017472   Karthikeyan A;Sivakumar N (P G and Research Department of Microbiology, J J College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai-622 404) : Sericulture pupal waste - a new production medium for mass cultivation of Bacillus thuringiensis. Indian J Biotechnol 2007, 6(4), 557-9.

An attempt has been made to utilize the silkworm pupal waste for mass cultivation of biopesticide bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. The mass production potential was tested in a semi solid state fermentation set-up and the dry pupal waste powder was analyzed for carbon, lipid, protein and pH before and after solid state fermentation, where viable spore count (VSC) was taken as a criteria for evaluating the efficiency of pupal waste medium. A very high VSC of 369'109 was obtained in the present investigation.

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017471   Kannan P;Premkumar A;Ignacimuthu S (Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai-600 034) : Thidiazuron induced shoot regeneration in the endangered species, Exacum travancoricum Beedi. Indian J Biotechnol 2007, 6(4), 564-6.

In vitro propagation of Exacum travancoricum through direct organogenesis with a mean of 28±0.19 shoots per internode explants was achieved upon culture on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 2 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ). Benzyladenine was inferior to TDZ in the induction of shoots. The developed shoots rooted best on MS medium with 3.0 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The plantlets exhibited 80 survival in ex vitro conditions.

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017470   Jyothsna Kumari G;Giridara Kumar S; thippeswamy M;Annapurnadevi A;thimma Naik S;Sudhakar C (Botany Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur-515 003) : Effect of salinity on growth and proteomic changes in two cultivars of mulberry (Morus alba L.) with contrasting salt tolerance. Indian J Biotechnol 2007, 6(4), 508-18.

The effect of salinity on growth and proteomic changes was studied in two cultivars of mulberry (Morus alba L.) with contrasting salt tolerance. Three-month-old mulberry plants were subjected to 0.0 (control), 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% NaCl stress for 7 d. Salt treatment did affect the growth, dry matter and leaf area in both the cultivars. The cultivar S1 showed a lesser rate of decrease in growth, dry matter and leaf area than cultivar ATP which indicated that cultivar S1 is better tolerant than cultivar ATP to salt stress. Soluble proteins extracted from leaves were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis in order to detect salt stress induced changes in the polypeptide patterns. Salt stress resulted in differential changes in protein level qualitatively and quantitatively in both the cultivars. More than 150 protein spots that were detected in leaves of both cultivars showed reproducible abundance within replications and significant response to salt treatment compared to unstressed. In cultivar S1, 33 proteins increased and 21 proteins decreased by different salt stress levels. Among these, protein spot <35> 10, 32, 33, 46 to 48 and 53 were specifically induced by NaCl treatments in S1 cultivar. In ATP cultivar, eight proteins increased and 43 proteins decreased and one protein spot (<35> 55) found to be specific to this cultivar. In general, salt stress resulted a much decrease in growth and total polypeptide profiles in the susceptible cultivar ATP, than tolerant cultivar S1.

017469   John Milton M C (PG & Res Dep of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology, Loyola Coll, Chennai-600 034) : Effect of mosquito pesticides on biochemical properties of the bio agent Diplonychus Rusticus (Hemiptera). J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2007, 17(3), 217-26.

Effects of pesticides (Abate & Solfac) on fat body, muscle, testis and ovary of Diplonychus rusticus were analysed for their biochemical properties before and after the treatment with mosquito larvicide-Abate and adulticide-Solfac for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Wide variations in the level of protein, carbohydrate and lipid were observed in the target tissues of pesticide treated individuals. Variations were in accordance with the duration of pesticidal exposure. In both the sexes, music and gonads showed variations between 18.82 mg and 11.82 g in the protein content, which could attribute to the restriction of insect's movement and rate of reproduction. The pesticides (Abate & Solfac) were organophosphorous and synthetic pyrethroid type. Both showed greater affinity towards the target organs of the insects. The pesticidal impact was more at 96 h exposure.

3 tables, 37 ref

017468   Jaiswal R;Nain V;Abdin M Z;Kumar P A (NRC on Plant Biotechnology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Isolation of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) legumin gene promoter and identification of conserved regulatory elements using tools of bioinformatics. Indian J Biotechnol 2007, 6(4), 495-503.

A seed specific legumin gene promoter from pigeon pea was isolated by PCR amplification. Database assisted sequence analysis of this promoter revealed several putative cis-acting regulatory elements. Comparative analysis of 15 seed-specific legumin gene promoters from six species, viz. Cajanus cajan, Cicer arietinum, Pisum sativum, Glycine max, Vicia faba and Arachis hypogaea, revealed several conserved motifs in promoter sequences; maximum conservation was observed upstream to transcription start site. Most of the conserved motifs have known transcription factor binding sites. One unknown conserved motif of seven base pair (AG/TGTGTA) was found 19 bp upstream to legumin box, putatively named as L-19. Study of nucleosome formation potential showed that putative linker DNA is more prone to mutations as compared to DNA involved in nucleosome formation. A chimeric construct was made with pigeonpea legumin promoter and β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene. Analysis of GUS expression at different developmental stages of transgenic tobacco plant's parts revealed that the reporter gene was expressed at a high level only in mature seeds, specifically in embryo, endosperm and in cotyledonary leaves of developing seedling. These data showed that GUS gene transcription was regulated in a tissue specific and temporally regulated manner.

017467   Gupta S;Mitra D (NO, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, Pune-411 007, Email: dmitra@nccs.res.in) : Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Tat Protein: Immunological Facets of a Transcriptional Activator. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(5), 269-275.

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection is characterized by chronic immune activation and progressive loss of CD4⁺ T cells, leading to a wide array of immune dysfunction, particularly involving immune response directed against viral antigens. HIV-1 encodes for fifteen proteins, which might serve as a target for immune recognition. Immune response to the envelope proteins have been studied more due to their presence on the surface of the virus. Recent studies on HIV vaccine development have focused on the Gag and Pol proteins. The transactivator Tat and Rev proteins have also been the focus of immunization studies due to their potent regulatory activity. The Tat (transactivator of transcription) protein although being nuclear in localization is also released from infected cells and acts on uninfected cells. Extracellular Tat seems to play an important role in AIDS pathogenesis. Furthermore, a correlation has been found between anti-Tat immune response and slow progression of the disease. Although several studies have shown Tat as a potential vaccine candidate with encouraging results, there are also reports raising doubt about its efficacy in multi-component HIV vaccine strategy. Here, we have addressed the issue of immune response to the most indispensable HIV-1 regulatory protein Tat.

017466   Guha S;Rajani M;Padh H (Biotechnology Dep, B.V. Patel Pharmaceutical Education Research Development (PERD) Centr, S.G. Highway, Thaltej, Ahmedabad-380 054, Email: perd@perdcentre.com) : Identification and characterization of lipids from endosomes purified by electromagnetic chromatography. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(6), 443-49.

Traditional separation techniques do not yield endolysosomes of sufficient purity to permit detailed biochemical characterization of this important class of intracellular vesicles. Here, we have used a magnetic chromatography technique to isolate the endosomes from rat peritoneal macrophages and studied their lipid composition. Electromagnetic isolation works by retention of colloidal iron containing vesicles on magnetic column. The data suggested that both early and late endosomes were rich in cholesterol, whereas sphingomyelin (SM) and specific phospholipids like phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylserine are enriched in the late compartments. Our results also indicated that the purified fractions are enriched in raft lipids like SM, but not in cholesterol. The endosomal purification method described here yields pure endosomes with little or no contamination from mitochondria and hence could be used for further biochemical and marker analysis, giving insight into mechanisms of endocytic traffic.

017465   Gnanamani M;Naveen Kumar;Ramachandran S (NO, G N Ramachandran Knowledge Centre for Genome Informatics, Institute of, Mall Road, Delhi-110 007, Email: ramuigib@gmail.com) : ARC: Automated Resource Classifier for agglomerative functional classification of prokaryotic proteins using annotation texts. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(5), 937-45.

Functional classification of proteins is central to comparative genomics. The need for algorithms tuned to enable integrative interpretation of analytical data is felt globally. The availability of a general, automated software with built-in flexibility will significantly aid this activity. Prepared ARC (Automated Resource Classifier), which is an open source software meeting the user requirements of flexibility. The default classification scheme based on keyword match is agglomerative and directs entries into any of the 7 basic non-overlapping functional classes: Cell wall, Cell membrane and Transporters (C), Cell division (D), Information (I), Translocation (L), Metabolism (M), Stress(R), Signal and communication(S) and 2 ancillary classes: Others (O) and Hypothetical (H). The keyword library of ARC was built serially by first drawing keywords from Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli K12. In subsequent steps, this library was further enriched by collecting terms from archaeal representative Archaeoglobus fulgidus, Gene Ontology, and Gene Symbols. ARC is 94.04% successful on 6,75,663 annotated proteins from 348 prokaryotes. Three examples are provided to illuminate the current perspectives on mycobacterial physiology and costs of proteins in 333 prokaryotes.

2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

017464   Ghosh P K;Bhardwaj D;Karnik R (Biotechnology Dep, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited, 342, Nani Kadi, Mehsana-382 715) : Human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor: The protein and its current & emerging applications. Indian J Biotechnol 2007, 6(4), 435-48.

Blood cells under a variety of conditions produce cytokines which regulate their proliferation, communication and functioning. The granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a hematopoietic growth factor mainly responsible for the proliferation of granulocyte-s and macrophages. It is a molecule of immense therapeutic interest due to its wide-ranging actions on immune cells. Recombinant human GM-CSF has been expressed, purified and characterized. It has diverse biological manifestations, which has led to its being explored for use in cancer therapy, AIDS therapy, as a vaccine adjuvant, in certain types of wound healing, promotion of collateral growth of coronary artery, usefulness in treating Crohn's disease symptoms and in the management of a host of viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Newer therapeutic applications are also being unveiled. The physico-chemical as well as the biological features and the applications (current and emerging) of GM-CSF are discussed.

017463   Ghatnekar S D;Ghalsasl D S;Ghatnekar S S; Tamhane B M (NO, Biotechnology Resource Centre, G/1, Adinath, Shaikh Misery Road, Wadala (e), Mumbai-400 037) : Vermiculture based soild waste treatment plants for biosafe vermicompost. Green Fmg 2008, 1(10-11), 73-7.

In the last 50 years, despite of agro-acreage progress of 35 crore, India is still way behind in terms of productivity in relation to the other developing countries like Thailand, Philippines etc. Even today, India's agricultural output falls short of demand. The Green revolution programme implemented in late 1960's for wheat production, howsoever impressive, has thus not succeeded in making India self-sufficient. The reason behind it is incremental usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for the incremental productivity. This resulted into infertile lands, lesser productivity on one side and increase in produce cost on the other. This forced farmers to take loans. Inability of repayment of the loan resulted in mental depression and even suicide of few of them. So, as the primary need of country is to increase per acre agricultural productivity, it can be done with the help of environment friendly and sustainable agriculture with application of the-state-of-the-art biotechnology with cognizance of three factors which are, Bio-Safety, Bio-Ethics, Bio-Partnerships. Optimum use of biofertilizers, biopesticides and organic fertilizers along with minimum use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers can effectively increase the agri-productivity, producing healthy crop that too within controlled cost. This will result into Evergreen Revolution as it is two-way beneficial- Health of society and Wealth of Farmers. To cope up with the incremental food demands of huge population along with increase in agricultural productivity, industrial productivity is also necessary. Increase in industry inevitably results in increase of pollution which is difficult to abate. Vermiculture stands out to be the best possible solution to get rid of this industrial waste because of the advantages like low cost set up, compact size, safe and useful byproducts and easy operating parameters. Biotechnology Resource Centre [BRC] has pioneered a prototype model called 'Three Tier System' which consists of selected species of earthworms, specific microorganism and specific enzyme to convert any kind of waste into value added product. This will result into cost-effective bio-clean and bio-safe farm produce to make people healthy and farmers wealthy.

2 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

017462   Geeta R;Gharaibeh W (Ecology and Evolution Dep, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5245, USA) : Historical evidence for a pre-Columbian presence of Datura in the old world and implications for a first millennium transfer from the new world. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(7), 1227-44.

Datura (Solanaceae) is a small genus of plants that, for long, was thought to occur naturally in both the New and Old Worlds. However, recent studies indicate that all species in the genus originated in the Americas. This finding has prompted the conclusion that no species of Datura could have been present in the Old World prior to its introduction there by Europeans in the early 16th century CE. Further, the textual evidence traditionally cited in support of a pre-Columbian Old World presence of Datura species is suggested to be due to the misreading of classical Greek and Arabic sources. As a result, botanists generally accept the opinion that Datura species were transferred into the Old World in the post-Columbian period. While the taxonomic and geographic evidence for a New World origin for all the Datura species appears to be well supported, the assertion that Datura species were not known in the Old World prior to the 16th century is based on a limited examination of the pre-Columbian non-Anglo sources. Draws on old Arabic and Indic texts and southern Indian iconographic representations to show that there is conclusive evidence for the pre-Columbian presence of at least one species of Datura in the Old World. Given the systematic evidence for a New World origin of the genus, the most plausible explanation for this presence is a relatively recent but pre-Columbian (probably first millennium CE) transfer of at least one Datura species, D. metel, into the Old World. Because D. metel is a domesticated species with a disjunct distribution, this might represent an instance of human-mediated transport from the New World to the Old World, as in the case of the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas).

2 illus, 3 tables, 88 ref

017461   Gangar S C;Koul A (Biophysics Dep, Basic Medical Sciences Block, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: ashwanik@pu.ac.in) : Azadirachta indica leaf extract modulates initiation phase of murine forestomach tumorigenesis. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(4), 209-15.

The effects of aqueous Azadirachta indica leaf extract (AAILE) on benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P]-induced forestomach tumorigenesis, B(a)P-DNA adduct formation and certain parameters of carcinogen biotransformation system in mice have been reported earlier from our laboratory. In this study, the effects of AAILE on the enzymes of B(a)P biotransformation, which play crucial role in initiation of chemical carcinogenesis - aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and uridinediphosphoglucuronosyltransferase (UDP-glucuronosyltransferase) have been evaluated in murine forestomach and liver. In addition, lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels in forestomach as well as liver and the activities of tissue injury marker enzymes - lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in the serum have also been evaluated. Oral administration of AAILE (100 mg/kg body wt for 2 weeks) reduces the AHH activity and enhances the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity in both the tissues, suggesting its potential in decreasing the activation and increasing the detoxification of carcinogens. The LPO levels decrease upon AAILE treatment in the hepatic tissue, suggesting its anti-oxidative and hence anti-carcinogenic effects. Non-significant alterations have been observed in tissue injury marker enzymes upon AAILE treatment, suggesting its safety at the given dose . In conclusion, AAILE appears to modulate initiation phase of carcinogenesis and may be suggested as safe and an effective agent for chemoprevention.

017460   Edwin B T;Mohankumar C (Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Lab, Botany Dep, University College, Thiruvananthapuram-695 034) : Molecular identification of Proutista moesta as the vector and the phylogenetic analysis of KWD phytoplasma. Indian J Biotechnol 2007, 6(4), 560-3.

The purified genomic DNA from the tissues of Proutista moesta and Stephanitis typica, considered as possible vectors of Kerala wilt disease (KWD) of coconut palm, was subjected to PCR assay using the primer pairs P1/P6, P1/P7 and P4/P7. In case of P. moesta, the amplified products resolved a prominent band of 650 bp for the universal primer pair P4/P7; however, no bands were noticed for the primer pairs P1/P6 and P1/P7. In case of S. typica no bands were noticed for all sets of primers. Since P4/P7 amplifies the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region of 16SrRNA gene, the 650 bp product from P. moesta indicates the presence of phytoplasma DNA. The restriction enzyme analysis of the 650 bp product, using the enzymes AluI, BclI, HindIII and RsaI, further supports the phytoplasmic nature of DNA. The presence of 650 bp product in the genomic DNA of P. moesta shows the insect being a vector of KWD phytoplasma. The sequential similarity of 650 bp of both KWD phytoplasma and the insect phytoplasma again supports the transmission of phytoplasma through the vector P. moesta. From the cladogram, it is obvious that the KWD phytoplasma is evolutionarily closest to the phytoplasma causing coconut lethal yellowing of Mexican palms within the group 16SrIV.The present study is the fist confirmed record of P. moesta as the vector of KWD by detecting KWD phytoplasma in the insect tissues by PCR based methods.

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017459   Dhillon R S;Mohapatra T;Singh S;Boora K S; Singh K (Forestry Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 001) : Assessment of genetic diversity in Azadirachta indica based on DNA fingerprinting. Indian J Biotechnol 2007, 6(4), 519-24.

RAPD molecular markers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity in populations of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) from different eco-geographical regions of India. Out of the 40 decamer primers used, 24 yielded polymorphic banding patterns. In total, 152 different DNA bands were reproducibly obtained, out of which 104 (68.4%) were polymorphic. The polymorphisms were scored and used in band-sharing analysis to identify genetic relationships. Cluster analysis based on Jaccard's similarity coefficient using UPGMA grouped all the 36 populations into two major groups. Similarity indices ranged from 0.60 to 0.94. The highest similarity coefficient detected between candidate plus trees from Jodhpur and lowest in the populations of Kalka and Banaswara, indicated that neem germplasm within India constitutes considerably broad genetic base. Also, the neem populations from diverse agroclimatic regions of India were more dispersed on the principal coordinates plot, revealing a wide genetic base.

017458   Daisy P;Jasmine R;Selvakumar B N (Biotechnology Dep, Holy Cross College, Tiruchirappalli-620 002, Email: daisyhcc1980@yahoo.com) : In vitro study of the antibacterial activity of a polyherbal formulation on a few uropathogens. J expl Zool 2007, 10(2), 377-9.

Evaluate and compare the antibacterial activity of acetone, hexane and methanolic extracts of a polyherbal formulation of seven Indian plants as Cassia auriculata (bark), Cassia fistula (bark), Terminalia arjuna (bark), Casearia elliptica (root and bark), Tinospora cordifolia (stem), Cestus speciosus (root) and Terminalia bellirica (fruit) against a few uropathogens. The three different extracts of the polyherbal formulation were tested for antibacterial activity on a few isolated uropathogens. Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values were determined by disc diffusion method. Among the ten strains tested, Proteus sp. (clinical), Serratia sp. (clinical), Enterobacter sp. (clinical) and Staphylococus aureus (ATCC) were highly susceptible. The MIC values of the different extracts varied from 50.0 mg/ml to 3.12mg/ml. The acetone, hexane and methanol extracts displayed varied antibacterial activity, suggesting that the purified fractions of the formulation using a combination of the three mentioned solvents would prove a major breakthrough in controlling uropathogens.

2 tables, 18 ref

017457   Chakraborty M R;Chatterjee N C (Mycology and Plant Pathological Lab, Botany Dep, University of Burdwan, Burdwan-713 104) : Synergism of VAM and antagonists on productivity vis-a-vis resistance against Fusarial wilt of brinjal. J mycopathol Res 2007, 45(1), 62-5.

Wilt of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is a most serious and dreadful disease caused by Fusarium solani posing a threat towards the cultivation of brinjal throughout the State of West Bengal. Dual effect of antagonists (Trichoderma spp.) and a V AM fungus (Glomus fasciculatum) was evaluated to assess the biocontrol potentiality against F. solani and to improve the productivity. Antagonistic agents. T. harzianum, T. viride and a VAM fungus, G. fasciculatum in combination brought about significant reduction in the incidence of wilt disease consequently with increased production of brinjal. Treatment with VAM alone showed maximum increase in leaf phosphate (0.380%) and chlorophyll content (8.71 mg/g) as against combined treatments with VAM, individual antagonist and pathogen. Percentage of mycorrhization was found to be highest in VAM treated plants (72.6%) and lowest in VAM plus pathogen treated plants (55.6%). Significant increase in percentage root colonization by VAM fungus, herbage of plant and fruit production in VAM treated and VAM + Fusarium combined treated plants over the control was suggestive of the remarkable influence of VAM as the success of treatments lied ultimately with the reduction of the deteriorative effect of the added pathogen. Based on overall performance, use of VAM symbiont and Trichoderma harzianum appeared beneficial in reducing the incidence of wilts and in improving growth and productivity of the crop.

4 tables, 19 ref

017456   Bose I;Ghosh B (Physics Dep, Bose Institute, 93/1, APC Road, Kolkata-700 009, Email: indbose@yahoo.co.in) : p53-MDM2 network: from oscillations to apoptosis. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(5), 991-7.

p53 protein is well-known for its tumour suppressor function. The p53-MDM2 negative feedback loop constitutes the core module of a network of regulatory interactions activated under cellular stress. In normal cells, the level of p53 proteins is kept low by MDM2, i.e. MDM2 negatively regulates the activity of p53. In the case of DNA damage, the p53-mediated pathways are activated leading to cell cycle arrest and repair of the DNA. If repair is not possible due to excessive damage, the p53-mediated apoptotic pathway is activated bringing about cell death. An overview of the r studies on the p53-MDM2 module and the associated pathways from a systems biology perspective has been given. Discusses a number of key predictions, related to some specific aspects of cell cycle arrest and cell death, which could be tested in experiments.

7 illus, 27 ref

017455   Biswas A;Mandal A B (Biotechnology Section, Central Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair-744 101) : Plant regeneration in different genotypes of indica rice. Indian J Biotechnol 2007, 6(4), 532-40.

Of 10 indica rice varieties assessed, Annada showed the best in vitro culture response in respect of callus induction, plantlet regeneration and number of plantlets/seed callus. Other high yielding varieties, viz. Kasturi, IR 72 and Karnal Local, also displayed appreciable performance. Callus induced and proliferated in dark and gave high plantlet regeneration and more plantlets/seed callus across genotypes. Among three shock treatments, viz. heat (37°C for overnight), cold (4°C for over night) and dehydration, dehydration significantly enhanced the plantlet regeneration and number of plantlets/seed callus. Of 3-dehydration treatments (6, 12 and 24 h duration), the maximum plantlet regeneration and number of plantlets/seed callus were observed in the calli dehydrated for 12 h. Of three tested media, viz. MS, LS, and N₆, MS emerged the best for callus induction, plantlet regeneration and number of plantlets/seed callus. In contrast, among the modified media formulations, modified N₆ [5 mM (NH₄)₂ SO₄] produced maximum plantlets/seed callus across varieties. Increased (5 mM) (NH₄)₂SO₄ content in the medium was found to be better than the higher dose of KNO₃ or its normal level in the respective media formulations. Across genotypes, 2 mg L^-1 2,4-D in the callus induction medium (CIM) was the most suitable for callus induction. However, 2,4-D in combination with other growth regulators, such as 2 mg L^-1 2,4-D and 1 mg L^-1 Kn, performed better. In regeneration medium (RM), 2 mg L^-1 BAP with 1 mg L^-1 Kn and 0.5 mg L^-1 NAA, or 2 mg L^-1 BAP with 0.5 mg L^-1 NAA, were optimum for the maximum plantlet regeneration. Across varieties, coconut water (10%) was found to be the most effective to enhance the in vitro culture response as evident from prolific callus induction, increased plantlet regeneration and more plantlets/seed callus.

017454   Bhattacharyya D;Koripella S C;Mitra A; Rajendran V B;Sinha B (Biophysics Div, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata-700 064, Email: dhananjay.bhattacharyya@saha.ac.in) : Theoretical analysis of noncanonical base pairing interactions in RNA molecules. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(5), 809-25.

Noncanonical base pairs in RNA have strong structural and functional implications but are currently not considered for secondary structure predictions. Presents results of comparative ab initio studies of stabilities and interaction energies for the three standard and 24 selected unusual RNA base pairs reported in the literature. Hydrogen added models of isolated base pairs, with heavy atoms frozen in their `away from equilibrium' geometries, built from coordinates extracted from NDB, were geometry optimized using HF/6-31G** basis set, both before and after unfreezing the heavy atoms. Interaction energies, including BSSE and deformation energy corrections, were calculated, compared with respective single point MP2 energies, and correlated with occurrence frequencies and with types and geometries of hydrogen bonding interactions. Systems having two or more N-H.O/N hydrogen bonds had reasonable interaction energies which correlated well with respective occurrence frequencies and highlighted the possibility of some of them playing important roles in improved secondary structure prediction methods. Several of the remaining base pairs with one N-H.O/N and/or one C-H.O/N interactions respectively, had poor interaction energies and negligible occurrences. High geometry variations on optimization of some of these were suggestive of their conformational switch like characteristics.

7 illus, 4 tables, 62 ref

017453   Bhairavabhotla R K;Verma V;Tangaonkar H; Shastri S;Dinshaw K;Chiplunkar S (Immunology, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in C, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai-400 012, Email: schiplunkar@actrec.gov.in) : Role of IL-10 in immune suppression in cervical cancer. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(5), 350-56.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in the women worldwide and the most frequent in developing countries, including India. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the major etiological factor in cervical cancer patients. Host factors are also critical in regulating tumor growth and cytokines that modulate immunologic control may be of particular importance. In the present study, we investigated the correlation between the presence of HPV and type of cytokines expressed in cervical carcinomas and attempted to elucidate the possible reasons for the immune suppression. Cytokines investigated were type-1 cytokine IFN-γ (shows immunostimulatory function and capable of limiting tumor growth) and type-2 cytokines IL-4, IL-10 and IL-6 (show immunosuppressive function and capable of stimulating tumor growth). Our data demonstrated the presence of HPV sub-types 16 and 18 i+ 86% and 13.8% of cervical tumor biopsies, respectively. The cervical tumor biopsies showed increased presence for mRNA for IL-10 and IL-1α while none of the biopsies showed expression for,, ,, IFN-γ. A correlation was observed between the presence of HPV in cervical tumor biopsies and mRNA for IL-10. Increased percentages of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were observed in circulation in cervical cancer patients, providing evidence for increased immune suppression. IL-10 may play a key role in maintenance of Tregs and explains the immunosuppressive state of cervical cancer patients.

017452   Benjamin A;Manickam V S (Centre for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, St Xavier's College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai-627 002, Email: tvl_cbbsxc@sancharnet.in) : Medicinal pteridophytes from the Western Ghats. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(4), 611-8.

Medicinal uses of 61 pteridophyte species belongs to 31 families used by tribals of the Western Ghats of India in their traditional methods of treatment of various diseases and ailments like stomach disorders, poisonous bites, rheumatics, cough, asthma fever and diabetes, etc. are presented.

017451   Batra J;Chatterjee R;Ghosh B (Molecular Immunogenetics Lab, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi-110 007, Email: bghosh@igib.res.in) : Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS): role in Asthma Pathogenesis. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2007, 44(5), 303-9.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways of the lungs, affecting more than 300 million people all over the world. Nitric oxide (NO) is endogenously produced in mammalian airways by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and is known to regulate many aspects of human asthma, including the modulation of airway and vascular smooth muscle tone and the inflammation. Asthmatic patients show an increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in airway epithelial cells and an increased level of NO in exhaled air. Using various NO inhibitors (non-specific or iNOS-specific) and gene knock-out experiments, controversial results have been obtained regarding iNOS's beneficial and deleterious effects in the disease. In the present review, we have attempted to summarize the results of these experiments and also the genetic studies being undertaken to understand the role of iNOS in asthma. It is argued that extensive biochemical, clinical and genetic studies will be required to assess the precise role of NO in the asthma. This may help in designing selective and more potent iNOS inhibitors and NO donors for developing novel therapeutics for the asthma patients.

017450   Bardia P K;Rai P K (Plant Pathology Dep, SKN Agriculture College, Jobner-303 329) : In vitro and field evaluation of biocontrol agents and fungicides against wilt of cumin caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini. J Spices aromatic Crop 2007, 16(2), 88-92.

Fungal antagonists and fungicides were evaluated for the management of wilt of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini at Jobner (Rajasthan). On the basis of in vitro studies, Trichoderma harzianum isolate I₆ and carbendazim were the best treatments in inhibiting the growth of the pathogen. The promising fungal antagonist and fungicides were tested in the field at different combinations and the most effective combination was seed treatment with carbendazim (2 g kg^-1 seed) in combination with T. harzianum isolate I₆ (10⁸ spores ml^-1). This treatment combination resulted in significantly lowest disease incidence (11.7%) and highest yield (6.17 q ha^-1).

4 tables, 19 ref

017449   Banerjee S (Biotechnology Dep, Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata-700 107) : Search towards a better eye tolerable solvent for itraconazole. J mycopathol Res 2007, 45(1), 35-9.

In spite of use of high tolerable concentration of topical antifungals directly on ulcers, a paradoxically poor control of infection by available drugs like 5% Natamycin and Fluconazole, warrants development of broad spectrum more effective drug. With this aim antifungal sensivity test of both the drugs along with the prospective drug, itraconazole were carried out against common keratomycotic isolate, Aspergillus flavus. NCCLS-M38P protocol was followed in parrallel with modified test using eye tolerable drug solvent, carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and also with normal solvent dimethyl sulphoxide. Results showed that both solvents were equally suitable for test. Itraconazole was found most suitable against Aspergillus sp. in terms of MIC values. Contrary to other two drugs the lipophilic itraconazole had some superiority in pharmacodynamic point of view. By all respects 1% itraconazole dissolved in CMC was found to be better prospective drug, which was justified by successful treatment of cases refractory to treatment by other two drugs.

2 tables, 14 ref

017448   Bais A S;Grossmann S;Vingron M (NO, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany, Email: bais@molgen.mpg.de) : Incorporating evolution of transcription factor binding sites into annotated alignments. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(5), 841-50.

Identifying transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) is essential to elucidate putative regulatory mechanisms. A common strategy is to combine cross-species conservation with single sequence TFBS annotation to yield "conserved TFBSs". Most current methods in this field adopt a multi-step approach that segregates the two aspects. Again, it is widely accepted that the evolutionary dynamics of binding sites differ from those of the surrounding sequence. Hence, it is desirable to have an approach that explicitly takes this factor into account. Although a plethora of approaches have been proposed for the prediction of conserved TFBSs, very few explicitly model TFBS evolutionary properties, while additionally being multi-step. Recently, it introduced a novel approach to simultaneously align and annotate conserved TFBSs in a pair of sequences. Building upon the standard Smith- Waterman algorithm for local alignments, SimAnn introduces additional states for profiles to output extended alignments or annotated alignments. That is, alignments with parts annotated as gaplessly aligned TFBSs (pair-profile hits) are generated. Moreover, the pair profile related parameters are derived in a sound statistical framework. Binding sites evolve differently from the surrounding sequences, most comparative TFBS identification methods do not explicitly consider this. Additionally, prediction of conserved binding sites is carried out in a multi-step approach that segregates alignment from TFBS annotation. Demonstrates how the simultaneous alignment and annotation approach of SimAnn can be further extended to incorporate TFBS evolutionary relationships. Studies how alignments and binding site predictions interplay at varying evolutionary distances and for various profile qualities.

5 illus, 32 ref

017447   Anuja;Joon M S;Ahmed Z (Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Pithorgarh-262 501) : Hi-tech horticulture technology adoption - need of hour in Indian economy. Green Fmg 2008, 1(10-11), 78-81.

The increasing demand world wide for horticultural products has resulted in commercial horticulture emerging as a hi-tech industry. Horticulture sector has emerged as potential player in Indian economy, contributing 30% GDP in agriculture sector from mere 8.5% area under horticulture crops. India has historically been recognized as a land of unique comparative advantage for cultivation various horticultural crops but shrinking land holding, less productivity and other quality characters forces us to make our cultivation hi-tech. As "Invention is the mother of necessity", adoption of hi-tech innovations would help save us from the adversities occurring from time to time.

9 tables, 10 ref

017446   Alexe G;Dalgin G S;Ganesan S;De Lisi C;Bhanot G (NO, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge MA, 02142, USA, Email: gyanbhanot@gmail.com) : Analysis of breast cancer progression using principal component analysis and clustering. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(5), 1027-39.

New technique to analyse microarray data which uses a combination of principal components analysis and consensus ensemble k-clustering to find robust clusters and gene markers in the data. Applies the method to a public microarray breast cancer dataset which has expression levels of genes in normal samples as well as in three pathological stages of disease; namely, atypical ductal hyperplasia or ADH, ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS and invasive ductal carcinoma or IDC. The method averages over clustering techniques and data perturbation to find stable, robust clusters and gene markers. Identifies the clusters and their pathways with distinct subtypes of breast cancer (Luminal, Basal and Her2+). Confirms that the cancer phenotype develops early (in early hyperplasia or ADH stage) and find from the analysis that each subtype progresses from ADH to DCIS to IDC along its own specific pathway, as if each was a distinct disease.

7 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

016455   Verma A;Kumar V;Rajput L P S;Pandey A K (Biotechnology Centre, J.N.K.V.V., Jabalpur, Email: dranshuverma@rediffmail.com) : Possible role of chitinase and glucanase enzymes in Ganoderma lucidum mycellium growth in different media. Indian J Mushroom 2007, 25(1-2), 15-19.

Seven isolates of Ganoderma lucidum were collected and used on six media for the growth of mycelium. After screening of media, malt extract medium was found suitable for the gr.owth of G. lucidum The values of chitinase activity were almost similar in all the strains of G. lucidum. The exo-glucanase and endo-glucanse activity ranged from 0.04 to 0.14EU mg^-1/h and 0.51 to 0.64 EU mg^-1 fresh biomass, respectively.

1 table, 16 ref

016454   Trivedi R N;Singh B P (NO, , 194B, Sri Krishnapuri, Patna-800 001) : Genetic engineering: hope for the future green biotechnology. Mendel int J 2007, 24(3-4), 143.

016453   Trivedi R N;Rekha (NO, , 194-B, Sri Krishnapuri, Patna-800 001) : Biotechnology and the future of genetic destiny. Mendel int J 2007, 24(3-4), 139-42.

Biotechnology, nanotechnology information technology would mould man and machine to facilitate enhanced human bodily functions creating a cyborg. If this appears like science fiction, think again. Will enhanced humans remain human or human like? Think of a more radical future where each bodily function is gradually replaced with silicon parts till the brain, (i.e., technically speaking, a collection of neuron is left. We could escape the confines of fish and blood, and then of the grey matter altogether, and upload our physical consciousness or mind onto the web. Or it could simply become a collective mind or consciousness as a source of energy vibrations, able to direct events by simple force of will. We would then be beings, who were human or human-like at some future stage in our evolution.

016452   Tambekar D H;Dongre A M;Dipke S S (Microbiology Dep, S.G.B. Amravati University, Amravati-444 602) : Prevalence of dermatophytic and keratinolytic fungi in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India. J basic appl Mycol 2007, 6(1-2), 53-6.

Total of 99 soil samples from Vidharbha region of Maharashtra state (India) were screened for the presence of dermatophytic and keratinolytic fungi and 102 isolates were recovered and identified. Out of them Microsporum gypseum was commonest keratinolytic fungi present with the maximum prevalence (25.27%) followed by Trichophyton rubrum (20.87%), Aspergillus niger (18.68%), Epidermophyton floccososum (8.79%), Fusarium sp. (7.69%), Aspergillus fumigatus (6.59%), Aspergillus flavus (5.49%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (5.4.9%), Cladosporium sp. (6.59%), Trichophyton verrucosum (3.29%) and Scopulariopsis sp. (3.29%).

2 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

016451   Sharma S;Thakur A K;Srivastava D K (Biotechnology Dep, Dr Y.S. parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan-173 230) : In vitro plant regeneration from cotyledon and hypocotyls explants of bell pepper (Capsicum Annuum L. cv. California wonder). J Hill Res 2007, 20(2), 72-4.

1 table, 14 ref

016450   Roy S (NO, , C/o Dr. S. Roy, 604, Shri Ram Regency, 2, Burdman Compound, Circular Road, Ranchi-834 001) : Haematological studies on malaria infected patients of Sadar block, Hazaribagh. Mendel int J 2007, 24(3-4), 89-90.

Highlights the ANAEMIA of MALARIA which is very important cause of sickness in a cross section of population. Venous blood samples of positive malarial cases (23 cases of P. vivax and 5 cases of P.falciparum) were taken for study of Haemtological values. The values considered were Hb values, RBC count, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. Anaemia was significant finding.

3 tables, 5 ref

016449   Reddy K N;Shashi Kumar P V;Rao S (Micro Engineering and Nano Technology Dep, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute, Tumkur Road, Bangalore, Email: Kommidi_niranjan@yahoo.com) : Micro finish & micro wire EDM applications in precision manufacturing. Mfg Technol Today 2007, 6(1), 20-2.

Today, wire EDM is providing the most economical solution for manufacture pf Dies, Punches and special tools required in almost all the engineering industries. Often, Wire EDM is found to be the only solution for parts, which are extremely difficult or impossible to handle with any other method of machining. Now, the same process is found to be ideally suited for manufacture of micro components. These products require very high surface finish, profile accuracy and smallest possible radius in the corners. With the continuous refinement and innovations in the technology, the design of the machine, the spark generator and the operation software the Micro finish and Micro Wire EDMs have been developed. The main features of the Micro Finish & Micro wire EDM and the some of the parts machined on this type of machine, which give insight to the use of this type of machine in precision manufacturing.

9 illus

016448   Raghunatha A;Shashikumar P V (Micro Engineering and Nano Technology Dep, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute, Tumkur Road, Bangalore, Email: raghu_a06@dataone.in ) : Basic concepts of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. Mfg Technol Today 2007, 6(1), 14-19.

Geoometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD& T) is an international and exact language that enables the designers to "say what they mean" on a drawing. It consists of a well-defined set of symbols, rules, definitions, and conventions that can be used to describe the size, form, and orientation and location tolerances of part features. It is a precise language & must be used precisely. Reference datums are critical & symbols must be used in precise order. Many errors can occur when inexperienced designers tryout GD& T. This article is intended to stress the need for gaining more knowledge in the area of GD& T. Many technical personnel and managers in particular are finding difficult to understand and use the drawing coming across their desks. Perhaps they need to know more about the various aspects of the GD& T representations used in the engineering drawings such as fundamental dimensioning rules, basic tolerancing concepts, geometric tolerancing symbols, definitions and representations, positional tolerancing, reference datum, definition and usage of material condition modifiers, etc.

7 illus, 4 ref

016447   Morange M (Centre Cavailles, Ecole normale superieure, 29 rue d'Ulm, 75230 Paris Cedex 05, France, Email: morange@biologie.ens.fr) : What history tell us IX. Z-DNA: when nature is not opportunistic. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(4), 657-61.

1 illus, 50 ref

016446   Meignanalakshmi S;Mahalinga Nainar A (Bio Technology Dep, SRM Engineering College, SRM Univ, Kattankulathur, Email: lak20001@rediffmail.com) : Isolation and charactersation of Megasphaera elsdenii from bovine rumen. Tamilnadu J vet Anim Sci 2007, 3(3), 150-5.

Megasphaera elsdenii an anaerobic rumen bacteria was isolated from bovine rumen fluid by using lactate medium by Hungate roll tube technique. Megasphaera elsdenii produced H₂S and was found to be negative for gelatin liquefaction, Starch hydrolysis, catalase and nitrate reduction tests and produced acids from glucose, lactose, maltose and mannitol. Never produced acids from other sugars ribose, arabinose, raffinose, dulcitol and sorbitol. On invitro lactate metabolic studies Megasphaera elsdenii was found to reduce the lactate concentration from 40mM/dL at 0 hr to 31.17mM/dL and 25mM/dL after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. As the lactate is metabolized by Megasphaera elsdenii the acetic acid and propionic acid ratio was found to be 1:2 and there was increase in the production of propionic acid and the concentration of acetic acid and propionic acid were found to be 19mM/dL and 38.2mM/dL and 20.2 and 40.5 after 24 and 48 hours respectively.

1 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

016445   Lee K S;Kim B Y;Je Y H;Woo S D;Sohn H D;Jin B R (NO, College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, Korea, Email: brjin@dau.ac.kr) : Molecular cloning and expression of the C-terminus of spider flagelliform silk protein from Araneus vetricosus. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(4), 705-12.

cDNA coding for the C-terminus of spider flagelliform silk protein (AvFlag) was cloned from Araneus ventricosus. Analysis of the cDNA sequence shows that the C-terminus of AvFlag consists of 167 amino acids of a repetitive region and 87 amino acids of a C-terminal non-repetitive region. The peptide motifs found in spider flagelliform silk proteins, GPGGX and GGX, were conserved in the repetitive region of AvFlag. Phylogenetic analysis further confirmed that AvFlag belongs to the spider flagelliform silk proteins. The AvFlag cDNA was expressed as a 28 kDa polypeptide in baculovirus-infected insect cells. As a new expression approach for spider silk protein, the combination of polyhedrin and AvFlag creates a polyhedrin AvFlag fusion protein (61 kDa) that is produced as recombinant polyhedra; this provides a basis for the source of spider silk proteins for various applications.

4 illus, 25 ref

016444   Jain K;Yadav S K (Botany Dep, Dr. H.S. Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar-470 003) : Effect of fungal metabolites on mitotic cell division in Allium cepa. J basic appl Mycol 2007, 6(1-2), 47-50.

Detailed cytological study of metabolites of Aspergillus candidus, A. flavus, A. niger, A ochraceus and A terreus has been carried out to find out their mito-depressive activity by using Allium cepa as experimental material. Fungal metabolites of all the five Aspergilli inhibited cell division process to a considerable extent when compared with control. The mito-depressive effect of all the test metabolites was found to increase with the increase in treatment duration. Higher concentration of fungal metabolites (i.e. 50% culture filtrate) was found lethal for cell division process when samples were treated for 4 hours duration. Experiments on recovery from the effect of fungal metabolites on mitotic index (MI) suggest delayed effect of test fungal metabolites on cell division process.

2 tables, 21 ref

016443   Hwang D et al (NO, National Institute of Toxicological Research, Korea FDA, Seourl 122-704, Korea, Email: dyhwang@kfda.go.kr) : Selenium acts as an insulin-like molecule for the down regulation of diabetic cymptoms via endoplasmic reticulum stress and insulin signalling proteins in diabetes-induced non-obese diabetic mice. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(4), 723-35.

Investigates whether selenium (Sel) treatment would impact on the onset of diabetes, examined serum biochemical components including glucose and insulin, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and insulin signaling proteins, hepatic C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) expression and DNA fragmentation in diabetic and nondiabetic conditions of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Concludes that (i) Sel treatment induced insulin-like effects in lowering serum glucose level in Sel-treated NOD mice, (ii) Sel-treated mice had significantly decreased serum biochemical components associated with liver damage and lipid metabolism, (iii) Sel treatment led to the activation of the ER stress signal through the phosphorylation of JNK and eIF2 protein and insulin signal mechanisms through the phosphorylation of Akt and PI3 kinase, and (iv) Sel-treated mice were significantly relieved apoptosis of liver tissues indicated by DNA fragmentation assay in the diabetic NOD group. These results suggest that Sel compounds not only serve as insulin-like molecules for the down regulation of glucose level and the incidence of liver damage, but may also have the potential for the development of new drugs for the relief of diabetes by activating the ER stress and insulin signaling pathways.

6 illus, 48 ref

016442   Gowri Shankar B A et al (Bioinformatics Centre (Centre of Excellence in Structural Biology and, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: sekar@physics.iisc.ernet.in) : Ion pairs in non-redundant protein structures. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(4), 693-704.

Deals with the possible ion pair combinations and networks in 25% and 90% non-redundant protein chains. Different types of ion pairs present in various secondary structural elements are analysed. The ion pairs existing between different subunits of multisubunit protein structures are also computed and the results of various analyses are presented in detail. The protein structures used in the analysis are solved using X-ray crystallography, whose resolution is better than or equal to 1.5 angstrom and R-factor better than or equal to 20%. The study can, therefore, be useful for analyses of many protein functions. It also provides insights into the better understanding of the architecture of protein structure.

5 illus, 7 tables, 27 ref

016441   Castaing M;Loiseau A;Cornish Bowden A (Faculte de Pharmacie, , 27, Bouleavard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France, Email: madeleine.castaing@dr13.cnrs.fr) : Synergy between verapamil and other multidrug-resistance modulators in model membranes. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(4), 737-46.

Various cationic lipophilic compounds can reverse the multidrug resistance of cancer cells. Possible interaction between these compounds, which are known as modulators, has been assessed by measuring leakage of Sulphan blue from anionic liposomes, induced both by verapamil alone and by verapamil in combination with diltiazem, quinine, thior idazine or clomipramine. An equation was derived to quantify the permeation doses and Hill coefficients of the drugs and mixtures between them by simultaneous fitting of the experimental data. The interaction was tested by two methods, the competition plot and the isobole method; both showed synergy between verapamil and each of diltiazem, quinine and thioridazine. The dose factor of potentiation for verapamil determined within membranes was 4.0 ± 0.4 with diltiazem, 3.2 ± 0.4 with quinine and 2.4 ± 0.3 with thioridazine. The results suggest that the effectiveness of reversing multidrug resistance may be increased with modulators such as verapamil and diltiazem that have a much greater effect in combination than what would be expected from their effects when considered separately.

3 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

015635   Yoo Y H;Sidharthan M;H W Shin (Marine Biotechnology Dep, Soonchunhyang Univ, Asan City-336 745, Email: hwshin@sch.ac.kr) : Effects of tributyl-ti on a marine microalga, Tetraselimis suecica. J envir Biol 2007, 28(3), 571-5.

Marine pollutants induce changes in microalgal metabolism. In this study effects of tributyl-tin chloride'(TBTCI) on a marine microalga Tetraselmis suecica was studied. The changes induced by TBTCI on growth rate, viability and biochemicals were assessed. In acute exposure to TBTCI, EC₅₀ estimated for 24 hr was 2.02μg ml^-1, whereas total lethality was observed at 4 μg ml. In chronic exposure to TBTCI, at higher concentrations (0.5-1 μg ml^-1) growth rate, chlorophyll pigments, carbohydrate and protein contents were reduced. The results of this study indicate that TBTCI toxicity made drastic changes in growth and biochemical composition of T suecica.

6 illus, 43 ref

015634   Venkateswarlu M (Botany Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Effect of gamma rays on morphogenetic response of hypocotyl explants of Cucumis melo cv. Bathasa. J Bot Soc Bengal 2007, 61(2), 157-9.

Application of gamma irradiation to seeds is an important step for crop improvement. Mutagenesis followed by plant culture technique is another important approach for crop improvement. The tissue culture approach was first initiated by Carlson (1973) for isolating plant mutants. Later, Pandey (1981) applied this technique to find biochemical mutants. However, reports on using plant hypocotyl segment as a tissue culture explant are scanty. For that protocol, Murashige's method (1974) has found wide applications. Aims to study the tissue culture behaviour of hypocotyl explants after gamma irradiation and reports simultaneous shoot induction in presence of low does of plant hormones like BAP in the modified culture medium.

e, 6 ref

015633   Sonia;Jaiwal R;Singh R P;Jaiwal P K (Advanced Centre for Biotechnology, M.D. Univ, Rohtak-124 025, Email: jaiwalpawan@rediffamil.com) : Genetic engineering for storage pest resistance in plants. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2007, 13(2), 101-13.

Insects are the most serious pests of stored grains and pulses. Severe environmental hazard simplicated by chemical insecticides have led to the adoption of genetic engineering methods for the creation of insect resistant varieties of crop plants. Transgenic plants expressing entomopathogenic proteins detrimental to critical life functions in insects have been developed in crops. Bt toxins were the first ones to be expressed and commercialized, followed by others viz. amylase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, lectins etc. Highlights the current status of the transgenic technology applied to develop pest resistance in stored grain, assessment of the sustainability and durability of various defense proteins and biosafety issues for the consumption of CM foods. Role of marker assisted breeding and genomics in characterizing the resistance traits present in the vast and diverse gene pool of crop plants, strategies for their incorporation and future prospects have also been discussed.

es, 100 ref

015632   Sitramam V;Atre V (Biotechnology Dep, Pune Univ, Pune-411 007, Email: sitaramamv@gamail.com) : Osmotolerance varies during the life cycle of Arabidopsis. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2007, 13(2), 127-36.

Arbidopsis thaliana L. was chosen as a test plant to assess the osmotolerance of various life stages of a crop plant spp. Determined osmotolerance of various parts of the plant and stages in the life cycle of Arabidopsis under heterotrophic growth conditions in terms of growth. Three measures were obtained from the growth parameters of the plant in terms of osmotic limits to growth, osmotic sensitivity of the processes assessed as activation volumes and an energy-flux related parameter, based on the variable osmotic responses during various life stages of Arabidopsis. Germination was the most resistant phase in the life cycle while budding (floral and vegetative branch) was the most energy demanding phases of the life cycle of the plant. The study offers an experimental model readily extendable with clear physiological expectations to seasonal crop plants.

s, 1 table, 36 ref

015631   Sitaramam V;Rao N M;Bhate R (Biotechnology Dep, Pune Univ, Pune-411 007, Email: sitaramamv@gamil.com) : Osmotolerance in plants : Phenotyping for osmotolerance in cultivars with differential requirement for water. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2007, 13(2), 115-26.

Osmotolerance in relation to drought and salinity tolerance of cultivars implies the ability to grow at larger osmolalities. Since respiration is a prerequisite for aerobic growth in all life stages and respiration is universally inhibited by osmotic pressure, the limiting osmotic pressure for inhibition of respiration was identified to be the quantitative phenotype for osmotolerance in ecologically distinct plants. Confirmed the validity of the methodology also in cultivars with different water requirements, viz., in rice (Oryza sativa L.),sorghum (Sorghum vulgare (pers.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). Respiratory methodology based on spline regression techniques, helped measure the quantitative phenotype in terms of the critical inhibitory osmotic pressure and was adequate forranking for in inter-specific extremes in varieties and species. Percent germination, drivenby the endogenous respiration and requires hardly any instrumentation to measure the phenotype, was demonstrated to be suitable for sensitive, quantitative differentiation even betweenvarieties in rice. This quantitative measure, while none was available thus far, offers a reference for validation of agronomic criteria for osmotolerance in plants and cultivars.

s, 4 tables, 22 ref

015630   Singh R K;Gregorio G B;Jain R K (Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: r.k.singh@cgiar.org) : QTL mapping for salinity tolerance in rice. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2007, 13(2), 87-99.

The complexity and polygenic nature of salt tolerance trait has seriously limited the efforts to develop salt-tolerant crop varieties. Recent developments in the area of genomics and molecular mapping have provided new tools for the molecular dissection of complex traits likesalinity tolerance, improving our understanding of stress perception/responses, rapid discovery of genes/QTLs specifically involved in salt tolerance and molecular designing of salt tolerant crops. Molecular markers are being used for linkage mapping of stress-tolerant genes/QTLs, and to assist their introgression or even pyramiding into already proven, elite cultivars. Markers can aid selection for target alleles that are not easily assayed in individualplants, minimize linkage drag around the target gene, and reduce the number of generations required to recover a very high percentage of the recurrent parent genetic background. All these studies shall eventually provide us with insights into the cellular processes that are crucial for salt tolerance and to manipulate the essential protective mechanism(s) in crop plants. In this review, we present an overview of the progress made towards linkage mapping for salt tolerance components and how it can improve the efficacy and accuracy of breeding programs for this complex trait.

1 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

015629   Singh D;Sharma N;Bisht A;Agarwal S K;Sharma B (Zoology Bitchnology Dep, Uttaranchal College of Science and Technology, Dehradun-248 001) : Effect of temperature on ovarian recrudescens in the snow trout, Schizothrox richardsonii. Flora Fauna 2007, 13(2), 313-16.

Exposure to elevated temperature (23 ± 1 °c) caused an increase in the RNA/DNA ratio in the liver of female of the S ricriardsonii. In the blood Serum, the total protein and vitello-genin levels showed an upsurge at higher temperature. At elevated temperature, the ovaries showed higher occurrence of yolky oocytes. Following 13 days of withdrawal of elevated temperature a reverse trend in the biochemical Indices was recorded.

3 illus, 18 ref

015628   Sharma A;Sidhu M S;Bhatia P;Machiavelli (Biochem Dep, Punjab Agric Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Comparison of the effect of assay temperature and pH on amylase activity of crude enzyme extract and amylase powdrs prepared from the endosperm and enzyme extract of jowar (Sorghum vulgare L.) and bajra (Pennisetum typhoideum L.) seedlings. Ann agric biol Res 2007, 12(2), 123-6.

Amylases play an important role in bringing about starch degradation during germination of seeds. Germinating grains of jowar (Sorghum vulgare) and bajra (Pennisetum typhoideum) can be used for the isolation and production of amylases. The kinetic properties of crude enzyme extract and amylase powders prepared from the endosperm and the extracted enzyme were compared. The optimum temperature of the crude enzyme extract and amylase powders prepared from the endosperm and the extracted enzyme of jowar was 55°C, where the amylases of bajra seedlings showed an optimum temperature of 60°C. Different any;ase preparations showed maximum activity at pH 5.0.

2 tables, 15 ref