNA ofU. pinnatifidaprovides essential and important DNA molecular data for further phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis for brown algae. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Undaria pinnatifida is one of the most important economic marine algae and key components of coastal ecosystems. Undaria pinnatifida owns a typical heteromorphic, diplohaplontic life cycle. We present the complete sequence of mitochondrial genome of U. pinnatifida, focusing on genome organization and phylogenetic relationship between different brown algae lineages. The size of U. pinnatifida mitochondrial DNA is 37,402 bp, including 3 rRNAs, 25 tRNAs, 35 proteins, as well as 3 ORFs. No intron is found and most genes are encoded on the H-strand. The phylogenetic trees (BI) constructed on 35 protein-coding genes from 17 species proved that Saccharina has a closer relationship with Laminaria than that with Undaria. The results supported the conclusion that Alariaceae is sister genus to the Laminariaceae. Above researches will facilitate the understanding of evolutionary relationship within brown algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yoon, H. S.1,2, Boo, S M.1 & Bhattacharya, D.2 1Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejon 305-764, Korea; 2Department of Biological Sciences, University of Iowa, 239 Biology Building, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1324, USA Concatenated sequences from the plastid-encoded RuBisCo spacer and nuclear-encoded rDNA ITS region of the Alariaceae, Laminariaceae, and Lessoniaceae as currently recognized were used to determine the phylogeny of the advanced kelps (Phaeophyceae). Our analyses indicate that all taxa currently assigned to the Alariaceae, Laminariaceae, and Lessoniaceae form a well-supported monophyletic lineage. The phylogenetic analyses showed that the kelps form eight independent clades (Egregia, Laminaria, Hedophyllum, Macrocystis, Alaria, Agarum, Ecklonia, and Lessonia) with strong bootstrap support. These clades conform to the tribes of the current morphological classification system of the advanced kelps. The interrelationships among the eight lineages were suggesting a rapid, possible simultaneous radiation in the history of kelps with Egregia likely diverging earliest and being the sister to the other genera. Our analyses also indicate that Kjellmaniella and Laminaria do not form a monophyletic group. We will discuss the evolutionary history of the advanced kelps and provide a new framework for establishing the systematics of these commercially important brown algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "The Genetic Structure of Undaria Species Around Japan," by S. Uwai and colleagues are presented.

In order to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of the familyAlariaceae, we determined the complete sequences of the plastid RuBisCo spacer region for fourteen taxa of the Alariaceae and for two reference species. The RuBisCo spacer sequences showed that the Alariaceae forms two clades: one comprises Alaria, Pterygophora and Undaria, while the other comprises Ecklonia, Eckloniopsis, Eisenia, Egregia and Laminaria. These results favour the narrow concept of the Alariaceae, in which Alaria, Pterygophora and Undaria only may be placed. Ecklonia, Eckloniopsis, Eisenia, Egregia and Laminaria appear not to havea common ancestor. The RuBisCo spacer sequences of the three Undariaspecies also indicate that the species are very closely related, with an intermediate relationship at the DNA level; we hypothesize that there might be a reticulate evolution among the species. In this scenario, U. undarioides might be an ancient hybrid species from the parental species of U. peter seniana and U. pinnatifida. The RuBisCo spacer region, including its flanking areas, is useful for inferring phylogenetic relationships within the family Alariaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar is currently divided into two morphological forms, f. typica Yendo. and f. distans Miyabe & Okamura. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of seasonal variation in growth rate on the morphology of U. pinnatifida, and to define the form of U. pinnatifida growing in Otago Harbour, New Zealand. Morphological variables (stipe length, blade length, blade width, sporophyll length and degree of blade incision), growth rates (frond, blade and stipe) and blade erosion were measured each month from August 1993 to February 1995, and compared using correspondence analysis. Variation in the morphology of U. pinnatifida was largely accounted for by varying growth rates. Definition of the form of U. pinnatifida growing in Otago Harbour is equivocal because morphological characteristics of both f. typica and f. distans were exhibited at different times of the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]