Resumo: Estudos de germinação de sementes em espécies de Eugenia após fracionamento de embriões demonstraram que as células dos cotilédones têm grande capacidade de desdiferenciação e consequente produção de raízes. No entanto, não há informações sobre a origem dessas novas raízes. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar anatomicamente as regiões dos cotilédones de sementes de cinco espécies de Eugenia para elucidar o tecido que origina tais raízes. As sementes foram seccionadas na região do hilo e imediatamente colocadas para germinar. Assim que as frações desenvolveram raízes, elas foram fixadas e processadas com as técnicas usuais de microscopia de luz. As raízes adventícias originaram-se apenas quando a semente foi fracionada, nunca ocorrendo espontaneamente em sementes não danificadas. Raízes adventícias foram formadas a partir de células do parênquima perivascular, localizadas próximas à região lesada dos cotilédones. Essas células se dividiram periclinalmente e proliferaram, dando origem a um meristema radicular. Dessa forma, as novas mudas provavelmente têm genoma diferente da planta mãe, mas seriam idênticas ao embrião resultante da fecundação.

Abstract: Studies on seed germination in Eugenia species after embryo fractionation have demonstrated that cotyledon cells have capacity for de-differentiation and consequent production of roots. However, there is no information about the origin of those new roots. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize anatomically the cotyledon regions of seeds of five species of Eugenia to elucidate the tissue that originates such roots. Seeds were sectioned across the hillum region and immediately placed to germinate. As soon as the fractions of these cut seeds develop roots they were fixed and processed to the usual techniques for light microscopy. The adventitious roots originated only when the seed was fractioned, never occurring spontaneously in uninjured seeds. Adventitious roots were formed from perivascular parenchyma cells, located close to the injured region of the cotyledons. These cells divided periclinally and proliferated, giving rise to a root meristem. Therefore, new seedlings probably have a different genome than the mother plant, but they would be identical to the embryo that was a result of fertilization.

ABSTRACT Glandular trichomes are epidermal structures that produce, store and release a variety of chemical compounds. Their high morphological diversity allows their taxonomic use at various levels. Therefore, their description and standardization of terminology become challenging. Cannabaceae is a well known family of Urticalean Rosids because of the presence of cannabinoid-secreting trichomes in Cannabis sativa. Other Urticalean Rosid families (Moraceae, Ulmaceae and Urticaceae) are neglected in this regard. Thus, the morphology and distribution of glandular trichomes were studied in Cannabaceae and Ulmaceae species and compared with published data for Moraceae and Urticaceae. Surface and anatomical analyses were performed on vegetative and floral organs. Urticalean Rosids show at least 15 types of glandular trichomes, 12 of them capitate and three filiform. In particular, Trema micrantha, a Cannabaceae species, has six different types. A trichome with biseriate stalk and pluricellular head, found in Trema micrantha and Pteroceltis tatarinowii, was not previously reported. Glandular trichomes are widely distributed in the plant body, which may be related to protection against herbivory. The greatest difficulty was the large quantity of terms and the lack of morphological details of the glandular trichomes in previous studies. A standardization of the terminology of glandular trichomes was therefore proposed.

Maytenus ilicifolia (Celastraceae) is a medicinal plant that is native to southern Brazil and is popularly known as “espinheira-santa”. From a biosynthesis perspective, this species accumulates quinonemethide triterpenes and sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids as major secondary metabolites that exhibit interesting biological properties, with antitumoral and antiprotozoal activities, respectively, being the most frequently reported. Additionally, the restricted accumulation of such compounds in the roots raises questions about the expression of proteins involved in such compartmentalization and their possible biological and/or ecological role in M. ilicifolia. Thus, this article describes the use of shotgun proteomics and histochemical studies for the characterization of the main biosynthetic pathways involved in the regulation of the metabolism in M. ilicifolia roots. This combined approaches also resulted in the identification of a series of proteins involved in the quinonemethide triterpenes and sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids, providing evidences of their differential compartmentalization.

ABSTRACT In 2019, the atmospheric CO2 concentration exceeded the 415 ppm milestone for the first time in the human history. According to projections of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), CO2 levels will continue to rise in the future, potentially affecting all living organisms. Plants with C3 metabolism may benefit from rising CO2 levels because the significant losses of photosynthesis, driven by photorespiration could be diminished under this scenario. This study addressed the anatomical changes in the stems of young Eucalyptus urophylla plants induced through cultivation in elevated CO2 (eCO2). Plants cultivated under eCO2 showed increased stem diameter (i.e., radial width of the secondary xylem, secondary phloem and cortex tissues). Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)/Toluidine Blue staining suggested a decrease in the lignification content in the newly formed tissues of eCO2 stimulated plants. Levels of caffeate/5-hydroxyferulate O-methyltransferase form 1 (COMT1), a lignin biosynthesis specific proteoform, were significantly reduced in stem sections, supporting our findings: eCO2 induces plant growth, but reduces lignified tissues.

Resumo No presente estudo nós comparamos os efeitos de um inibidor seletivo da COX-2 (etoricoxibe) com um anti-inflamatório não esteroidal não seletivo (AINE) (diclofenaco de potássio) no processo inflamatório e perda óssea alveolar em modelo de periodontite experimental. Noventa ratos Holtzman machos (250 g) foram randomizados em quatro grupos experimentais: Sham+CMC e Ligadura+CMC (controle) que receberam solução de carboximetilcelulose de sódio (CMC) a 0,5%; Ligadura+Diclofenaco e Ligadura+Etoricoxibe que receberam diclofenaco de potássio e etoricoxibe, respectivamente, suspensos em CMC 0,5% (10 mg/kg/dia). 7, 14 e 21 dias após colocação de ligadura bilateral na região cevical dos primeiros molares inferiores, os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia. No fim de cada período, as mandíbulas foram coletadas para exame radiográfico de perda óssea alveolar. Em adição, osso alveolar e ligamento periodontal foram coletados para determinar a expressão da enzima COX-2, e o tecido gengival foi coletado para determinar a expressão de PGE2. Animais submetidos à indução da doença periodontal pela ligadura (Grupo Ligadura) apresentaram um aumento significativo da expressão gênica de COX-2 nos dias 7, 14 e 21 (p<0,05). Todavia, ambos os tratamentos resultaram em uma significativa redução da perda óssea alveolar em comparação ao grupo Ligadura (p<0,05). Esse estudo mostrou que ambos os fármacos foram capazes de reduzir a perda óssea alveolar após indução da doença periodontal.

Abstract In the present study we compared the effects of the selective COX-2 inhibitor etoricoxib with those of the classical non-selective NSAID diclofenac on the inflammatory process and alveolar bone loss in an experimental model of periodontitis in rats. Ninety male Holtzman rats (250 g) were randomly sorted into four experimental groups: Sham+CMC and Ligature+CMC (control) groups which received 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC) solution; Ligature+Diclofenac and Ligature+Etoricoxib groups which received Potassium Diclofenac and Etoricoxib, respectively, suspended in 0.5% CMC (10 mg/kg/day). At 7, 14 and 21 days after placing ligatures in the cervical region of both the lower right and left first molars, the animals were euthanized. At the end of each period, the mandibles were collected for radiographic examination of alveolar bone loss. In addition, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament tissue samples were collected for COX-2 expression analysis and gingival tissues were collected for measurement of PGE2 contents. Animals with ligature-induced periodontal disease showed significant increased COX-2 gene expression at days 7, 14 and 21 (p<0.05) on alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. However, both treatments resulted in significantly reduced alveolar bone loss when compared to the untreated Ligature group (p<0.05), with no statistical difference between Etoricoxib and Diclofenac Potassium groups. This study shows that both drugs were able to reduce alveolar bone loss after periodontal disease induction.

ABSTRACT Floral secretory structures are usually associated with the attraction of pollinators, but may also play an important role in the mechanisms of plant protection. This study aimed to show the diversity of secretory structures present in the developing flowers of 15 legume species belonging to different clades and to associate them with functions other than the pollinator attraction. Buds, flowers and developing axis of inflorescence were processed for surface, histological, and ultrastructural analyses. The species investigated displayed a wide diversity of secretory structures in developing flowers such as phenolic cells and/or tissues, mucilaginous cells, secretory cavities, secretory trichomes and colleters. Each type of secretory structure exhibited variation in morphology and location in the flower and/or axis of inflorescence depending on the species. Special mucilage cells, secretory cavities, secretory trichomes and colleters have great potential for comparative morphological studies due to their diversity of forms or restricted occurrence to certain taxa, contributing to a more robust morphological data base for the new clades emerging in Leguminosae. The scarcity of reports about floral secretory structures of Leguminosae seems to be more related to deficient sampling than to the absence of such structures in the group, which highlights the need for further investigation.

ABSTRACT Dipteryx, Pterodon and Taralea are legume genera known for secreting oils, produced in secretory canals and cavities, with medicinal properties. We analyzed the distribution, morphology and histochemistry of these glands in leaves and stems of Dipteryx alata, Pterodon pubescens and Taralea oppositifolia, three Neotropical species, using standard techniques for anatomy and histochemistry. Secretory spaces, i.e. secretory cavities and canals, exhibited a wide lumen and a single layer of epithelium. Digitiform epithelial cells, forming trabeculae protruding into the lumen, were seen in all three species. Secretory cavities with a rounded or oval lumen and secretory canals with an elongated lumen in longitudinal sections were found only in T. oppositifolia. In D. alata and P. pubescens, only secretory cavities were found. In P. pubescens, secretory cavities occurred in the leaf blade margin. In T. oppositifolia, secretory spaces were much more numerous than in the other two species. Terpenes, total lipids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids and polysaccharides were detected in the secretory spaces of the three species. The abundance of secretory spaces, the presence of canals in T. oppositifolia and the position of cavities in P. pubescens are features with potential diagnostic value for their respective genera.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to obtain new information about the distribution, morphology and content of secretory trichomes present in the vegetative and reproductive organs of four species of Moraceae: Artocarpus heterophyllus, Dorstenia cayapia, Maclura tinctoria and Sorocea bonplandii. Stem, leaf, flower and inflorescence samples were processed for scanning electron and light microscopy. The species have secretory trichomes on the leaf blade, petiole and stem and also on the inflorescence and flowers of D. cayapia and S. bonplandii and on the peduncle of the inflorescence in A. heterophyllus. These trichomes are of the capitate type in all species, but A. heterophyllus also possess peltate secretory trichomes. Both trichome types exhibit a multicellular head and a unicellular peduncle. Peduncle size and head cell number varies according to species. Peltate trichomes located in depressions were found only in species of Artocarpus, and so should be of diagnostic value for the genus. In all species the trichomes secrete polysaccharides, alkaloids and lipids; phenolic compounds occur in A. heterophyllus and M. tinctoria trichomes. These trichomes probably act in the protection against herbivores, pathogens, desiccation and/ or UV radiation. Moreover, the trichomes found in the inflorescence of D. cayapia may exert a function in pollen grain adhesion.

RESUMO A uvaieira (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess.), espécie arbórea e frutífera, com potencial farmacológico e gastronômico, apresenta sementes sensíveis à dessecação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar se o grau de tolerância à dessecação de sementes de uvaieira depende do grau de maturidade das sementes no momento de sua dispersão. Este, por sua vez, depende das condições ambientais nas quais as sementes se desenvolvem, incluindo-se o acúmulo de graus-dia e a chuva acumulada no período. As sementes foram coletadas de frutos maduros de matrizes localizadas em São Paulo e Minas Gerais, submetidas à secagem e analisadas quanto ao teor de água e germinação. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 20 x 3 (origem do material x níveis de secagem). O grau de tolerância à dessecação difere entre as regiões e épocas de coleta, inclusive dentro da mesma matriz, quando as sementes são coletadas em anos distintos. As condições hídricas e térmicas do ambiente, durante o desenvolvimento das sementes, condicionam o ciclo de maturação, a qualidade fisiológica e a aquisição da tolerância à dessecação. A tolerância à dessecação de sementes de uvaieira depende da maturidade fisiológica das sementes no momento de sua dispersão, a qual está associada às condições ambientais.

ABSTRACT Eugenia pyriformis Cambess., known locally as uvaieira, a species of fruit-bearing tree with both pharmacological and gastronomic potential, has seeds which are sensitive to desiccation. The aim of this study was to analyse whether the degree of tolerance to desiccation of uvaieira seeds depends on the stage of maturation of the seeds at shedding. This, in turn, depends on the environmental conditions in which the seeds develop, including the accumulation of degree-days and rainfall in the period. Seeds were collected from the ripe fruit of parent plants located in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, Brazil, submitted to drying and analysed for water content and germination. A completely randomised design was used in a 20 x 3 factorial scheme (source of material x level of drying). The degree of desiccation tolerance differs between region and period of collection, even for the same parent plant when the seeds are collected in different years. The water and thermal conditions of the environment during seed development modify the maturation cycle, the physiological quality and the acquisition of desiccation tolerance. In uvaieira seeds, desiccation tolerance depends on the physiological maturity of the seeds at the time of dispersal, which is associated with the environmental conditions.

Introdução: As neoplasias primárias de ovário apresentam uma ampla variação dos aspectos histomorfológicos; sendo os tumores com diferenciação epitelial os mais frequentes. Entre os tumores malignos, o tipo histológico mais comum é o adenocarcinoma seroso, cujo diagnóstico é determinado em estágios avançados de doença em aproximadamente 75% das pacientes. O marcador tumoral CA 125 corresponde a uma glicoproteína sintetizada pelas células neoplásicas com diferenciação epitelial principalmente, e seu nível sérico parece estar associado ao potencial biológico dessas lesões. Objetivo: Estimar a associação entre o nível sérico de CA 125 e o grau de diferenciação em neoplasias ovarianas primárias. Método: Foram selecionados 60 casos distintos de tumores ovarianos primários, previamente analisados entre 2005 e 2010, de pacientes submetidas à dosagem sérica concomitante do marcador CA 125. Em cada caso foram determinados tamanho tumoral, tipo histológico, grau de diferenciação, presença de necrose tumoral, invasão neoplásica da albugínea ou tecidos extraovarianos, estadiamento patológico e nível sérico de CA 125. Resultados: Foi encontrada uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre nível de CA 125 e grau histológico (p = 0,001), idade (p = 0,009), comportamento biológico da neoplasia (maligno ou benigno - p = 0,002) e invasão extraovariana (p = 0,005). Não foi observada relação do nível de CA 125 com o tamanho tumoral (p = 0,1006) e o estadiamento patológico (p = 0,1). O grau histológico esteve associado à presença de necrose (p = 0,001), invasão extraovariana (p = 0,009) e ao tamanho tumoral (p = 0,008). Conclusão: Os níveis séricos de CA 125 estiveram associados ao grau histológico em neoplasias primárias ovarianas, principalmente nos tumores malignos de alto grau, sugerindo que os níveis elevados dessa glicoproteína estejam associados a lesões de comportamento biológico mais agressivo.

Introduction: Primary ovarian neoplasms exhibit a wide range of histopathological aspects, and tumors with epithelial differentiation are the most frequent. Among the malignant tumors, the most common histological type corresponds to serous adenocarcinoma, whose diagnosis is established in advanced stages of the disease in approximately 75% of the patients. Tumor marker CA 125 represents a glycoprotein synthesized mainly by neoplastic cells with epithelial differentiation, and its serum level seems to be associated with the biological potential of these lesions. Objective: To estimate the association between serum levels of CA 125 and the degree of differentiation in primary ovarian neoplasms. Method: Sixty distinct cases of primary ovarian tumors were selected, previously analyzed at the Laboratory of Pathology of the Hospital Complex of Universidade Luterana do Brasil (Ulbra), between 2005 and 2010, from patients undergoing concomitant analysis of CA 125. In each case, age, tumor size, histological type, degree of differentiation, presence of necrosis and tumor invasion of the albuginea or extraovarian tissues, pathological stage and serum CA 125 were determined. Results: A statistically significant relationship between CA 125 levels and histological grade (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.009), biological behavior of the tumor (malignant or benign - p = 0.002) and extraovarian invasion (p = 0.005) was found. No relationship between CA 125 levels and tumor size (p = 0.1006) and pathologic stage (p = 0.1) was determined. Histologic grade was associated with the presence of necrosis (p = 0.001), extraovarian invasion (p = 0.009) and tumor size (p = 0.008). Conclusion: In the present study, serum levels of CA 125 were associated with histological grade in primary ovarian neoplasms, especially in high-grade malignant tumors, suggesting that high levels of this glycoprotein are associated with lesions of more aggressive biological behavior.

This research aimed to investigate the perceptions and feelings of nurses in a hospital which is a center of excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer in the Zona da Mata Mineira region. Through open interviews, nine people participated in the research, in the months of January and February 2012. The following units of meaning emerged from the comprehensive analysis: The movement of putting oneself in another's position and The contradiction of feelings in care practice. The authors consider that the nurse's care may be understood in terms of its technical, ethical and human aspects, as these make it possible to deepen interpersonal relationships between those who care, and those who are cared for.

Esta investigación tuvo el objetivo de conocer las percepciones y sentimientos de enfermeros de un hospital oncológico de referencia en diagnóstico y tratamiento de pacientes con cáncer en la Zona da Mata Mineira. Fueron nueve participantes acompañados en los meses de enero y febrero de 2012 por medio de entrevista abierta. Del análisis comprensivo resultaron las unidades de significado: El movimiento de colocarse en el lugar del otro y La contradicción de los sentimientos en la práctica del cuidado. Se considera que el cuidado del enfermero puede ser comprendido en sus aspectos técnico, ético y humano, una vez que posibilita la profundización de las relaciones interpersonales entre los que cuidan y los que son cuidados.

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo conhecer as percepções e sentimentos de enfermeiros de um hospital oncológico de referência em diagnóstico e tratamento de pacientes com câncer na Zona da Mata Mineira. Foram nove participantes pesquisados nos meses de janeiro e fevereiro de 2012 mediante entrevista aberta. Da análise compreensiva emergiram as unidades de significado: O movimento de colocar-se no lugar do outro e A contradição dos sentimentos na prática do cuidado. Consideramos que o cuidado do enfermeiro pode ser compreendido em suas facetas técnicas, ético e humano, uma vez que possibilita o aprofundamento das relações interpessoais entre aqueles que cuidam e os que são cuidados.

Trata-se de um de relato de experiência dos monitores bolsistas e voluntários de alguns cursos da área de saúde da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) no projeto PET-Saúde, sob supervisão de cinco preceptores e de um tutor do projeto realizado na Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) Cafezal. O objetivo é descrever a experiência desse grupo tutorial do PET-Saúde Cafezal na promoção de hábitos saudáveis de vida. Os monitores puderam vivenciar a rotina do serviço de Atenção Primária, através do acompanhamento de diferentes atividades em diversos setores da UBS Cafezal e perceberam que os aspectos mais relevantes do projeto foram o trabalho interdisciplinar e multiprofissional, de acordo com os princípios de respeito e ética, a observação da rotina e do funcionamento da UBS, bem como a oportunidade de aplicarem seus conhecimentos acadêmicos adquiridos previamente. O modelo utilizado como estratégia de ensino-aprendizagem permitiu-lhes um meio de aprendizado teórico-prático dos preceitos adotados pelo SUS, uma vez que, devido ao princípio da indissociabilidade entre extensão, ensino e pesquisa, são realizados diversos trabalhos em campo e desenvolvidas pesquisas com equipes multidisciplinares.

This is an experience report of the scholarship students and volunteers of health science courses of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) who participated in the PET-Health project, under the supervision of five preceptors and one tutor. The project was carried out at the Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU) Cafezal in the city of Belo Horizonte. The objective of the project was the diffusion of healthy lifestyle concerning physical activity and nutrition. The aim of this report is the characterization of the experiences of this tutorial group. The monitors were able to experience the service routines of primary care by monitoring different activities in all sectors of the PHCU-Cafezal. The most relevant aspects of the project were multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary cooperation, in accordance with the principles of respect and ethics, the routine observation and operation of PHCU, as well as the opportunity to apply the recently acquired academic knowledge. This teaching and learning strategy enabled the students to practice the updated principles of preventive health care adopted by SUS, due to the principle of indivisibility of university extension projects, innovative teaching strategies and research.

A inclusão de alunos com necessidades educacionais especiais (NEE's) no sistema regular de ensino é hoje a diretriz principal das políticas públicas educacionais tanto a nível federal, quanto estadual e municipal. Entretanto, os licenciados egressos das instituições de Ensino Superior estão verdadeiramente preparados para o atendimento adequado aos portadores de NEE's? Foi no sentido de responder este questionamento que demos início ao desenvolvimento desta pesquisa, que analisou as opiniões de acadêmicos dos cursos de Física, Química e Biologia - Licenciaturas, do segundo e do último período de cada curso, a fim de observar qual o pensamento dos mesmos em relação à inclusão educacional e à ausência de disciplinas desta área nos cursos de licenciatura nas universidades públicas federais.

The inclusion of students with special educational needs (SEN) in the regular education system is today the main guideline for public policies on education at federal, state and municipal levels. However, are graduate students from higher education institutions actually prepared to provide adequate care for people with SEN? To answer this question we investigated the views of students in the second and last terms from Physics, Chemistry and Biology undergraduate programs to determine their perception on inclusive education and the lack of courses in the field in federal universities undergraduate programs.

El pargo criollo Lutjanus analis es una especie de importancia económica para la región noreste de Brasil, que esta siendo sobreexplotada. Para determinar sus aspectos reproductivos, se tomaron datos biológicos en los Estados de Bahía, Pernambuco, Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte y Ceará, entre 7 y 200m de profundidad, de febrero 1997 a diciembre 1999, en el Programa de REVIZEE-NE en la Zona Económica Exclusiva de Brasil. Se midieron la longitud total (LT), longitud de horquilla (FL), longitud estándar (SL), el peso total (TW) y peso evicerado (GW). Las gónadas se recolectaron y fijaron en FAACC para el análisis histológico de las etapas de maduración y el cálculo del índice gonadosomático (IGS). Se recolectaron un total de 135 hembras y 61 machos. Las hembras midieron 28.0-69.0cm (TL) y los machos entre 35.0-75.0cm (TL). Lutjanus analis es gonocorista, y la época de desove, determinada por la frecuencia de las etapas de maduración y el GSI, ocurre entre noviembre y abril, con con un pico de desove en marzo. La longitud mínima (FL) de las hembras maduras fue 28.0cm, menor que la reportada para la especie en Cuba. El estado de explotación de las especies y los indicadores biológicos observados justifican el establecimiento de medidas de protección espacial y temporal, como las áreas protegidas, tanto en sitios de crianza como en zonas de desove.

The mutton snapper Lutjanus analis is an overexploited species of economic importance for the Northeast region of Brazil. To determine the reproductive aspects of the mutton snapper, biological data were sampled from Bahia, Pernambuco, Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará States, between 7 and 200m depth, from February 1997 to December 1999, performed in the Brazilian Economic Exclusive Zone Study Program (REVIZEE-NE Program). Data on total length (TL), fork length (FL), standard length (SL), total weight (TW) and gutted weight (GW) were measured. The gonads were collected and fixed in FAACC for histological analysis on maturational stage and calculation of the gonadosomatic index (GSI). A total of 135 fishes were collected; from these, 74 were females and 61 were males. Females were between 28.0 and 69.0cm (TL) and the males between 35.0 and 75.0cm (TL). Mutton snapper are gonochorists, and the spawning season, determined by the maturity stages frequency and the GSI, occurred between November and April, with peak spawning in March. The mature females’ minimum length was 28.0cm fork length, smaller than the minimum maturation length previously reported for the species in Cuba. The exploitation status of the species and the biological traits enhances the importance of establishing spatial and seasonal protection measures such as protected areas both in nursery and spawning sites. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (3): 791-800. Epub 2010 September 01.

O nome popular "anileira" designa Indigofera anil L., I. suffruticosa Mill. e I. truxillensis Kunth, muito semelhantes quanto à morfologia externa. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar se caracteres da semente e plântula apresentavam valor diagnóstico para este grupo, já que tais caracteres têm sido muito utilizados na Taxonomia de Leguminosae. A superfície e morfoanatomia de sementes e cotilédones foram estudadas por microscopias eletrônica de varredura e de luz, e as etapas do desenvolvimento das plântulas descritas. Embora as plântulas sejam semelhantes, caracteres de sementes (tamanho, forma, ornamentação da superfície, forma do hilo e tamanho do embrião) e cotilédones (forma, organização do parênquima lacunoso na nervura central e distribuição de metabólitos nos tecidos) apresentaram valor diagnóstico para as espécies. I. anil distingue-se de I. suffruticosa por suas sementes maiores e cotilédones com borda acuminada. I. truxillensis caracteriza-se por apresentar sementes cilíndricas e cotilédones reniformes contendo gotas de óleo e alcalóides. Nossos dados, a morfologia externa dos frutos (curvos em I. anil e I. suffruticosa, e retos em I. truxillensis) e, ainda, a anatomia foliar (células parenquimáticas grandes e fenólicas no floema de I. suffruticosa e sua ausência em I. anil) sugerem que I. anil, I. suffruticosa e I. truxillensis não devem ser sinonimizadas.

The common name "wild indigo" specifies Indigofera anil L., I. suffruticosa Mill. (legitimate name) and I. truxillensis Kunth (legitimate name) that are very similar due to their external morphology. This work analyzed diagnostic characteristics of seeds and seedlings of these species since such features are widely used in taxonomic approaches within Leguminosae. We studied surface features and morpho-anatomy of seeds and cotyledons with scanning electronic microscopy and light microscopy, and described seedling phases. Although seedlings are similar, seed characteristics (size, shape, surface ornamentation, shape of the hilum and embryo size) and cotyledon characteristics (shape, trichome ornamentation, organization of spongy parenchyma along central veins and metabolite distribution in the tissues) have diagnostic features for the species. I. anil differs from I. suffruticosa in its larger seeds and acuminate-margined cotyledons. I. truxillensis is recognized by its cylindrical seeds and kidney-shaped cotyledons with large oil drops. We assume that the characteristics examined, plus fruit morphology and foliar anatomy suggest that I. anil, I. suffruticosa and I. truxillensis should not be synonymized.