A new stable mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana with a spotted pigment in the seed coat, named anthocyanin spotted testa (ast), was induced by carbon ion irradiation. The spotted pigmentation of ast mutant was observed in immature seeds from 1-2 days after flowering (DAF), at the integument of the ovule, and spread as the seed coat formed. Anthocyanin accumulation was about 6 times higher in ast mutant than in the wild-type at 6 DAF of the immature seeds, but was almost the same in mature dry seeds. A higher anthocyanin accumulation was not observed in the seedlings, leaves or floral buds of ast mutant compared with the wild-type, which suggests that a high accumulation of anthocyanins is specific to the seed coat of the immature ast seeds. Reciprocal crosses between ast mutant and the wild-type indicated that ast is a single recessive gene mutation and segregates as a delayed inheritance. The results of crossing with tt7 and ttg mutants also confirmed that the AST gene is probably a regulatory locus that controls flavonoid biosynthesis. A mapping analysis revealed that the gene is located on chromosome I and is closely linked to the SSLP DNA marker nga280 with a distance of 3.2 cM. AST has been registered as a new mutant of Arabidopsis.

Problem statement: The phenolic compounds and anthocyanin contents, the antioxidant and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor (AChI) activities of mulberry fruits were determined. Approach: Analysis of phenolic compounds and anthocyanin were performed using Folin Ciocalteu reagent and pH-differential method respectively. The antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH and FRAP assays while AChI activity was determined using Ellman method. Results: The mulberry fruit powder contained high amount of phenolic compounds and anthocyanin, It also exhibited strong antioxidant and AChEI activities. Based on the beneficial effect of polyphenol compounds and anthocyanin on brain, we also further evaluated the neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing effects of mulberry fruits in animal model of age-related cognitive decline. Surprisingly mulberry fruits could mitigate brain damage and memory impairment in age-related cognitive decline. The possible mechanism might be associated with its antioxidant and AChEI activities. Conclusion: In conclusion, Mulberry fruits are the potential neuroprotectant and cognitive enhancer. However, further investigations are required.