Due to rapid spread of fireblight, the Rural Development Administration is supplying bactericides to farmers. However, research on inhibitory effects of main active ingredients in these bactericides on fireblight is lacking. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis is a non-destructive method for analyzing the photosynthetic efficiency of plants, enabling time-series data analysis of pathogen progression and allowing for large-scale studies. Therefore, this study analyzed inhibitory effects of main active ingredients in bactericides on fireblight using chlorophyll fluorescence response analysis. Flowering pear trees (three-year-old ‘Shingo’ variety) were sprayed with control agents and fire blight pathogens on flowers. Chlorophyll fluorescence responses were then measured at seven-day intervals. Twenty-eight days after bactericide treatment, the fluorescence of the O-J transition stage in the untreated group was twice as high as in the average bactericide-treated group presumably due to inhibition of electron transport in the PSII donor side caused by pathogen infection, leading to leaf necrosis. Additionally, the electron transport efficiency (ET2o, RE1o) decreased, reducing the driving force of photosynthesis (DF total ABS) to 20% of the average bactericidetreated group, indicating chlorophyll damage and reduced photosynthetic capacity. In conclusion, chlorophyll fluorescence technology can be used to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of fire blight control agents during the flowering period of pear trees.

The Republic of Korea reclaimed land to increase its food self-sufficiency rate, but the yield was reduced due to abnormal climate. In this study, it was hypothesized that rapid and continuous monitoring technology could help improve yield. Using the vegetation index (VI) analysis, the drought stress index was calculated and the drought stress for corn grown in Hwaong, Saemangeum, and Yeongsan River reclaimed tidal land was predicted according to drying treatment. The vegetation index of corn did not decrease during the last 20 days of irrigation when soil moisture rapidly decreased, but decreased rapidly during the 20 days after irrigation. The reduction rate of the vegetation index according to the drying treatment was in the order of Saemangeum>Yeongsan River>Hwaong reclaimed tidal land, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) decreased by approximately 50% in all reclaimed tidal lands, confirming that drought stress occurred due to the decrease in moisture content of the leaves. In addition, structure pigment chlorophyll index (SIPI) and photochemical reflectance index (PRI), which are calculated based on changes in light use efficiency and carotenoids, were reduced; drought stress caused a decrease in light use efficiency and an increase in carotenoid content. Therefore, vegetation index analysis was confirmed to be effective in evaluating and predicting drought stress in corn growing on reclaimed tidal land corn.

상업적 영농을 하는 양돈농가는 돼지의 생산비를 줄이면서 소비자들이 선호하는 고품질의 고기를 생산하는 것이 소득증 대에 있어서 무엇보다 중요한 일이다. 이에 농림축산식품부는 돼지도체를 1+, 1, 2 및 등외등급으로 판정하고, 그 결과에 따라 농가수취가격을 차등화함으로써 고품질 돼지고기 생산을 촉진하기 위해서 돼지고기 도체등급제도를 시행하고 있으며, 돼지도체의 체중과 등지방두께를 기준으로 1차 등급판정을 한 다. 가장 높은 등급인 1+ 등급은 돼지의 탕박 기준으로 도체 중이 83-93 kg, 등지방두께가 17~25 mm이다. 축산물등급판정 통계연보에 의하면, 2018년 경락단가가 가장 높은 평균 도체 중량은 암퇘지가 83.5 kg, 거세돼지가 77.8 kg이었으며, 평균 등지방두께는 암퇘지가 19.2 mm, 거세돼지가 20.3 mm인 것으로 조사되었다. 본 연구는 거세돼지와 암퇘지에 대한 분산분석, 육량변수와 육질변수 사이의 개별 상관관계, 그리고 육량변수세트와 육질 변수세트 사이의 정준상관분석을 수행하였다. 먼저 분산분석의 결과는 다음과 같이 요약할 수 있다. 첫째, 돼지의 육량 및 육질특성변수들에 있어서 성별 차이를 분석한 결과는 등지방두께는 거세돼지가 암퇘지보다 0.14㎜ 두꺼웠다(P<0.05). 둘째, 육즙감량과 가열감량은 거세돼지가 암퇘지보다 많았다 (P<0.05). 셋째, 보수력, 콜라겐함량, 지방함량, 수분함량, 단백질함량 및 전단가는 암퇘지가 거세돼지보다 높았다 (P<0.05). 육량특성과 육질특성 사이의 상관분석 결과는 다음과 같이 요약할 수 있다. 첫째, 도체중이 무거울수록 등지방두께가 두껍고, 육즙감량이 많이 생기지만, 가열감량은 줄어드는 관계를 갖는다 (P<0.01). 둘째, 등지방두께가 두꺼울수록 지방함량이 늘어나고, 육즙 감량이 많이 생기지만, 콜라겐함량, 수분함량, 단백질함량 및 가열감량과는 음(-)의 상관관계를 갖는 것으로 나타났다 (P<0.01). 셋째, 수분함량과 지방함량의 상관관계가 가장 높았으며 (0.793), 이어서 단백질함량과 지방함량의 상관관계가 높았지만 (0.634), 이들 함량 간에서는 서로 음(-)의 관계를 보이고 있다 (P<0.01). 마지막으로 정준상관분석의 결과는 다음과 같이 요약할 수 있다. 첫째, 육량특성변수 짝과 육질특성변수 짝 사이에 유의한 관계가 있는 것으로 나타났다 (P<0.01). 둘째, 등지방두께(BFT)가 높으면 지방함량과 육즙감량은 높은 반면, 수분함량, 단백질함량, 가열감량, 콜라겐함량, 전단가 및 보수력이 낮은 것으로 나타났다. 이와 같은 결과에 따르면, 소비자들은 지방함량이 많으면서 수분손실이 많은 돼지고기와 단백질함량과 콜라겐함량이 적은 돼지고기는 기피할 수 있다는 점을 간과하여서는 안 될 것이다. 특히 국내 돼지도체등급은 1차적으로 돼지도체중량과 등지방두께를 평가한 이후, 육질항목을 평가하여 최종등급이 판정 되고 있기 때문에 우선적으로 육량지수인 도체중량과 등지방 두께를 적절하게 관리하는 것이 소비자의 요구를 충족하면서 농가의 생산비 절감 및 농가수취가격상승에 의한 소득증대로 이어지는 중요한 요인이 된다는 사실에 주목할 필요가 있다.

본 연구는 엽록소형광반응 분석을 이용하여 건조스트레스에 의한 공정육묘의 광화학적 활력을 분석하였다. 토마토와 오이 공정육묘를 8일 동안 건조스트레스 처리를 하였다. 엽록소형광반응 (OJIP)과 매개변수 분석을 통해 건조스트레스로 인한 작물의 광화학적 변동을 평가하였다. 엽록소 형광반응 (OJIP) 분석 결과, 토마토는 처리 후 5일부터 최대 형광량 (P)이 감소한 반면 J-I 단계에서는 엽록소 형광량이 증가하였다. 따라서 생리적 활력이 감소한 것을 알 수 있었다. 오이의 경우 처리 후 4일부터 최대 형광 (P) 및 변동 형광량 (FV)이 낮아지고 J-I 단계의 엽록소 형광 수치가 증가하였다. 엽록소 형광 매개변수 분석한 결과 토마토는 처리 후 5일부터 특히 ET2O/RC와 RE1O/RC가 감소하면서 광계II와 광계I의 전자전달효율이 유의적으로 낮아진 것으로 보인 반면 오이는 처리 후 4일부터 ET2O/RC와 PIABS가 상당히 변화하였다. 결론적으로 FV/FM, DIO/RC, ET2O/RC, RE1O/RC, PIABS, PITOTALABS 6개의 지표가 공정육묘의 건조스트레스를 판단하는 지표로 선정되었다. 건조스트레스지수 (DFI)를 통해 건조스트레스로 인한 작물별 건전성 평가를 하였고 오이의 경우 토마토에 비해 건조 저항성이 낮은 것으로 판단되었다.

본 연구는 돼지 농가의 생산성 향상 및 수익성 증대를 위한 분자 육종 기술에 적용할 유전자 마커를 개발하기 위해 수행 되었다. 분석 결과에 따르면, 돼지의 간 조직을 이용하여 RNA-Sequencing을 수행한 결과 ECI2 유전자의 SNP를 발견 하였고 발견된 SNP chr 7:g.2302809는 c.608로 608번째 C가 G로 변환되어 Threonine에서 Serine으로 아미노산이 치환되는 단일염기다형성임을 확인하였다. Berkshire 돼지 430으로 ECI2 유전자형과 육질 형질과의 연관성 분석 결과 도 체중, 적색도, 육즙 손실, 수분 함량 및 pH24hr에서 유의성을 확인할 수 있었다. 그중 GG 유전자형은 pH24hr에서 다른 유전자형에 비해 수치가 증가시키는 경향을 확인하였다. 성별에 따른 유전자형과 육질 형질과의 연관성은 거세돈에서 GG 유전자형이 육즙 손실의 감소와 pH24hr에서 유의성이 확인되었고, 암퇘지의 GG 유전자형도 수분함량이 증가되었다. 따라서 ECI2 유전자의 GG 유전자형을 가진 돼지가 육질이 더 좋은 것으로 판단된다. 이러한 결과를 바탕으로 ECI2의 GG 유전자형을 고정시킨다면 육질이 우수한 돼지고기 생산이 가능할 것이다. 또한 ECI2 유전자를 이용하여 품종개량 및 조기 선발 기술에 바이오마커로 활용한다면 농가의 경쟁력 강화 효과에 도움이 될 것으로 사료된다.

There is little information about the seed longevity of wild plants, although seed bank storage is an important tool for biodiversity conservation. This study was conducted to predict the seed viability equation of Agastache rugosa. The A. rugosa seeds were stored at moisture contents ranging from 2.7 to 12.5%, and temperatures between 10 and 50℃. Viability data were fitted to the seed viability equation in a one step and two step approach. The A. rugosa seeds showed orthodox seed storage behaviour. The viability constants were KE=6.9297, CW=4.2551 CH=0.0329, and CQ=0.00048. The P85 of A. rugosa seeds was predicted to 152 years under standard seed bank conditions. The P85 predicted by seed viability equation can be used as basic information for optimization of seed storage processes.

본 연구는 RPS3 유전자의 SNP를 탐색하고 버크셔 돼지 433두에서 RPS3 유전자 SNP와 육질형질과 의 연관성을 규명하였다. SNP 탐색을 위해 버크셔 돼지의 간 조직을 사용하여 RNA-Seq을 수행한 결 과, RPS3의 염색체 451번째 G 서열이 C로 변환되어 arginine에서 serine으로 아미노산이 치환되는 non-synonymous SNP를 확인하였다. 동일한 조건에서 사육된 버크셔 돼지 433두에서 RPS3 SNP의 유전자형을 분석한 결과 major allele은 G이며 minor allele은 C로 확인되었다. RPS3의 유전자형과 육 질형질과의 연관성 분석 결과 공우성 모델에서 등지방두께(Backfat thickness), 가열감량(Cooking loss), 적색도(CIE a), 사후 45분 후 삼겹살과 등심 pH(pH45minB and pH45minL), 지방(Fat)과 단백질 (Protein) 함량 형질에서 유의성을 가졌다. 성별에 따른 RPS3 SNP 유전자형의 육질분석 결과 거세돈 은 단백질 함량에서만 유일하게 유의성이 나타난 반면 암퇘지는 등지방두께를 포함한 7가지의 육질 형 질에서 유의성을 나타나 거세돈 보다 육질 형질과의 연관성이 높은 것으로 확인되었다. 육질형질과 RPS3 SNP를 비교하였을 때, G allele을 가진 유전자형이 C allele에 비해 사후 pH45minB, 사후 pH45minL, 단백질 함량을 증가시키고, 등지방두께, 가열감량, 지방 함량을 감소시키는 것으로 확인하였 다. 따라서 G allele을 가진 돼지가 육질이 더 좋은 것으로 판단된다. 본 연구의 결과를 통해 RPS3의 SNP를 육질이 우수한 돼지고기를 생산하기 위한 분자유전 육종에서 육질 연관 biomaker로 응용 할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

The objective of this study was to determine the growth and light utilization efficiency of garden plants in shade area through chlorophyll fluorescence reaction analysis. Ten garden plants was grown for 75 days under 50% and 80% shading conditions. Under shading, ET2O/RC, the fluorescence parameter related to electron-transport in photosystem II, was effectively enhanced. However, the electron transport flux until PSI acceptors per reaction center (RE1O/RC) was reduced. These changes in photochemical parameters evoked a decrease in performance index (PI) and driving force (DF) of electron transport flux. In addition, some photochemical parameters such as FV, FV/FO, RE1O/RC, ET2O/RC, PITOTAL ABS, and DFTOTAL ABS were found to be important for shade tolerance. Three species (Pachysandra terminalis Siebold & Zucc, Physostegia virginiana L., and Carex maculata Bott) were found to be shade tolerant. Based on these results, shading factor index (SFI) deduced from photochemical parameters is useful for evaluating of shading stress of garden plants.

Osteoclasts originated from hematopoietic stem cells are multi-nucleated cells that can resorb the bone matrix. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK)/RANK ligand (RANKL) signaling pathway is crucial for the differentiation and activation of osteoclasts. In this study, we investigated for the first time whether or not RANKL induced mitogen- and stress-activated kinase 1 (MSK1) phosphorylation at Ser 376. Activation of MSK1 was detected as soon as 5 min after RANKL stimulation and sparsely detected at 30 min after stimulation. RANKL-induced MSK1 phosphorylation occurred in a dose-dependent manner. MSK1 is known as a downstream signaling molecule of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Treatment with the PKA inhibitor H89 significantly suppressed c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) induction upon RANKL stimulation. In addition, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation was extremely inhibited by H89 treatment. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been investigated for induction of MSK1 phosphorylation. Specific signaling pathway inhibitors for p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) significantly blocked RANKL-induced MSK1 activation. Finally, as a downstream effector of the p38-MSK1 pathway, c-Fos transcriptional activity was determined. RANKL-mediated elevation of c-Fos transcriptional activity was significantly suppressed by p38 inhibitor. Moreover, a dominant negative form of CREB suppressed activation of NFATc1. In conclusion, RANKL-stimulated MSK1 phosphorylation could play a role in induction of NFATc1 through CREB and c-Fos activation as a downstream molecule of p38, ERK MAPKs, and PKA. Our results support basic information for the development of osteoclast specific inhibitors.

Opioid receptors have been pharmacologically classified as µ, δ, κ and ε. We have recently reported that the antinociceptive effect of morphine (a µ-opioid receptor agonist), but not that of β-endorphin (a novel µ/ε-opioid receptor agonist), is attenuated by whole body irradiation (WBI). It is unclear at present whether WBI has differential effects on the antinociceptive effects of µ-, δ-, κ- and ε-opioid receptor agonists. In our current experiments, male ICR mice were exposed to WBI (5Gy) from a 60 Co gamma-source and the antinociceptive effects of opioid receptor agonists were assessed two hours later using the hot water (52℃) tail-immersion test. Morphine and D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly-ol-enkephalin (DAMGO), [D-Pen2-D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE), trans-3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)- cyclohexyl]¬benzeneacetamide (U50,488H), and β-endorphin were tested as agonists for µ, δ, κ, and ε-opioid receptors, respectively. WBI significantly attenuated the antinociceptive effects of morphine and DAMGO, but increased those of β-endorphin. The antinociceptive effects of DPDPE and U50,488H were not affected by WBI. In addition, to more preciously understand the differential effects of WBI on µ- and ε¬opioid receptor agonists, we assessed pretreatment effects of β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA, a µ-opioid receptor antagonist) or β-endorphin1-27 (β-EP1-27, an ε-opioid receptor antagonist), and found that pretreatment with β-FNA significantly attenuated the antinociceptive effects of morphine and β endorphin by WBI. significantly reversed the β-EP1-27 attenuation of morphine by WBI and significantly attenuated the increased effects of β-endorphin by WBI. The results demonstrate differential sensitivities of opioid receptors to WBI, especially for µ- and ε-opioid receptors.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between in vitro maturation and plasminogen activators (PAs) activity on porcine cumulus-oocytes complexes (COCs) exposed to oxidative stress. When COCs were cultured in maturation medium with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the proportion of the germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and oocytes maturation were decreased with addition of H2O2, and were significantly (p<0.05) lower in medium with 0.1 mM H2O2 than control group. Also, the rate of degenerated oocytes was increased in as H2O2 concentration increased. When COCs were cultured for 48 h, three plasminogen-dependent lytic bands were observed: tissue-type PA (tPA); urokinase-type PA (uPA); and tPA-PA inhibitor (tPA-PAI). PA activity was quantified using SDS-PAGE and zymography. When H2O2 concentration was increased, tPA and tPA-PAI activities also increased in porcine oocytes cultured for 48 h, but not uPA. In other experiment, embryos were divided into three groups and cultured in (1) control medium, (2) control medium with 1.0 mM H2O2 and (3) control medium with 1.0 mM H2O2 along with catalase in concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/ml, respectively. H2O2 decreased the rate of GVBD and maturation in porcine COCs but catalase revealed protective activity against oxidative stress caused by H2O2. In this experiment, tPA and tPA-PAI activities were higher in media with 1.0 mM H2O2 alone. Increasing concentration of catalase decreased tPA and tPA-PAI activities in porcine oocytes. These results indicate that the exposure of porcine follicular oocytes to ROS inhibits oocytes maturation to metaphase-II stage and increase the oocytes degeneration. Also, we speculated that increased ROS level may trigger tPA and tPA-PAI activities in porcine oocytes matured in vitro.

To evaluate the hypolipidemic effects of Cheonggukjang (CGJ), which is frequently used in Korea similar to Natto in Japan and Douchi in China like a dairy product, boiled soybeans were fermented with two Bacillus strains, B. subtilis and B licheniforms, is이ated from rice straw and their antihyperlipidemic effects oftheir products were investigated. Treatment with the CGJs significantly reduced blood triglyceride (TG) and total ch이esterol (TC) levels and increased HDL cholesterollevels in Triton WR-l339-induced hyperlipidemic mice. The treatment of non-fermented soybeans alone also reduced blood TG and TC levels, but not significantly. Feeding the CGJs significantly lowered high blood TG and TC levels as well as body and epididymal mass weights in hyperlipidemic mice induced by the long-term feeding of a high-fat diet that increased blood HDL cholesterollevels. The B. subtilis-fermented CGJ products more potently reduced TG and TC levels, although the differences between the starters were not significant. These finding suggest that CGJ products may be effective as hypolipidemic foods by the synergistic interaction of soy and Bacillus strains.

The adenomatoid odontogenic tumor(AOT) is a benign tumor of odontogenic epithelium characterized by slow but progressive growth and rare recurrence. Tumor growth may cause displacement of teeth rather than root resorption. The AOT appears in 3 clinicotopographic variants such as follicular, extrafollicular, and peripheral. The follicular AOT mimics a dentigerous or follicular cyst and the extrafollicular cyst does a residual cyst, globulo-maxillary cyst and lateral periodontal cyst. Although over 750 cases of AOT were reported in the literature, clinicopathologic parameters of AOT in Koreans has not been investigated. 22 cases of AOT were retrieved from the files of the department of Oral Pathology, Seoul National University Dental Hospital and their clinicopathologic findings were reviewed. The central type accounts for 95%, 72% of which are follicular. The follicular and extrafollicular varients together are more commonly found in the maxilla than in the mandible with a ratio of 4.5:1. Age distribution showed that 59% of AOTs were diagnosed in the second decade of life, and mean age was 18.5 years. The female to male ratio was 3.4:1. All variants of AOT showed identical histologic features.

곰팡이 독소인 ochratoxin A(OA)는 신장독성, 최기형성, 발암성 및 면역독성을 나타내며, 식품, 곡류 및 정육 등에 잔류한다고 알려져 있다. 최근 우리나라의 된장, 간장등 발효식품에서도 OA가 검출되었다는 보고가 있어 OA에 대한 관심이 높아지고 있다. 본 연구에서는 OA의 전반적인 위해성 평가의 일환으로 OA의 독성 표적장기인 신장에 초점을 맞추어 신장독성 감소방법을 제시하고자 한다. 신장독성을 감소시키기 위한 대상물질로는 1) 기존에 독성감소 물질로 알려진 phenylalanine(Phe), 2) phenylalanine과 aspartic acid로 구성된 감미료인 아스파탐(Asp), 3) 녹차의 성분이며 free radical scavenger 및 antioxidant 작용이 있는 polyphenol(PP), 4) 최근 수명연장 효과가 있고 특히 신장질환에 대한 예방효과가 있다고 알려진 aloe 추출물(AE)을 선택하였다. 신장독성을 유발시키기 위하여 OA를 2.0 ㎎/㎏의 용량으로 2주간 연속 경구투여하였다. Phe(40 ㎎/㎏, i.p.)과 Asp(25 ㎎/㎏, p.o.)은 OA(2.0 ㎎/㎏, p.o.)와 병용투여하였으며, PP(200 ㎎/㎏, p.o.)는 OA 투여 2주전부터, AE(50 ㎎/㎏, i.v.)은 3일전부터 전처리하여 OA(2.0 ㎎/㎏, p.o.)와 2주간 병용투여하였다 신장독성의 확인은 혈청중 BUN, creatinine치 및 뇨중 γ-glutamyltranspeptidase와 N-acetyl-β-D-glucosarninidase의 활성을 측정하였고, 신장에 대한 조직병리 검사를 실시하였다. 실험결과, OA를 2주간 2.0 ㎎/㎏용량으로 투여한 결과 신장독성이 유발되었으며, 독성 감소물질로 사용한 4개의 화합물 모두 혈액 및 뇨중 신장독성 지표를 유의성있게 감소시켰다. 조직병리 검사결과 OA에 의하여 신장의 근위세뇨관에 변성이 유발되었으며, 4개의 화합물 처리군에서는 변성이 관찰되지 않았다. 이러한 결과로부터 Phe, Asp, PP및 An는 모두 OA에 의한 신장독성을 감소시킬 수 있으며, OA에 의한 신장독성 유발에는 Phe에 대한 경쟁작용 및 free radical생성이 관여되어 있음을 확인할 수 있었다

The objective of this study was to find a rapid determination of the hot air stress in maize (Zea mays L.) leaves using a portable chlorophyll fluorescence imaging instrument. To assess the photosynthetic activity of maize leaves, an imaging analysis of the photochemical responses of maize was performed with chlorophyll fluorescence camera. The observed chlorophyll imaging photos were numerically transformed to the photochemical parameters on the basis of chlorophyll a fluorescence. Chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging (CFI) method showed that a rapid decrease in maximum fluorescence intensity (Fm) of leaf occurred under hot air stress. Although no change was observed in the maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) of the hot air stressed maize leaves, the other photochemical parameters such as maximum fluorescence intensity (Fm) and Maximum fluorescence value (Fp) were relatively lowered after hot air stress. In hot air stressed maize leaves, an increase was observed in the nonphotoquenching (NPQ) and decrease in the effective quantum yield of photochemical energy conversion in photosystem II (Φ PSII). Thus, NPQ and ΦPSII were available to be determined non-destructively in maize leaves under hot air stress. Our results clearly indicated that the hot air could be a source of stress in maize leaves. Thus, the CFI analysis along with its related parameters can be used as a rapid indicating technique for the determining hot air stress in plants.

The photochemical characteristics were analyzed in the context of sowing time and different levels of fertilized nitrogen during the maize (Zea mays L.) growth. When maize was early sawn, the fluorescence parameters related with electrontransport, in photosystem II (PSII) and PSI, were effectively enhanced with the higher level of fertilized nitrogen. Highest values were observed in maize leaves grown in double Nfertilized plot. The photochemical parameters were declined in the progress of growth stage. In early growth stage, the fluorescence parameters were highest, and then reduced to about half of the parameters related with electron transport on PSII and PSI at middle and late growth stages. In 1/2 N plot, the photochemical energy dissipation was measured to 13% in term of active reaction center per absorbed photon resulting in decrease in performance index and driving force of electron. This decrease induced to lower the photochemical effectiveness. In 2 N plots, the electron transport flux from QA to QB per cross section and the number of active PSII RCs per cross section were considerably enhanced. It was clearly indicated that the connectivity between photosynthetic PSII and PSI, i.e. electron transport, was far effective.

Sorghum seed is traditionally used as secondary food sources in addition to rice in Korea. While the hypoglycemia regulating phytochemicals have been found in sorghum seed, peptides related with hypoglycemia never been studied before. To obtain the peptide characteristics and the specifically high-expressed peptides in hypoglycemic sorghum seed, peptide profiles of seven hypoglycemic and five nonhypoglycemic sorghum lines bred in RDA were determined using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-offlight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS). The twelve sorghum lines exhibited 104 peptides on CM10 protein chip array (weak cation exchange) and 95 peptides on Q10 (weak cation exchange) in the molecular mass range from 2,000 to 20,000 Da. Heat map via supervised hierarchical clustering of the significantly different peptides (p < 0.01) in peak intensity among the 12 lines effectively revealed the specifically upregulated peptides in each line and distinguished between 7 hypoglycemic and 5 non-hypoglycemic lines. Through the comparison with hypoglycemic and non-hypoglycemic lines, 10 peptides including 2231.6, 2845.4, 2907.9, 3063.5, 3132.6, 3520.8, 4078.8, 5066.2, 5296.5, 5375.5 Da were specifically high-expressed in hypoglycemic lines at p < 0.00001. This study characterized seed peptides of 12 sorghums and found ten peptides highly expressed for hypoglycemic sorghum lines, which could be used as peptide biomarkers for identification of hypoglycemic sorghum.