<p>The reproductive organs of conifers and angiosperms differ in morphology in several fundamental respects. The conifer Norway spruce <i>(Picea abies)</i> form pollen and seed cones from separate meristems whereas angiosperms bear bipartite flowers with sepals and petals surrounding two inner whorls of stamens and carpels. Despite these differences in morphology this thesis present data to suggest that reproductive development in conifers and angiosperms is regulated by a similar molecular mechanism. This implies an evolutionary conservation of the major mechanism for reproductive development since the origin of seed plants. </p><p>Flower organ identity in angiosperms is determined by regulatory genes belonging to the MADS-box gene family of transcription factors. This thesis presents the cloning and characterisation of four novel MADS-box genes from Norway spruce<i>.</i> Three of these genes <i>DAL11</i>, <i>DAL12</i> and <i>DAL13 </i>are most closely related to angiosperm B function genes <i>i.e.</i> genes required for petal and stamen development. <i>DAL11</i>, <i>12</i> and <i>13</i> all are specifically active in developing pollen cones, with different temporal and spatial expression pattern. Functional analysis in transgenic Arabidopsis and yeast suggest that the reproductive aspect of the B-function is conserved between conifers and angiosperms. The results also suggest that the B-function in conifers is separated into one shoot identity and one organ identity determinant. </p><p>A fourth gene presented;<i> DAL10,</i> is specifically expressed in vegetative parts of pollen- and seed cones. Phylogenetically <i>DAL10</i> is not closely related to any of the known angiosperm clades, but rather forms a separate clade with other gymnosperm genes, suggesting a gymnosperm specific function. We suggest that the <i>DAL10</i> activity reflects a function in the determination of the reproductive shoot.</p>

<p>Prophenoloxidase (proPO) is a key enzyme for generation of melanin and is activated by the proPO activating enzyme (ppA) to its active form, PO. The active ppA was purified and cloned from crayfish hemocytes and it is a typical serine proteinase containing a clip, a proline-rich, and a glycine-rich domain. A recombinant protein containing the clip-domain, with homology to horseshoe crab big defensin and mammalian â-defensin, had antibacterial activity <i>in vitro</i> against gram-positive bacteria.</p><p>The proPO activating system (proPO system) is triggered by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or â-1,3-glucans. An LPS and â-1,3-glucan binding protein (LGBP) was characterized from crayfish hemocytes. The results of an LGBP antibody inhibition assay suggest that LGBP is directly involved in the proPO system.</p><p>The primary structure of a crayfish masquerade-like (mas) protein has homology to serine proteinases except for a substitution within the catalytic triad, which renders it without proteinase activity. The crayfish mas-like protein has also binding activity to various gram-negative bacteria and yeast. When the mas-like protein binds to microorganisms, it is processed by a proteolytic enzyme. The mas-like protein exhibited cell adhesion and opsonic activities suggesting that it plays a role in defense against parasites.</p>

<p>There are 42 members of the homeodomain-leucine zipper (HDZip) family of transcription factors in <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i>. This thesis focuses on the functional analysis of one member of this family, ATHB16, and on the biochemical properties of HDZip proteins. </p><p>To assess the function of the <i>ATHB16</i> gene, the expression of <i>ATHB16</i> was altered in transgenic Arabidopsis plants by using sense and antisense RNA constructs under the control of the 35S promoter. The reciprocal phenotypic effects associated with elevated and reduced levels of <i>ATHB16</i> expression suggested that, in wild-type plants, ATHB16 acts as a mediator of blue and red light effects on the regulation of plant growth and the timing of the floral transition. </p><p>In wild-type Arabidopsis, expression of <i>ATHB16</i> is high in leaves, intermediate in adult roots and inflorescences, and low in stems and siliques. The expression of <i>ATHB16</i> in the root is markedly increased in response to exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, but is reduced in the ABA response mutants <i>abil </i>and <i>abi2</i>, suggesting that <i>ATHB16</i> may be involved in ABA signal transduction. This hypothesis was corroborated by observations of alterations in sensitivity to ABA inhibition of root growth in seedlings of a T-DNA insertion mutant of <i>ATHB16</i> and of transgenic plants with elevated <i>ATHB16</i> levels. </p><p>HDZip proteins bind DNA as dimers. DNA-binding studies showed that different HDZip proteins interact with very similar target sequences <i>in vitro</i> and that they selectively form heterodimers with each other. For example, it was demonstrated that ATHB16 can heterodimerize with ATHB6 and ATHB7 in yeast and with ATHB5 <i>in vitro</i>, suggesting that ATHB16 may interact with other HDZip proteins in Arabidopsis. This interaction may have functional significance, since it may provide a mechanism for the plant to integrate different input signals, like light of different spectral qualities and water availability in the regulation of its growth. </p>

<p>This thesis focuses on reproduction in a simultaneous hermaphrodite with internal fertilization; the nudibranch <i>Aeolidiella glauca</i>. Unlike most other nudibranchs, where copulation is the rule, <i>A</i>. <i>glauca</i> was found to transfer sperm via external spermatophores that were attached to the partner's back. Despite elaborate courtship the actual spermatophore transfer, which always involved two animals only, was of short duration. In most matings (88%) spermatophores were reciprocally exchanged. </p><p><i>A. glauca</i> was further found to be very promiscuous. During mating and sperm transfer the receiver exerts considerable control over sperm, and manipulative behaviours designed to increase the donor's reproductive success are thus likely to have evolved. An example of such manipulative behaviour may be <i>A. glauca's</i><b> </b>unique spermatophore avoidance behaviour. I found that slugs carrying a sign of previous mating activity, i.e. a spermatophore, were discriminated against in a situation where mate choice was possible. The presence of spermatophores was further found to reduce slugs' ability to interrupt matings, and displace other slugs. Body size, however, had no direct effect on displacement in <i>A. glauca</i> as small slugs interrupted matings as successfully as large ones. Furthermore, pair formation and mating were found to be random with respect to size. This was true also for pairs formed in the field. </p><p>In addition to mate choice hermaphrodites may increase their reproductive success by differential sex allocation. I tested whether differing mate encounter rates had any effects on allocation to male and female function in <i>A. glauca</i>. Slugs with more mating opportunities mated more, and had higher proportional spermatophore production that others. As predicted they also laid significantly fewer eggs than slugs presented with partners less often.</p>

<p>Semi-analytical models for remote sensing of water quality parameters need to be parameterized with specific inherent optical properties. In this thesis, data on specific inherent optical properties of Swedish lakes and coastal waters is presented. Also, the problems of measuring in situ spectral backscattering are addressed. It is shown how measured specific inherent optical properties are used to parameterize semi-analytical bio-optical models. The models are then used to produce large synthetic data sets based on the distribution of water quality parameters, and from these data sets, band ratio or single band ratio algorithms for remote estimation of water quality parameters are constructed. A similar model was also used to calculate under water PAR from measured water quality parameters.</p><p>The specific inherent optical properties of Swedish lakes and coastal waters are very similar to earlier reported data from the oceanic environment. However, different relations of the water quality parameters will affect the inherent optical properties absorption and backscattering. The absorption spectra are dominated by yellow substance with terrestrial origin. Phytoplankton absorption is low, and account in general only for about 10 % of the total absorption in regions where phytoplankton pigments are active. The spectral backscattering is dominated by suspended particulate inorganic matter. Phytoplankton backscattering is almost negligible, except in cases where the phytoplankton community is dominated by highly scattering cyanobacteria. Experiences from remote sensing campaigns and modeling shows that remote chlorophyll estimation is most effective at longer wavelengths, where the absorption of yellow substance is low. However, modeling also predicts that large uncertainties have to be expected in the estimation of chlorophyll, both from variation in the specific phytoplankton absorption and from influences of other optically active water quality parameters.</p>

This thesis examines seasonal, diel and vertical distribution patterns of activity of host-seeking Ixodes ricinus (L.) ticks at three localities in south-central Sweden. In addition, by examining the prevalence of infection in ticks with Lyme borreliosis (LB) spirochetes, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l, information for estimating relative LB risk in humans and the effect of control measures directed against this tick vector is provided. The seasonal activity pattern of I. ricinus was, in general, bimodal with peaks of activity in May-June and August-September. Tick densities were generally high at Torö and low at Kungshamn-Morga. The greatest variation in tick density occurred at the sample site level, which indicated a patchy distribution of ticks. The diel activity of adult I. ricinus sampled at Bogesund showed a distinct nocturnal activity peak while nymphal ticks exhibited no particular diel variation. At the meadow site, there was a strong negative association between activity of each tick stage and ambient air temperature, and larval ticks also showed a nocturnal activity peak. I. ricinus of all stages were present in the vegetation up to at least 140 cm above ground level. At Torö, host-seeking larvae were found at significantly lower levels (below 20 cm) in the vegetation compared to nymphs and adults (50-59 and 60-79 cm, respectively). Vegetation structure is likely to be the main factor governing tick vertical distribution at this locality. The northern limit of the geographical distribution of I. ricinus in Sweden corresponds with the southern boundary of the taiga zone, as well as with several other climatic or vegetational isoclines primarily associated with the vegetation period. The prevalence rates of Borrelia spirochetes, recorded by phase-contrast microscopy in host-seeking I. ricinus, were 0% in larvae, 5.8-13.1% in nymphs and 14.5-28.6% in adult ticks. The human LB risk, estimated by the number of Borrelia-infected nymphs per hectare, was greater at Torö than at Kungshamn-Morga and greater in woodland than in open areas. The risk also possessed a bimodal seasonal pattern similar to that of subadult host-seeking activity. Controlling the number of infected nymphs through de-ticking of reservoir hosts seems not to be an effective control measure in Sweden due to the ubiquitous availability of alternative reservoir hosts.

Peat mosses (Sphagnum) are widely distributed and are a major component of mire vegetation and peat throughout the boreal and temperate regions. Most boreal Sphagnum species regularly produce sporophytes, but the ecological role of the spore has been questioned. This study shows that the spores can form a spore bank and have the ability to germinate and contribute to moss establishment whenever suitable conditions occur. The results suggest that spore production is important for explaining the wide distribution and omnipresence of Sphagnum in nutrient-poor wetlands. The results further imply that initial recruitment from spores predominates in Sphagnum after disturbance or formation of suitable habitats. A series of experiments showed that addition of phosphorus-containing substrates, such as fresh plant litter or moose dung, resulted in spore establishment on bare, moist peat. A field experiment indicated establishment rates of about 1% of sown, germinable spores on peat with added substrates. Plant litter on moist soil, without a closed cover of bryophytes, is an important safe site for the establishment of Sphagnum spores. The results fit the observed pattern of colonisation by Sphagnum beneath Eriophorum vaginatum tussocks in mires severely disturbed by peat extraction. Successful long-distance dispersal was indicated by the occurrence of several regionally new or rare Sphagnum species in disturbed mires. Spore number per sporophyte ranged among Sphagnum species from 18 500 to 240 000, with a trade-off between spore number and spore size. Annual spore production was estimated at 15 million spores per square metre on two investigated mires. Sporophyte production showed a large interannual variation. Sporophyte production was positively related to the amount of precipitation the preceding summer. This was probably because a high water level promoted gametangium formation. Spore dispersal occurred in July and August. The earlier timing of spore dispersal in the more drought-sensitive, hollow-inhabiting sphagna should reduce the risk of sporophytes drying out prematurely during summer droughts. Spores kept refrigerated up to 13 years retained high germinability. A field experiment showed that Sphagnum can form a persistent spore bank, with a potential longevity of several decades.

This dissertation is primarily focused on the Buellia species with pluriseptate spores, often referred to the section or genus Diplotomma, and secondarily on the Physciaceae. An ultrastructural study at family level gives new information on spore characters. Variations in the composition and structure of the spore wall layers and septa are described. A phylogenetic analysis of the Physciaceae, based on morphological and chemical characters, is presented. In the resulting trees the species with pluriseptate spores appear in a poorly resolved clade together with other crustose species with 1-septate spores. A subsequent analysis, excluding foliose and fruticose species, shows that the species with pluriseptate spores do not form a monophyletic group, and that only a few are grouped together with the type species of Diplotomma. Due to low resolution, poor branch support, and uncertainty concerning the typification of Buellia all species treated are retained in Buellia. Altogether 35 species with pluriseptate spores are treated, including ten new to science, viz. B. aeruginosa, B. morsina, B. muriformis, B. oidaliella, B. pallido-marginata, B. romoletia, B. rubroreagens, B. terricola, B. tombadorensis, and B. tri-septata. Historical outlines are presented, and information on life strategy, morphology, chemistry, ecology, and distribution is given. All species are similar and macroscopically not easily distinguished, having crustose thalli and blackish apothecia, but there is a great variation in microscopic characters, secondary chemistry, substrate preferences, habitat ecology, and distribution range. Several names are typified and many synonyms are listed. References are given to all species referred to Diplotomma in literature.

Mammalian pregnancy is an immunological paradox. The foetus, which expresses both paternal and maternal cell-surface molecules, has to be protected from rejection by the maternal immune system. At the same time, the mother has to have an efficient immune defence and must provide her offspring with antibodies. The first part of this thesis investigates some of the mechanisms involved in the foetal avoidance of maternal rejection reactions. Placental absence of MHC class II expression, as well as a bias for Th2-cytokines at the maternal-foetal interface are suggested to be important for foetal survival. The results showed that placental MHC class II expression cannot be induced in vivo. Transfections of trophoblast cells with MHC class II genes, however, resulted in detectable MHC class II cell-surface expression, indicating that a post-transcriptional block does not exist in these cells. By using IL-4- and IL-10-double deficient mice, it was shown that neither maternal nor foetal expression of these cytokines were crucial for completion of allogeneic pregnancy. In the second part of the thesis, the effect of transmission of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from the mother to the offspring was studied. It was observed that viable maternal Ig-secreting cells occasionally infiltrated the B cell-deficient offspring and remained functional for long periods. In this study "green fluorescent mice" were used as a tool. Furthermore, neonatal ingestion of wild type milk increased the survival of adoptively transferred B-lineage cells in B cell-deficient mice, suggesting that suckling of IgG-containing milk could be used to facilitate B cell-reconstitution in B cell-deficient mice. Finally, results from studies on normal mice showed that absence of maternal IgG-transmission during their neonatal development resulted in elevated serum-IgG production, as well as enhanced immune reactions upon immunisations in adult life. This showed that maternal IgG can have long-term immunoregulatory effects in the offspring.

This thesis shows that socially subordinate Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) display elevated brain serotonergic (5-HT) and norepinephric activity along with a chronic activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis, including elevated plasma concentrations of á-MSH. Furthermore, subordinate fish showed an inhibition of aggressive behaviour and darker body coloration, skin darkness being positively correlated with plasma á-MSH. Fish kept on dark background, and thus being darker in body colour, were less aggressive than conspecifics interacting on white background, supporting the hypothesis that skin darkening could signal social submission. The 5-HT1A -receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT stimulated HPI axis activity in non-stressed fish, but if administrated to stressed fish it inhibited HPI axis activity, suggesting that 5-HT1A receptors may act as both post- and pre-synaptic receptors. 8-OH-DPAT also induced skin darkening in both non-stressed and stressed fish. Stimulation of brain dopaminergic activity by L-dopa treatment counteracted the stress-induced inhibition of aggressive behaviour, and stress related effects on brain 5-HT activity and plasma levels of cortisol. In conclusion, social subordination in Arctic charr results in skin darkening and an inhibition of aggressive behaviour. Stress-induced effects, that could be mediated by elevated brain 5-HT activity, and serve as a way of signalling social position and coping with stress.