Cypris larvae (Cirripedia: Balanomorpha) display auto-fluorescence in nearly species-specific patterns.

The identification of balanomorph larvae plays an important role in ecological study and for protection against biofouling. However, it is difficult to identify species of cyprids (settling larvae) of balanomorph barnacles, as they show remarkably similar morphology. Some authors have suggested distinguishing cyprids of different species by carapace length, pigmentation, and fine carapace detail. However, such criteria are only applicable to a narrow range of balanomorph species. Recently, we were have serendipitously found species-specific distribution of fluorescent substances in cultured cyprids obtained from adult balanomorph barnacles, collected near the coast of Japan. Fluorescent patterns (FPs) of cyprids from 11 species were classified into five major groups. Cyprids specimens collected from the field were estimated, based on the FPs and other morphological characteristics (pigmentation and carapace length), after which their species were identified using the following two criteria: the morphology of adults derived from the field cyprids that adhered to a culture dish, and cyprid 12S rRNA gene sequence. The results of species estimation by FPs largely corresponded to the correct species identification. Other FP groups were found in the field cyprids. This study of FPs should be helpful for identification of cyprid species.

ZMVHA-B1, the gene for subunit B of vacuolar H+-ATPase from the eelgrass Zostera marina L. Is able to replace vma2 in a yeast null mutant.

A vacuolar H(+)-ATPase (VHA) gene (ZMVHA-B1) was isolated from an eelgrass (Zostera marina) leaf cDNA library and was characterized to be approximately 1.4 kbp in length and to encode the B subunit protein of VHA comprising 488 amino acids. ZMVHA-B1 was highly expressed in all organs of eelgrass; the expression level was highest in the leaves. On transformation of a yeast vma2 null mutant with ZMVHA-B1, yeast cells became able to grow at pH 7.5, accompanied by the vesicular accumulation of LysoSensor green DND-189. Thus, ZMVHA-B1 expressed in yeast cells produced a functional B subunit that was efficiently incorporated into the VHA complex and eventually restored vacuolar morphology and activity. This success expedites the application of heterologous expression in yeast mutant cells to the screening of eelgrass genes involved in salt-resistance mechanisms, which are to be utilized in improving important crops.