Project description:The enzyme chinnabarinate synthase was purified from the nuclei of baboon liver. Two purified fractions were obtained that exhibited a typical haem protein absorption spectrum; a probable identity with catalase was demonstrated. It was confirmed that catalase in the presence of Mn2+ produces cinnabarinate from 3-hydroxyanthranilate. Doubt is expressed on the existence of a distinct cinnabarinate synthase enzyme.
Project description:The complete genome sequences of Mandrillus leucophaeus and Papio ursinus cytomegaloviruses were determined. An isolate from a drill monkey, OCOM6-2, and an isolate from a chacma baboon, OCOM4-52, were subjected to pyrosequencing and assembled. Comparative alignment of published primate cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) showed variable sequence conservation between species.
Project description:Island populations can represent genetically distinct and evolutionarily important lineages relative to mainland conspecifics. However, phenotypic divergence of island populations does not necessarily reflect genetic divergence, particularly for lineages inhabiting islands periodically connected during Pleistocene low sea stands. Marine barriers may also not be solely responsible for any divergence that is observed. Here, we investigated genetic divergence among and within the three phenotypically distinct subspecies of bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus) in south-east Australia that are presently-but were not historically-isolated by marine barriers. Using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms, we identified three genetically distinct groups (mainland Australia, Bass Strait island, and Tasmania) corresponding to the recognized subspecies. However, isolation by distance was observed in the Tasmanian population, indicating additional constraints on gene flow can contribute to divergence in the absence of marine barriers, and may also explain genetic structuring among fragmented mainland populations. We additionally confirm origins and quantify the genetic divergence of an island population 46 years after the introduction of 21 individuals from the Vulnerable Bass Strait subspecies. In the light of our findings, we make recommendations for the maintenance of genetic variation and fitness across the species range.
Project description:Three new heptelidic acid derivatives (1-3) including two new dimeric esters and two known heptelidic acid analogues (4 and 5) were isolated from the solid culture of mushroom Lentinellus ursinus. The structures of new compounds were confirmed by the analysis of NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic data. The biosynthetic origin of compounds 1-5 was postulated. Compounds 1-5 exhibited no antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at the dose of 100 ?M.
Project description:BackgroundWombats are large, nocturnal herbivores that build burrows in a variety of habitats, including grassland communities, and can come into conflict with people. Counting the number of active burrows provides information on the local distribution and abundance of wombats and could prove to be an important management tool to monitor population numbers over time. We compared traditional ground surveys and a new method employing drones, to determine if drones could be used to effectively identify and monitor bare-nosed wombat burrows.ResultsWe surveyed burrows using both methods in eight 5-ha transects in grassland, that was interspersed with patches of tussock grassland. Ground surveys were conducted by systematically walking transects and searching for burrows. Drone surveys involved programming flights over transects to capture multiple images, from which an orthomosaic image of each transect was produced. These were subsequently viewed using ArcMap to detect burrows. A total of 204 individual burrows were recorded by drone and/or ground survey methods. In grassland, the methods were equally effective in terms of the numbers of burrows detected in transects. In the smaller areas of tussock grassland, ground surveys detected significantly more burrows, because burrow openings were obscured in orthomosaic images by overhanging grasses. There was agreement between the methods as to whether burrows were potentially active or inactive for most burrows in both vegetation communities. However, image interpretation tended to classify grassland burrows as potentially active. Overall time taken to conduct surveys was similar for both methods, but ground surveys utilised three observers and more time in the field.ConclusionsDrones provide an effective means to survey bare-nosed wombat burrows that are visible from the air, particularly in areas not accessible to observers and vehicles. Furthermore, drones provide alternative options for monitoring burrows at the landscape level, and for monitoring wombat populations based on observable changes in burrow appearance over time.