Effects of monocerin on cell cycle progression in maize root meristems synchronized with aphidicolin

Total synthesis of (+)-monocerin via tandem dihydroxylation-SN2 cyclization and a copper mediated tandem cyanation–lactonization approach

A simple and novel synthesis of (+)-monocerin was achieved from 3-buten-1-ol employing HKR, Julia olefination, intramolecular tandem Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation-S_N2 cyclization and a novel copper mediated tandem cyanation–cyclization as the key steps.

Bioactive isocoumarins isolated from the endophytic fungus Microdochium bolleyi

Three new isocoumarin derivatives ( 2- 4) were isolated together with monocerin ( 1) from Microdochium bolleyi, an endophytic fungus from Fagonia cretica, a herbaceous plant of the semiarid coastal regions of Gomera. Compounds 2 and 3 are both 12-oxo epimers of 1, and 4 is a ring-opened derivative of 1. The structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis and comparison with reported data. The absolute configurations were determined by a modified Mosher's method. Compounds 1, 3, and 4 showed good antifungal, antibacterial, and antialgal activities against Microbotryum violaceum, Escherichia coli, Bacillus megaterium, and Chlorella fusca. Compound 2 was moderately antifungal and antialgal.

Flow cytometry of plant cells with applications in large-scale bioprocessing

In recent years, there has been a significant upsurge in the application of flow cytometry to plant cells and plant cell cultures. As well as a range of uses in plant biology, flow cytometry offers many advantages for monitoring plant cell cultures used in large-scale bioprocessing operations. This review summarizes the current status of the field, concentrating on methods for DNA measurement and multiparameter cell cycle analysis. Techniques for screening and selection of elite cell lines with high productivity of secondary metabolites are also addressed.