User:Sanjana Inala/sandbox

Article Evaluation
Cornus florida
 * Everything in the article is relevant, without any viewpoints that are overrepresented or underrepresented.
 * The article overall has a neutral tone, with no biases. However, there is one sentence in the historical uses section that seems subjective. The article states "the red berries are edible, but do not taste good." I think this sentence could be reworded better to indicate if it has a bitter taste, but stating that it does "not taste good" is biased.
 * The links in both the references section and the external links section all work. The citations are properly attributed and corroborated from appropriate, reliable sources.
 * The information is still currently in date.
 * The talk page has ongoing discussions about references to the dogwood tree in Christianity as well as whether the berries are poisonous or edible. There is also questions about whether the tree is monoecious or dioecious.
 * The article is a part of the WikiProjects Plants page.
 * The Wikipedia page discusses the flowering dogwood by listing its characteristics first and then some of its historical uses.

Potential Topics
Green algae

There is a paragraph listed on the reproduction cycle of green algae and some of its evolutionary history. However, there is not much on the characteristics of green algae or its modern uses. Furthermore, there is one sentence under the section "Physiology" that needs to be further explained and unpacked. The sentence states "the green algae, including the characean algae, have served as model experimental organisms to understand the mechanisms of the ionic and water permeability of membranes, osmoregulation, turgor regulation, salt tolerance, cytoplasmic streaming, and the generation of action potentials."

Prunus serrulata

Although there are many pictures and a list of the different hybrids and varieties of this species, there seems to be quite a lot missing from this page. There is a very brief description of the characteristics of the Japanese cherry tree as well as the flower. However, much is missing on its reproduction cycle, the geographic distribution of the species, its cultural significance and uses, evolutionary history, etc.

Willow

This page has quite a bit more information than the Japanese cherry tree. The description on the characteristics of a willow tree is more thorough and there is a pretty extensive list of the different species under the genus, Salix. The different uses of the willow tree, in terms of medicinal and manufacturing, are also listed as well as different cultural references. However, there is no mention of the reproduction cycle or its ecological community (areas and conditions it can be found in). Moreover, the description can also be more in depth in terms of foliage and bark and there could be a section that discusses its evolutionary history.

Sources (Prunus serrulata)
A.J. Miller-Rushing, T. Katsuki, R.B. Primack, Y. Ishii, S.D. Lee, H. Higuchi Impact of global warming on a group of related species and their hybrids: cherry tree (Rosaceae) flowering at Mt. Takao, Japan

Balsamo, R. A., Bauer, A. M., Davis, S. D. and Rice, B. M. (2003), Leaf biomechanics, morphology, and anatomy of the deciduous mesophyte Prunus serrulata (Rosaceae) and the evergreen sclerophyllous shrub Heteromeles arbutifolia (Rosaceae). Am. J. Bot., 90: 72–77.

Barac, G., Ognjanov, V., Obreht, D., Ljubojevic, M., Bosnjakovic, D., Pejic, I., & Gasic, K. k. (2014). Genotypic and Phenotypic Diversity of Cherry Species Collected in Serbia. Plant Molecular Biology Reporter, 32(1), 92-108.

CHANG, K.-S., CHANG, C.-S., PARK, T. Y. and ROH, M. S. (2007), Reconsideration of the Prunus serrulata complex (Rosaceae) and related taxa in eastern Asia. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 154: 35–54.

Esbaum, J. (2012). Cherry blossoms say spring. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society.

KAE‐SUN CHANG, CHIN‐SUNG CHANG, TAE YOON PARK, MARK S. ROH; Reconsideration of the Prunus serrulata complex (Rosaceae) and related taxa in eastern Asia, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, Volume 154, Issue 1, 1 May 2007, Pages 35–54, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8339.2007.00631.x

Lee, BB., Cha, MR., Kim, SY. et al. Plant Foods Hum Nutr (2007) 62: 79. https://ezproxy.tcnj.edu:5671/10.1007/s11130-007-0045-9.

Park-Ono, H.S., Kawamura, T., Yoshino, M., 1993. Relationships between flowering date of cherry blossom (Prunus yedoensis) and air temperature in East Asia. In: Proceedings of the thirteenth International Congress of Biometeorology 1993 September 12–18, Calgary, pp. 207–220.

Shigehara, K., Okamura, T., Nakayama, N., Watanabe, F., 1991. Phenological observation data in Japan to be utilized as an indicator of climatic variation. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Climatic Impacts on the Environment and Society 1991 January 27–February 1, Ibaraki, Japan, pp. C1–C6.

Slade, B. (1957). Leaf Development in Relation to Venation, as Shown in Cercis siliquastrum L., Prunus serrulata Lindl. and Acer pseudoplatanus L. The New Phytologist, 56(3), 281-300. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/2429609.

Zi-Lin, C., Wei-Jie, C., Chen, H., Ying-Ying, Z., Mei-Qin, T., Meng-Qi, F., & Xiao-Feng, J. (2013). Prunus pananensis (rosaceae), a new species from pan'an of central zhejiang, china. PLoS One, 8(1).

Notes for myself
* Include that it is dicot

* Most common cultivar is Kwanzan

* Include more diverse pictures

*Find scientific articles that are more broad and not so specific to one study*

Classification
Genus should be corrected to Prunus

=== Description ===

Form

 * The overall tree has a rounded outline that appears to be thinner at the bottom, bulges out and becomes thin again at the top ("vase-shaped")
 * Average height
 * Average width

Bark

 * Thin
 * Smooth
 * Reddish brown in color
 * Horizontal lenticels

Twigs

 * Thin
 * Reddish brown
 * Lenticels

Leaves

 * Alternate
 * Elliptical shape
 * Serrated
 * Average size
 * Color in summer - dark green
 * Color in winter - reddish brown
 * "Petioles have obvious glands"
 * Pinnate vennation
 * Oblong leaves

Flowers

 * "Varies from single to doubles" (what does this mean)
 * Width of flower varies from 0.5-2.5 inches
 * Flower in April and early May

Geographic Distribution
Native to Japan

Evolutionary History
Lots of uncertainty

"Watkins (1976), based on hybridization experiments, speculated that Prunus originated in Central Asia, dispersing later to the rest of Eurasia and the New World. Reconstruction of geographic distribution on one of the MPT obtained from analysis of combined ITS and trnL-trnF supports the hypothesis that Prunus originated in the Old World (Fig. 5). We obtained the same result when Acctran (accelerated transformation) was used. However, the identity of the closest relative of Prunus will affect the hypothesis of geographic origin. If Oemleria, which is restricted to North America, is placed sister to Prunus, an equally parsimonious tree is obtained and the an cestral state for geographic distribution of Prunus be comes North America (data not shown). As we have previously discussed, a strongly supported sister group to Prunus has not been identified, and it is un clear whether this group will be found among the Amygdaloideae (Potter et al. 1999). This is an area that needs more research and therefore no firm conclusions can be drawn. In summary, our findings confirm earlier observa tions that Exochorda, Oemleria, and Prinsepia constitute a monophyletic group but this clade is not supported as sister to Prunus. Therefore Amygdaloideae might need reinterpretation and/or further study. Prunus is monophyletic and should be treated as a single genus. The genus Prunus is divided into two major lineages. One of them includes the subgenera Padus, Laurocera sus, and Cerasus and is characterized by racemose inflorescences that become corymbs or umbels in Cera sus. The second major lineage is less strongly sup ported and shows less resolution. It includes subgen era Prunus, Amygdalus, Emplectocladus, and sections Microcerasus (subgenus Cerasus) and Penarmeniaca. Mi crocerasus is not monophyletic and most of its species may be more closely related to Prunus than to Cerasus."

EDIT ABOVE^

Reproduction
Need to find articles on this

Uses

 * Decoration purposes
 * Medicinal uses
 * Has antioxidative and anticancer properties - found one article listing this and need to find more
 * "The possible mechanism by which CBE inhibited oxidative DNA damage in human leukocytes might be ascribed to the chemical structure of the phenolic compound contained in CBE. Although the exact phenolic compounds in CBE need to be isolated in a further study, generally the flowers of plant contain polyphenolics including flavonoids and anthocyanins, which may have anti-oxidative activity."
 * "Cherry blossoms may be a potential candidate for the development of novel therapeutic agents to induce cell death in human colon carcinoma cells."
 * A traditional herbal "remedy for various diseases such as heart failure, beriberi, dropsy, and mastitis" as well as toothache in Korea
 * The bark and stems are used in relaxing and detoxifying

Cultural Significance
There is a link to a page on Cherry blossom that lists the significance of the flower in each country.

Ready for Peer Review (3/23/18)
'*****I have switched the Wikipedia page that I will be editing from Prunus serrulata to Prunus because it was really difficult to find scientific sources specific to Prunus serrulata''. Most of the research I had previously compiled fit best into a discussion on the Prunus genus instead.*****'''

Introduction to the page
Prunus is a genus of trees and shrubs, which includes the plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots and almonds.

Native to the northern temperate regions, there are 430 different species classified under Prunus. Many members of the genus are widely cultivated for their fruit and for decorative purposes. Prunus fruit are defined as drupe or stone fruit because the fleshy mesocarp surrounding the endocarp (pit or stone) is the edible part. Most Prunus fruit and seeds are commonly used for processing, such as jam production, canning, drying or roasting.

Bioactive Compounds
The fruits of the genus Prunus genus have many phytochemicals and are rich in antioxidants. There are many factors that can affect the levels of bioactive compounds in the different fruits of the Prunus genus, including the environment, season, processing methods, orchard operations as well as postharvest management.

Cherries
Cherries contain many different phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, which is an indicator of being rich in antioxidants. There has been recent research linking the phenolic compounds of the sweet cherry (Prunus avium) with antitumor properties. Antioxidants are used to remove the free radicals in a living system that are generated as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Some of those antioxidants include gutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. However, the DNA and proteins can be damaged when there is an imbalance in the level of free radicals and the antioxidants. When there aren't enough antioxidants to remove the free radicals, there are many diseases that can occur, such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson's disease, etc. Recent studies have shown that using natural antioxidants as a supplement in chemotherapy can decrease the amount of oxidative damage. Some of these natural antioxidants include ascorbic acid, tocopherol and epigallocatechin gallate and can be found in certain cherry extracts.

Almonds
Similar to cherries, strawberries and raspberries, almonds are also rich in phenolics and have a high oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC), another indicator of being rich in antioxidants. The bioactive compounds, polyphenols and anthocyanins, that are found in berries and cherries are also present in almonds. Almonds also contain nonflavonoid and flavonoid compounds. Flavonoids are a group of structurally related compounds that are arranged in a specific manner and can be found in all vascular plants on land. They contribute to the antioxident properties of almonds. Some of the nonflavonoid compounds present are protocatechuic, vanillic, and p-hydroxybenzoic acids. Flavonoid compounds that can be found in the skin of the almond are flavanols, flavonols, dihydroflavonols, and flavanones.

Plums
Of all of the different species of stone fruits, plums are the most rich in antioxidants and phenolic compounds. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) varies within each fruit, but in plums, TAC is much higher in the skin that in the flesh of the fruit.

Apricots
Apricots are high in carotenoids, which play a key role in light absorption during development. Carotenoids are the pigments which give the pulp and peel of apricots and other Prunus fruits their yellow and orange colors. Moreover, it is an essential precursor for Vitamin A which is especially important for vision and the immune system in humans.

Peaches and Nectarines
Similar to the plum, peaches and nectarines also have higher TAC in the skin than in the flesh. They also contain moderate levels of carotenoids and ascorbic acid. Peaches and nectarines also are orange and yellow in color. Ascorbic acid is important in hydroxylation reactions, such as collagen synthesis and de novo synthesis of bone, cartilage and wound healing. Ascorbic acid is also a precursor of Vitamin C, which is essential for repairing tissues and absorbing iron.

Introduction to the page
Prunus is a genus of trees and shrubs, which includes the plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and almonds.

Native to the northern temperate regions, there are 430 different species classified under Prunus. Many members of the genus are widely cultivated for their fruit and for decorative purposes. Prunus fruit are defined as drupes, or stone fruits, because the fleshy mesocarp surrounding the endocarp (pit or stone is edible. Most Prunus fruit and seeds are commonly used in processing, such as jam production, canning, drying or roasting.

Benefits to Human Health
Humans are often encouraged to consume many fruits because they are rich in a variety of nutrients and phytochemicals which are beneficial to human health. Specifically, the fruits of the Prunus genus contain many phytochemicals and antioxidants. These compounds have properties that have been linked to preventing different diseases and disorders. Research suggests that the consumption of these fruits reduces the risk of developing diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and other age-related declines. There are many factors that can affect the levels of bioactive compounds in the different fruits of the Prunus genus, including the environment, season, processing methods, orchard operations as well as postharvest management.

Cherries
Cherries contain many different phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, which is an indicator of being rich in antioxidants. There has been recent research linking the phenolic compounds of the sweet cherry (Prunus avium) with antitumor properties.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) include superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen; they are the byproducts of metabolism. High levels of ROS lead to oxidative stress which causes damage to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. The oxidative damage results in cell death which ultimately leads to numerous diseases and disorders. Antioxidants act as a defensive mechanism against the oxidative stress. . They are used to remove the free radicals in a living system that are generated as reactive oxygen species. Some of those antioxidants include gutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. The antioxidants present in cherry extracts act as inhibitors of the free radicals. However, the DNA and proteins can be damaged when there is an imbalance in the level of free radicals and the antioxidants. When there aren't enough antioxidants to remove the free radicals, there are many diseases that can occur, such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson's disease, etc. Recent studies have shown that using natural antioxidants as a supplement in chemotherapy can decrease the amount of oxidative damage. Some of these natural antioxidants include ascorbic acid, tocopherol, and epigallocatechin gallate; they can be found in certain cherry extracts.

Almonds
Similar to cherries, strawberries, and raspberries, almonds are also rich in phenolics. Almonds have a high oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC), which is another indicator of being rich in antioxidants. As stated before, high levels of the free radicals is harmful and thus, having the capacity to absorb those radicals is greatly beneficial. The bioactive compounds, polyphenols and anthocyanins, that are found in berries and cherries, are also present in almonds. Almonds also contain nonflavonoid and flavonoid compounds, which contribute to the antioxidant properties of almonds. Flavonoids are a group of structurally related compounds that are arranged in a specific manner and can be found in all vascular plants on land. They also contribute to the antioxidant properties of almonds. Some of the nonflavonoid compounds present are protocatechuic, vanillic, and p-hydroxybenzoic acids. Flavonoid compounds that can be found in the skin of the almond are flavanols, dihydroflavonols, and flavanones.

Plums
Of all of the different species of stone fruits, plums are the most rich in antioxidants and phenolic compounds. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) varies within each fruit, but in plums, TAC is much higher in the skin that in the flesh of the fruit.

Apricots
Apricots are high in carotenoids, which play a key role in light absorption during development. Carotenoids are the pigments which give the pulp and peel of apricots and other Prunus fruits their yellow and orange colors. Moreover, it is an essential precursor for Vitamin A, which is especially important for vision and the immune system in humans. Moreover, these fruits are quite rich in phenolic substances including, catechin, epicatechin, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid.

Peaches and Nectarines
Similar to the plum, peaches and nectarines also have higher TAC in the skin than in the flesh. They also contain moderate levels of carotenoids and ascorbic acid. Peaches and nectarines are orange and yellow in color which can be attributed to the carotenoids present. Ascorbic acid is important in hydroxylation reactions, such as collagen synthesis and de novo synthesis of bone and cartilage, and wound healing. Ascorbic acid is also a precursor of Vitamin C, which is essential for repairing tissues and absorbing iron.