Presynaptic calcium channels play a central role in chemical synaptic transmission by providing the calcium trigger for evoked neurotransmitter release. These voltage-gated calcium channels are composed of a primary structural subunit, ␣1, as well as auxiliary ␤ and ␣2␦ subunits. Our previous genetic, molecular, and functional analysis has shown that the cacophony (cac) gene encodes a primary presynaptic calcium channel ␣1 subunit in Drosophila. Here we report that transgenic expression of a cac-encoded ␣1 subunit fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein efficiently rescues cac lethal mutations and allows in vivo analysis of calcium channel localization at active zones. The results reported here further characterize the primary role of cac-encoded calcium channels in neurotransmitter release. In addition, these studies provide a unique genetic tool for live imaging of functional presynaptic calcium channels in vivo and define a molecular marker for immunolocalization of other presynaptic proteins relative to active zones. These findings are expected to facilitate additional analysis of synaptic development and function in this important model system.

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linkage (Stuber et al., 1992; Crow, 1999). Epistasis, particularly between linked loci, may also be an explanation Heterotic groups and patterns are of fundamental importance in for heterosis in maize (Cockerham and Zeng, 1996). No hybrid breeding of maize (Zea mays L.). The major goal of this study data exclude the possibility of all three mechanisms was to investigate the relationship between heterosis and genetic distance determined with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The contributing to heterosis, albeit in different proportions. objectives of our research were to (i) compare the genetic diversity Lamkey and Edwards (1999) coined the term panmicwithin and between seven tropical maize populations, (ii) test alterna-Breeding, Seed Sci.,

Knowledge on the changes in yield potential and associated physiological traits is essential for understanding the main yield‐limiting factors and guiding future breeding strategies. Our objective was to identify physiological traits associated with genetic gains in grain yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Shandong province, China. Thirteen milestone cultivars and two advanced lines released from 1969 to 2006 were examined over 3 yr at Tai'an during 2006 to 2009. The genetic gain in grain yield was 62 kg ha−1 yr−1, largely associated with increased kernels per square meter, biomass, and harvest index (HI) and reduced plant height. Significant genetic changes were also observed especially for apparent leaf area index (LAI) at heading and anthesis, chlorophyll content (Chl) at anthesis, photosynthesis rate during grain filling, and stem water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content at anthesis. Comparing genotypes having Rht‐D1b and others with both Rht‐D1b and Rht8c (Rht‐D1b+Rht8c) showed increased grain yield, thousand kernel weight, kernels per spike, kernel weight per spike, HI, canopy temperature depression, and Chl at anthesis and LAI at heading with the latter but no difference in height. The results suggested that genetic gains in grain yield in Shandong province were mainly contributed by increases in kernels per square meter and biomass, which were achieved through improving crop photosynthesis at and after heading, and the source for grain filling may have benefited from increased WSC in stems at anthesis.