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A phylogenetic study of the Opopanax and Crenosciadium was conducted to elucidate their circumscription and infrageneric relationships. Sequence data from nrDNA ITS, cpDNA matK and trnL-F were used to determine their phylogenetic relationship. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplifications of all regions were performed using universal primers. Maximum Likelihood (ML) trees were constructed using PAUP* software, another phylogenetic tree of ITS sequences showing node ages was obtained from MrBayes programme and Neighbour Net Diagrams were constructed using Splits Tree programme. Our results clearly showed that Smyrniopsis and Opopanax are allied strongly with Petroedmondia syriaca, Magydaris panacifolia, and Crenosciadium siifolium.

Origanum is a well-known genus that is widely distributed and comprises many hybrids and endemic species in Turkey. Some morphological and molecular studies in the literature have aimed to clarify infrageneric or sectional classification of the genus. However, studies regarding the shape, size, and color of mericarps of Origanum taxa remain limited. The mericarp micromorphology of 30 taxa, including 7 hybrids of the genus Origanum, were evaluated herein using both stereo microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine some useful features for taxonomical classification of the genus. The shapes of mericarps are usually ellipsoid, rarely ellipsoid-oblong, obovoid, broadly obovoid, while the color of mericarps vary from shades of brown to reddish. A significant variation was observed in the surface ornamentation of mericarps, which was mainly useful at the sectional and species level. Also determined were 2 main types: I and II, and 5 subtypes: pusticulate, reticulate-ruminate, reticulate-foveate, ruminate, and foveate. The micromorphological characters of mericarps, in addition to their morphological features, will contribute taxonomically to the classification of the sections of the genus Origanum and separation of the species within the sections. In addition, these characters will be useful to understand the effect of hybridization on variations in the micromorphological characters. This was the first detailed study on the mericarp micromorphology of the genus Origanum and its taxonomic implications.

In this study, three hybrids of Origanum (Lamiaceae) were examined in detail using morphological, karyological, palynological and molecular approaches. One of the three hybrids, O. × aytacii, is he...

Özcan, Taner (Balikesir Author), Teucrium L. is a well-known and cosmopolitan genus of the Lamiaceae family. In Turkey, the genus is represented by 36 species (48 taxa). Teucrium Sect. Teucrium that this study focuses on comprises around 30 species worldwide and is mainly distributed in countries of the Mediterranean Basin. With 11 species (14 taxa), it is the second-largest section of the genus Teucrium in Turkey. In this study, morphological and molecular findings were evaluated and the phylogeny and biogeographical distribution of Sect. Teucrium were analyzed. Also, five endemic taxa belonging to Sect. Teucrium and which play an informative role in the subsectional classification of the section were analyzed for the first time. A new species of the genus Teucrium from southwest Turkey was described as T. semrae Aksoy, Dirmenci & Özcan and analyzed using different approaches. The infrageneric position of T. semrae in sect. Teucrium and the phylogenetic structure of the section were determined according to morphological and micromorphological features and molecular nrITS and cpDNA data. The phylogenetic position of the new species was argued by comparing the closest members. Comparative figures and illustrations, distribution maps and an updated identification key for the Sect. Teucrium in Turkey are presented, and a new detailed classification is proposed in this study., Balikesir University 2012/8

Origanum munzurense Kit Tan & Sorger (Sect. Brevifilamentum Ietsw.) was described by Kit Tan & Sorger in 1984, and it is an accepted species related to O. acutidens (Hand.-Mazz.) Ietsw. belonging t...

In this study, two Nepeta species, Nepeta viscida, N. nuda subsp. nuda, and their putative hybrids N. x tmolea were investigated for their trichome structure and density. For this purpose, fresh or herbarium specimens were used. SEM photographs were taken with the standard techniques in Balıkesir University. While N. x tmolea individuals are similar to N. nuda subsp. nuda in some respects (for example, absence long glandular trichomes on the stem, the absence of glandular hairs on the corolla), it shows some transition between N. viscida and N. nuda subp. nuda in some respects (for example, while the corolla of N. viscida does not contain long glandular hair, presence in a high density in N. nuda subsp. nuda and low density in N. x tmolea individuals).

Özcan, Taner (Balikesir Author), In this study, a member of sect. Teucrium, hitherto undescribed as a new species, was analyzed based on morphological and micromorphological features and molecular findings. The closest species of the new species were defined according to leaf morphology via morphological characters. Leaf, stem, and nutlet trichome types were obtained and compared with resembling species. Moreover, two different DNA region sequences were used to evaluate its proper phylogenetic position in the section. The new species was described as Teucrium turcicum Cecen & Ozcan based on the results of using different approaches. According to our observations, flower color, leaf structure, and shape were the main distinctive morphological characters, leaf and nutlet trichomes were separative and informative, and nrITS DNA data had more informative characters than chloroplast DNA region data (trnL-F and rpl32) to determine phylogenetic relationship of the new species and its close relatives in sect. Teucrium., Balikesir University 2012/08

In this study, polymer-ceramic nanocomposites and/or composites were prepared by solution removal method using poly(methylmethacrylat) (PMMA) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA). They were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), and differ-ential thermal analysis/thermogravimetry (DTA/TG). Their effects and biocompatibilities on antioxidant enzymes were also investigated in detail. It has been shown that nHA was dramatically dispersed at nanoscale in the polymer matrix. The interaction occurred between -OH groups of nHA and carbonyl groups of polymer and introduction of ceramic into the polymer matrix generally resulted in an increase in thermal stability. Nano composites and composites had different effects on enzyme activities. Samples synthesized in acetone increased enzyme activities for glutathione reductase (GR) and glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzymes, while inhibiting glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities. On the other hand, samples synthesized in tetrahydrofuran (THF) exhibited inhibitory behavior for G6PD and CAT enzymes. The samples synthesized in different media did not show any regularity on enzyme activities. The nanocomposites and/or composites prepared in acetone media were better hemocompatible than those in THF.

Dirmenci, Tuncay (Balikesir Author), Teucrium alyssifolium Stapf (endemic), Teucrium pestalozzae Boiss. (endemic) and Teucrium brevifolium Schreb. are three closely related taxa in Teucrium sect. Teucrium. The obtained data from the anatomical studies revealed that these three taxa represent the general anatomical characteristics of the Lamiaceae family. Leaves, anatomical features such as thick cuticle, abundant trichomes, rich palisade parenchyma layer in the mesophyll provide evidence that these three species are xeromorphic structures. Leaf and stem anatomy showed that the taxa have generally similar anatomical features. However, cuticle layers, epidermis cells size, indumentum density, mesophyll types, palisade parenchyma occupied in the mesophyll, presence of spherocrystals in leaves and parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma layers in stems show differences amongst the taxa. Anatomical characters of leaf and stem of these taxa are examined for the first time in this study., Istanbul University - 31081 Balikesir University - 2012/8

In this chapter, vegetative morphological characteristics of Teucrium species have been described based on morphological and micromorphological studies. Morphological differentiation of Teucrium sections is also discussed. Most of the Teucrium species are perennial and also a small group of the genus is annual. The members of the genus Teucrium are shrubs, subshrubs, woody at base, rarely whole herbaceous. Several Teucrium species feature stolons or rhizomes and can spread vegetatively. Stem and leaf characters have been put forward in detail according to morphological investigations. The differentiation of leaf morphology is also described. Leaves of Teucrium species are opposite, petiolate, sessile or subsessile, simple, with entire or toothed margin, lobed or pinnatifid. The micromorphological characteristics of the Teucrium species are shown separately. Trichome micromorphology can be used as a discriminating character in the separation of species and subspecies. The trichome types are generally similar on adaxial and abaxial sides of the leaves, but lower sides are mostly denser. Subsessile peltate glandular trichomes are the most seen ones according to the literature and are occurred in almost all the species.

Dirmenci, Tuncay (Balikesir Author), In this study, three new hybrids from the genus Cirsium are described for the first time. Cirsium xnezaketiae Yildiz, Dirmenci & Arabaci, C. xkelkitensis Yildiz, Arabaci & Dirmenci, and C. xerzincanicum Yildiz, Dirmenci & Arabaci are investigated in detail morphologically, palynologically, and molecularly. The hybrid individuals were detected on field trips due to their intermediate morphological characters. Their morphological properties were analyzed to compare with their parents. The pollen grain morphologies of the hybrids and their allies were investigated using light and a scanning electron microscope. The pollen grains were radially symmetrical, isopolar, trizonocolporate, and with echinate or scabrate sculpturing. The tectum is psilate/punctate, microreticulate, or ornate in sculpture. Dimorphic pollen grains were encountered in C. leucocephalum (Willd.) Spreng. subsp. leucocephalum. Two nuclear DNA regions were used to find single nucleotide polymorphisms. nrITS DNA data gave more information than nrETS data about polymorphism. In conclusion, C. xnezaketiae, C. xkelkitensis, and C. xerzincanicum exhibit some significant morphological, palynological, and molecular differences from their parents and present evidence of potential introgression hybridization. Since the hybrids live in a complex with their parents, and some parents have polymorphic loci like their putative hybrids, it can be presented as evidence for potential introgression since backcrossing may be possible among taxa.

Based on combined results of different approaches we describe two new natural hybrids, Origanum x bilgilii Dirmenci, T. Yazici & Arabaci and O. x dumanii Dirmenci, Arabaci & T. Yazici from southern Turkey (Antalya). They have a common parent, Origanum saccatum. Morphology and pollen micromorphology of the collected plants were studied, and a comparison of one nuclear (nrITS) and one chloroplast (rpl32) DNA marker was performed. The ploidy level of the two hybrids was established by chromosome counts. Both hybrids have some morphological characters in the leaves. bracts, calyces and corollas that are intermediate between those of their parents. Surface sculpturing and pollen grain size and shape of the hybrids vary and differ to a certain degree from those of the parental species. Heterozygous loci were detected in nrITS sequences of both O. x bilgilii and O. x dumanii, while rpl32 sequences were uninformative. Both hybrids and their parents have the same chromosome number of 2n = 30.

Dirmenci, Tuncay (Balikesir Author), Origanum ayliniae Dirmenci & Yazici, which differs significantly from O. dictamnus L., is described for the first time in this paper. In addition, a new hybrid, O. x adae Dirmenci & Yazici, between O. ayliniae and O. sipyleum L., is described and investigated in detail. The general morphology, pollen structure, chromosome features, and nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast (rpl32) genomes of collected specimens were studied. O. x adae was determined to have some intermediate properties morphologically and palynologically that place it between the parents. Pollen size and shape were important features in the diagnosis of the hybrid and its parents in this study. The somatic chromosome number of O. ayliniae, O. x adae, and O. sipyleum was counted as 2n = 30. According to the results of these different approaches, O. ayliniae differs significantly from O. dictamnus, which has a close relationship with O. ayliniae, and O. x adae has a hybrid nature. These results support previous reports for the speciation of Origanum members via hybridization. This study aimed to present a new species (O. ayliniae), a new hybrid of O. x adae, and their differences. In conclusion, O. ayliniae, O. x adae, and O. sipyleum provide significant morphological, micromorphological, palynological, cytological, and molecular information about homoploid hybridization., European Community research program - +326+ES-TAF264

In this study, karyotypes of Teucrium sandrasicum O. Schwarz, T. brevifolium Schreb., T. divaricatum Sieber subsp. villosum (Celak.) Rech.f., T. flavum L. subsp. hellenicum Rech.f. and T. kotschyanum Poech taxa growing naturally in Turkey were determined. T. sandrasicum is endemic to Turkey. The squash method for preparation was used for chromosomal investigations. As a result, T. divaricatum subsp. villosum has a somatic chromosome number as 2n = 64 while T. flavum subsp. hellenicum and T. kotschyanum have 2n = 32 chromosomes and also T. sandrasicum and T. brevifolium have 2n = 30 chromosomes. The ideograms and detailed chromosome morphology measurements of the species were performed by the use of Image Analysis System (Bs200Pro). The research has made contribution to the taxonomic revision of the genus Teucrium in Turkey.

Özcan, Taner (Balikesir Author), The purpose of this study was to determine elementary school eighth grade students' and secondary school 12th grade students' perceptions of having difficulties with respect to understanding Biology subjects, and whether they still had difficulties in this hardly learnt subjects when they came to high school after the elementary school. The results revealed that "Controller and Organizer Systems", a biology subject in elementary school and "Photosyntesis", a biology subject at secondary school in Turkey were more difficult to understand than other biology subjects for the participants in our study., yok

The purpose of our study is to determine the misconceptions and inadequate information which the university freshmen students’ held about mitosis and meiosis. We majored mostly on the numbers of chromosome potential and the DNA amount in our questions. In addition we wanted our students to interpret their past information about the subject. The results of our qualitative analyses show that students reword interphase as preparatory period but they don’t recognize what happens in this period, precisely. Also, they don’t explain DNA, chromosome and gene concepts. And they don’t precisely recognize the importance of mitosis and meiosis for life.

Two new hybrids of Origanum, O. ×malyeri and O. ×sevcaniae, are described and illustrated in detail. The general morphology, pollen and chromosome features, and nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast (rpl32) genomes of collected specimens were studied. Origanum ×malyeri is a hybrid between O. boissieri and O. vulgare subsp. hirtum and O. ×sevcaniae is another hybrid between O. vulgare subsp. hirtum and O. vogelii. These two new hybrids have some morphological intermediate characters between their parents. The pollen morphology of O. ×sevcaniae and its parents were studied and documented in detail using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). O. ×sevcaniae pollen is small to medium (P=18.49–21.03 µm, E=22.20–26.63 µm), suboblate (73%) to oblate (22%), the range of P/E ratio is from 0.73 to 0.85. Pollen grains are hexacolpate with granular membranes. Pollen grains were identified as bireticulate exine ornamentation with scanning electron microscopy examinations. The somatic chromosome number of O. boissieri, O. vulgare subsp. hirtum, O. vogelii, and O. ×sevcaniae were counted as 2n = 30. Pollen characters and somatic chromosome numbers of O. ×malyeri could not be examined because it has only female flowers and has not any nutlets. Also, according to molecular results, O. ×malyeri and O. ×sevcaniae have some polymorphic nucleotide regions in their nuclear ITS genomes and which means they have two different DNA dataset belonging to their parents. Also, some individuals of O. ×sevcaniae parents have single nucleotide polymorphism, too. These individuals live together with their hybrids and hybridization is probably a continuing process in that hybrid swarms. These present results support previous reports for the speciation of Origanum members via hybridization.

other, A new species of Teucrium L. from Southeast Anatolia (Turkey), Teucrium sirnakense Özcan Dirmenci, is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to the sect. Scordium Boiss. and is closely related to Teucrium melissoides Boiss. Hausskn. and Teucrium scordium L. s.l. The differences between the new species and its allies are discussed. A description, distribution map, ITS nrDNA phylogeny, and taxonomic comments on the new species are provided.

Özcan, Taner (Balikesir Author), Leaf indumentum and nutlet surface micromorphology of 13 taxa belonging to the Teucrium sect. Teucrium was studied with a scanning electron microscope. We observed 5 trichome types on the nutlets and 8 trichome types on the leaves. Branched trichomes were not found on the nutlets. Nutlet shapes of the taxa were elliptic, obovate, oblong, or rotund, and their surfaces were generally alveolate with different ornamentations. Some nutlets had longitudinal ridges. The indumentum varied among unrelated species and showed some significant similarities within related species. In Flora of Turkey sect. Teucrium was divided into 2 groups according to leaf fragmentation and other morphological characters. The current study supports this grouping. The indumentum types on nutlets and leaves have a high taxonomical value for the species of the genus., Istanbul University - 31081 Balikesir University - 2012/8

Dirmenci, Tuncay (Balikesir Author), A new species of Teucrium L., Teucrium aladagense Vural & H. Duman, is described from Aladag mountain, located in Adana, Kayseri, and Nigde provinces in Turkey. The species belongs to Teucrium L. sect. Stachyobotrys Benth. A description, distribution map, habitat, information on trichome morphology, and the threatened category of the species are provided. The differences between the new species and its allies T. lamiifolium d'Urv s.l. and T. hircanicum L. are discussed, and an identification key is provided for the identification of similar taxa., Balikesir University - BAU-BAP 2012/18 SYNTHESYS Project - European Community Research - ES-AF264 - GB-TAF3087 Infrastructure Action under the FP6 "Structuring the European Research Area" program Infrastructure Action under the FP7 "Structuring the European Research Area" program Ministry of National Education - Turkey Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK)

Nutlet and leaves micromorphology of 27 Teucrium taxa were examined using SEM. The significant variation was found on the nutlet surface ornamentation and indumentum and this is mainly useful at the sectional level. Besides, trichome micromorphology is crucial to distinguish of some species inside some sections. The epidermal features of the nutlets which are specific to each section were determined. There are eglandular and glandular trichomes on the leaves and the nutlets. The glandular trichomes have two types: clavate and subsessile. The clavate glandular trichomes consist of short and long clavate. The eglandular trichomes have two types: simple unbranched and simple branched trichomes. The simple unbranched trichomes are classified as thin-walled and thick walled. The indumentum type has high taxonomical value among the species. Furthermore, leaf and nutlet micromorphological features of T. chamaedrys subsp. lydium, T. chamaedrys subsp. tauricola , T. chamaedrys subsp. sinuatum, T. divaricatum subsp. graecum , T. flavum subsp. hellenicum, T. leucophyllum have been comparatively presented for the first time. The leaf features of T. aladagense, T. chamaedrys subsp. trapezunticum and nutlet features of T. divaricatum subsp. divaricatum are also reported in detail for the first time.

Özcan, Taner (Balikesir Author), In this research, Lallemantia iberica (Bieb.) Fisch. & Mey., L. canescens (L.) Fisch. & Mey. and L. peltata (L.) Fisch. & Mey. belonging to the Lallemantia Fisch. & C.A.Mey. genus (Lamiaceae) which is represented by three taxa growing naturally in Turkey, were studied. The somatic chromosome numbers observed in each taxa was 2n=14. The classification of chromosomes, the length of long and short arms, haploid chromosome length, arm ratio, centromeric index and relative chromosomal length were measured by Software Image Analyses (Bs200Pro). Also their karyotype asymmetry indices (TF%, As K%, Syi, Rec, A, A1 and A2) were calculated. According to the asymmetry index, L. peltata has a more symmetrical karyotype than L. canescens. This is the first study for account of chromosome counts and karyotypes for the studied taxa.