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Techniques for the regulation of the root uptake of radionuclides by woody plants occurring in radioactively contaminated areas were discovered.
In a molecular-genetic analysis the localization of genes was performed and genetic maps for the principal forest forming species of Eastern Europe were first constructed.
The range of variations in biometric parameters and structure of coniferous-deciduous stands under the impact of various recreational loads was determined.
The immunity of the most dangerous phyllophagous insects has been investigated. Anti-infective lysozyme-like and cecropin-like components were determined and identified. These enhances the capabilities of pest insects generation prediction and control efficiency.
High-saturation genetic map of rye Secale cereale L. containing 96 loci localized in all 7 chromosomes was compiled by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The loci mapped are convenient molecular markers for localization of different genes including selectively valuable ones in genetic maps of rye, wheat and barley. (In collaboration with the Institute of Plant Genetics in Gatersleben, Germany within the scope of INTAS International Project.)
A series of sunflower extranuclear mutants induced with nitrosomethylurea was studied. It was shown for the first time the change of the primary structure of plastid DNA that confirms chloroplast localization of chlorine-type mutations.
It was revealed that during selection for self-compatibility in winter rye self-fertile lines with high grain weight per ear were formed. This might be caused by formation of their homozygous genetic balance due to developing gene compensation complex against the background of lethal and semi-lethal recessive alleles. Utilization of self-fertility sources increases the yield of self-compatible high-productive lines valuable for genetics and breeding.
Aneuploidy was revealed to be a factor developing genetic variability in spring wheat. A series of Opal disomic lines having a wider range of quantitative trait variability, correlation structure, indices of general and specific combining ability as compared to the initial Opal variety, was developed on the basis of monosomics. There were selected lines being of interest as a new initial material for breeding spring wheat.
Biosphere pollutants, alkylating agent EMC and dimethyl terephthalate, were revealed to be genetically dangerous for mice maternal organisms and developing embryos because they damage hereditary structure of their somatic cells in pregnant females of mice. The data obtained show the necessity for toughening control over such mutagens in the environment.
Novel promising microbial sources of glucose oxidase and glucoseisomerase to be applied in medicine and food industry have been isolated.
Capsule polysaccharide of Bifidobacterium adolescentis 94-BIM incorporating glucose and galactose in the molar ratio 3:1 potentially significant for systematic of this microbial group has been originally isolated and characterized. (In collaboration with the Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland.)
The ability of xylotrophic basidiomycetes in vegetative stage of development to synthesize up to 4.0 g/l melanin which opens new frontiers for its production has been established.
Monitoring of microorganisms in soil ecosystem subjected to anthropogenic intervention has revealed the tendency to reduced species diversity and ecological potential of microbiota. Microbial strains have been isolated from oil-polluted soils for prognostication of environmental situation.
Process for manufacturing preparation of immobilized bacterial cells of Erwinia herbicola showing multienzymic activity to be used in biosynthetic technologies of antiviral and antitumor nucleosides has been developed.
The negative correlation between Mg-protoporphyrin IX (monomethyl ester) levels and Mg-chelatase activity in the case of porphyrin extraproduction from exogenous 5-aminolevulinic acid means the existence in vivo mechanism which control Mg-chelatase activity via its inhibition by enzyme product. Cycloheximyde inhibition of photostimulation of the magnesium incorporation into protoporphyrin IX during illumination of darkened green pea leaves and no effect of chloramphenicol on enzyme activity suggests that light dependence results from synthesis of the Mg-chelatase de novo in cytoplasm.
Using the tobacco transgenic plants containing Ca2+-reporter protein aequorin it was shown that the introduction of cAMP, cGMP and phorbol myristate acetate, an activator of protein kinase C, into protoplasts is accompanied by the increase in intercellular Ca2+ concentration. This phenomenon is the reflection of the cross-talk between various signaling systems within the cell providing the transduction of outer physical and chemical stimuli into biological effect.
It has been shown on the example of rabbit muscle aldolase that the gradual decrease in intensity of large amplitude low-frequency equilibrium movements of protein structure under increase in medium viscosity are capable to cause different by direction shifts of catalysis activity of enzyme. The detected dependence indicates the existence the optimal level of large-scale intramolecular movements of protein macromolecules for a functioning enzyme. These results expand and supplement conceptions about mechanisms of regulation enzymatic activity of proteins.
It is found that the vesiculation induced by sodium dodecyl sulphate at submicellar concentrations is a process competing with hemolysis. A new vesicular-colloid-osmotic mechanism of detergent-induced hemolysis is suggested.
In the case of erythrocytes the ability to reduce of the potential lethal photodynamic damages of membranes is revealed which based on the function of the enzyme system which use the intro- and extracellular glutation as a reducing equivalent. Regulation of the activity of such systems in normal and transformed cells open a new possibility for rising of photodynamic therapy efficiency.
As a result of comprehensive analysis of trophology and main components of zoocenoses in flood plains (predator mammals and avians, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, waterfowl, soil invertebrates, terrestrial entomocomplexes), typology of habitats and natural and anthropogenic priority factors, key blocks of the conceptual model of the structural and functional organization of faunistic complexes and dominant species populations are developed. On this basis the model species and groups of animal species which are functionally important and are indicators for estimation of relationships and mechanisms of natural and anthropogenic variability of zoocenosis organization are isolated and partially tested.
Retrospective analysis of the dynamics of the number of the wild boar, elk, red deer, roe deer, bison, beaver and wolf has been carried out. The analysis has shown geographic variability of the structure and reproduction of the elementary populations for two regions, namely, Palesse and Paazerie. The factor analysis was a basis for tentative research of the dynamics of regional populations, the results of which are of practical interest for forestry and hunting in Belarus. The strategy of the bison conservation are scientifically justified on the basis of development of the metapopulation model of settling in new places and increase of viability of the bison population and it is recommended to impart binary status to the bison subpopulations which are main and reserve genetic pool. Recommendations for creation of two new bison subpopulations of ecologically different types are developed and adopted for practical implementation.
The continental spring migration way, the longest in Europe, has been found along the flood plain of the Pripyat River and its importance for nesting populations of birds the Eurasian North is estimated.
It is shown that there exist mechanisms of variability regulation of the length of crayfish and shrimp individuals during ontogenesis and in the population. The variability levels can be regulated via differential mortality and growth rates of the individuals and by peculiarities of the behavior of particular size and age groups. The present-time distribution of the crayfish, including the noble crayfish, which is included into the Red-Data Book of Belarus, over the territory of Belarus is found. Promising crayfish catching water bodies are determined. Studies of the fauna in seasonal water bodies and cold springs have revealed some species which are new for Belarus' fauna.
Peculiarities of spatial organization of the contemporary ichthyofauna in water bodies of different types are determined, the role of the various faunistic complexes and ecological groups of fishes in the formation of the ichthyiofauna is estimated and principles and methods of conservation and management of rare fish species in small rivers of the Nieman basin are developed and submitted for practical implementation.
For the first for the territory of Belarus, the data are obtained which characterize species diversity of parasite organisms over urbanized areas. Ways of managing new ecological niches are found for the various systemic groups under urbanization conditions, which is a basis for forecast of arising schistomatosis invasion foci in recreation and health-resort zones.
The population state of conservable plants that are attributed to diverse biomorph types was estimated on the basis of a complex bioecological study at the population level of these plants.
As a result of experimental investigations of some representatives of natural flora from the Chernobyl contaminated zone, it was revealed that chronic irradiation caused primary chromosome damages which became mutations under additional effects of high-dose ionizing radiation.
The current state and utilization of natural forest resources in Belarus were studied. Timber resources are their basis. Their reserves were determined by the balance-weight method and by the results of long-term investigations with the ratios between individual phytomass fractions being established. The total biological timber reserve was assessed in 899.7 million tons, out of which overground phytomass part made up 84% and underground one -- 16%. Coniferous (70.7%) and small-leaved (25.5%) forests form the basic reserve. Usable timber resources were estimated in 7.5 million tons including felled and alienable portion -- 64.7% and unusable phytomass -- 35.5%.
New properties of endogenic steroid glycosides (thomatoside, thomatonine and others) as substances of a regulatory type with high selective action and immunizing effect were discovered for the first time, that makes it possible to apply them simultaneously as growth activators for cultivated plants and antibiotics from fungal infection.
Existence of endogenic regulators of energy transfer of protein origin in energy-transforming organelles of plant cell (chloroplasts and mitochondria) was experimentally shown. Evidence for the possibility of their participation in integration of cell energy exchange was obtained, their partial purification and identification being conducted, as well as their physiological-biochemical properties being studied. They are characterized by a wide range action on electron transport in chloroplasts and photophosphorylation, thermoresistance to aminohydrolase, low molecular weight (below 100 kd) and by the absence of tryptophan band in absorption spectrum.
Coefficients of radionuclide transfer from soil into plants of wild flora were shown to achieve maximum value at very low (up to 1.5 Ci/km2) and high (above 60--100 Ci/km2) densities of 137Cs soil contamination. This indicates that root systems have pronounced barrier function with respect to radionuclides. This barrier function is lost under high radiocaesium concentrations negatively affecting plant vital functions.
Scientifically justified assortment of ornamental plants for decorating cities and industrial centers of Belarus has been developed on the basis of multi-year ecological and biological investigations of ornamental qualities and adaptability of 500 introduced species of plants to recreation and technogenic factors.
An assessment is given to some promising floristic areas as sources of introduction of technical, spicy-aromatic, officinal plants. On the basis of complex investigation of biology and biochemistry of introducents directions are defined for officinal plant growing in Belarus.
A new method for regeneration of difficult for reproduction ornamental plants from leaf tissue has been developed and scientifically justified. It can be used in genetic engineering for receiving plants with useful features.
Source: "Main Results of Fundamental Research. 1996--1997". Eds. F.A.Lakhvich and N.N.Kostyukovich. National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, 1998.
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