001389   Suganya W;Sashi V;Malathy N S (Botany Dep, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Optimization of cultural conditions for the partial purification of xylanase from Aspergillus flavus. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 509-12.

Fungus Aspergillus flavus was grown in Czapek's dox medium containing wheat bran xylan as carbon source. The various cultural conditions namely pH, incubation period, temperature, time period for hydrolysis, concentration of wheat bran xylan, nitrogenous sources, bivalent ions were studied. The thermal stability of the crude enzyme was studied at 40 °C for varied time intervals. SDS Poly Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis was carried out for the crude protein obtained from Aspergillus flavus.

7 illus, 13 ref

001388   Srivastava C P;Lal S;Kushwaha C;Chand R;Singh A K;Singh V K;Singh B D (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: cpgenetics@gmail.com) : Genetic variability in the segregating generations and the breeding strategies for selection to improve yield and resistance to rust in pea. J Fd Legume 2009, 22(3), 158-61.

A rust susceptible genotype of pea HUVP 1 was crossed with a rust resistant genotype FC 1. One hundred F₄ and F₅ single plant progenies were grown along with parents and the infector rows. In both the generations, a wide range of variation was observed for plant height, pods per plant, 100-seed weight, yield per plant and AUDPC, indicating considerable scope for selection. Narrow sense heritability was estimated by regression of F₅ progenies on the F₄ parents, both F₄ and F₅ were evaluated in the same season to avoid environmental and season x generation interaction effects. High heritability accompanied with high estimates for genetic advance were observed for AUDPC, yield per plant and pods per plant. The estimated number of gene(s) in the segregating generations varied from 1.3 for 100-seed weight to 7.3 for seed yield per plant in the F₅ Positive and highly significant correlation was obtained between pods per plant and yield per plant and between AUDPC and pustule size in both the generations. Path-coefficients analysis showed that pods per plant and seeds per pod had high direct positive effect, whereas 100- seed weight had moderate positive direct effect on yield in both the F₄ and F₅ generations.

3 tables, 23 ref

001387   Sonawane N S;Lotankar M S;Lokhande M O;Aglave B A (Biotechnology Dep, Institute of Life Sciences, H.P.T. Arts and R.Y.K. Science College, Nashik, Maharashtra) : Stem cells: prospectus and future. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 630-32.

001386   Singh U;Chaudhary R;Chaudhary D;Pahwa M (Biotechnology Dep, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Science and Technology Univ, Murthal, Sonepat-131 039, Email: umaidsingh2003@yahoo.com) : Biofuels in India: current status and future concerns. Indian J agric Biochem 2010, 23(1), 18-26.

The steep rise in prices of food commodities and petroleum based fuel is concerning policy makers in India and has raised the issue of food and energy security for the country. Like in many other countries around the world, the biofuels have gained momentum in the past 5-6 years in India. This paper is intended to discuss and summarize the important critical topics on the subject such as types of biofuels and their relevance for India, biofuels vs fossil fuels, their comparative advantages and strategies, biotechnological approaches for biofuel production, food vs fuel and sustainability and production of biofuel seeds and feedstocks in India. It also highlights the limitations and future concerns in this field.

5 tables, 34 ref

001385   Singh S;Singh I;Gill R K;Shiv Kumar;Sarker A (Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Genetic studies for yield and component characters in large seeded exotic lines of lentil. J Fd Legume 2009, 22(4), 229-32.

With respect to seed size in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus), two groups namely microsperma (< 2.5 g/100-seeds) and macrosperma (>2.5 g/100-seeds) are prominent. As the seed size increases, the number of seeds per pod and pods per plant decreases considerably that affect the seed yield adversely. To evolve cultivars having large seed size and high yield potential, it becomes necessary to evaluate the available germplasm for variability and to workout interrelationship among yield and contributing traits. Variability and association studies were conducted in a set of 63 large seeded diverse advanced breeding lines procured from ICARDA, Syria. Sufficient variability was present in the germplasm for days to flowering, plant height, pods per plant, 100-seed weight, biological yield, harvest index and seed yield. Harvest index, 100-seed weight and seed yield had high heritability coupled with high genetic advance and pods per plant with moderate heritability and high genetic advance. Pods per plant, seeds per pod, biological yield and harvest index showed significant positive correlation, whereas days to flowering, days to maturity and 100-seed weight showed significant negative correlation with seed yield. Harvest index had maximum direct effect on seed yield followed by biological yield and pods per plant. Days to flowering and days to maturity had negative direct effect on yield. Harvest index, biological yield, pods per plant and seeds per pod were identified as important yield components, hence selection should be focused on these traits to improve yield in large seeded lentil.

4 tables, 7 ref

001384   Singh N;Poonia S;Maurya A K;Singh D P (Bio and Nano Technology Dep, Guru Jambheshwar Science and Technolgoy Univ, Hisar, Haryana) : Antibiotic sensitivity assay for spirulina: in relation to marker selection for genetic improvement. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 403-08.

Spirulina is a model organism in mass and outdoor cultivation of algae biomass as a source of protein, chemicals and nutrition. There is urgent need to improve food quality of Spirulina for human consumption. It's a need to develop selectable marker system for genetical improvement to introduce new genes. For this purpose the sensitivity of Spirulina platensis was tested against 5 different antibiotics (Kanamycin, Streptomycin, Ampicillin, Hygromycin and Chloramphenicol) with varying concentration of 25μg/ml to 1600μg/ml. S. platensis showed sensitivity to all antibiotics but maximum inhibition was found with Chloramphenicol. Thus the Chloramphenicol will be best marker for selection for further studies and the chlorophyll a concentration for sensitivity assay.

3 illus, 19 ref

001383   Singh M P;Srivastava A K;Vishwakarma S K; Pandey V K;Pandey A K;Sidhu D S (Biotechnology Dep, V.B.S. Purvanchal Univ, Jaunpur-222 001, Email: mohanbio_62@yahoo.co.in) : Influence of temerature and pH during radial gowth of Pleurotus species on different lignocelulosic wastes. J Mount Res 2007, 2(Dec), 13-8.

The three species of Pleurotus i.e. P. sapidus, P. roseus and P. fossulatus grown on three lignocellulosic wastes viz. sugarcane bagasse, brassica haulms, cauliflower wastes and radish leaves showed maximum radial growth at 30°C at both the pH 5.5 and 6.0. Radish leaves supported better and cottony growth of Pleurotus species than other two substrates. However, P. fossulatus grown on sugarcane bagasse at pH 5.5 and 30°C showed better growth than radish leaves. From the pH studies it was observed that pH 6.0 supported maximum radial growth on all the substrates except on sugarcane bagasse by P. fossulatus.

2 tables, 13 ref

001382   Singh A K (Dryland Research Sub Station, SKUAST-J, Dhiansar, Bari Brahmina, Jammu-181 133, Email: awnindrakumar@gmail.com) : Induced genetic variability in M₃ generation of mungbean. J Fd Legume 2009, 22(3), 162-5.

Significant genetic variability was induced through use of mutagens (gamma rays & EMS) for quantitative traits in two varieties namely T 44 and PDM 54 of mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek). Comparatively high magnitude of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variations was recorded for length of pods and seed yield in M, mutant lines of both varieties. Number of seeds per pod and number of branches per plant also showed high magnitude of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation in T 44 and PDM 54, respectively. Moderate to high estimate of heritability coupled with moderate estimate of genetic advance as percentage of mean were noted for most of the characters in both of the induced populations except number of branches per plant and length of pods in T 44 and days to 50% flowering and number of seeds per pod in PDM 54. Plant height, number of pods/plant, length of pods and seeds/pod showed significant positive association with seed yield in the population derived from both varieties. Length of pods, number of seeds/pod, number of pods per plant and days to 50% flowering contributed direct effect to seed yield in both populations. The direct positive influence of days to maturity and number of branches per plant on seed yield was recorded in the population derived from PDM 54.

4 tables, 17 ref

001381   Sharma V;Mallick S A;Tiku A K (Biochemistry and Plant Physiology Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Agricultural Sciences and Technology Univ, Jammu, Main Campus Chatha, Jammu-180 009) : Anticancer activity of devil tree (Alstonia scholaris Linn.) leaves on human cancer cell lines. Indian J agric Biochem 2010, 23(1), 63-5.

The aim of this research work was to evaluate the anticancer potential of leaf extracts from the traditional medicinal plant i.e. Alstonia scholaris. The extracts of the leaves were screened for in vitro cytotoxicity by means of SRB assay on five human cancer cell lines: lung cancer celis (A-549), oral cancer cells (KB), breast cancer cells (MCF-7), neuroblastoma cancer cells (SK-N-MC) and colon cancer cells (SW-620). The ethanolic extract of the plant indicated the potent anticancer effect against all the human cancer cell lines.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

001380   Sharma R;Pandey A K;Prakash B;Mishra B P; Singh P K;Singh G (NO, National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal-132 001) : Genetic diversity of ganjam goat by microsatellite markers. Indian vet J 2009, 86(3), 275-7.

Using neutral genetic markers we showed that Ganjam breed of goat still has sufficient genetic variability. Hence the genetic variation that has persisted in Ganjam population could provide a valuable source of genetic material that may be used for meeting the demands of future breeding programmes. It is right time to initiate planned and organized breeding, as F_IS is indicative of inbreeding in the population. Thus appropriate breeding strategies should be designed under field conditions for its conservation and improvement.

1 table, 9 ref

001379   Sharma R K (Botany Dep, G.G.M. Science College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir) : Caulogenesis in Heracleum candicans Wall. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 354-6.

Callus was initiated from petiole explants on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mgl^-1 2,4-D and O.Smgl^-1 BAP. The best combination of growth regulator for maximum callus growth was obtained upon subculture of callus to a medium supplemented with Imgr^-1 2,4-D, 0.25 nigl^-1 Kn, 1% sucrose and 825 mgl^-1 NH₄NO₃.

1 illus, 4 tables, 8 ref

001378   Sharma M;Pradhan S;Subba K B;Basistha B C (Science and Technology Dep, Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology, Gangtok-737 101) : Effect of growth regulators on the in vitro multiplication of nucellar seedlings of Citrus reticulata blanco. J Hill Res 2009, 22(2), 110-3.

1 table, 19 ref

001377   Sawant N;Ghosh P;Aglave B A;Lokhande M O (Biotechnology Dep, Institue of Life Sciences, H.P.T. Arts and R.Y.K. Science College, Nashik, Maharashtra) : Molecular phylogenetic-a tool for comparing genomes. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 602-3.

001376   Sathananthan A H (Monash Immunology & Stem Cell Laboratories, The Strip, Monash Univ, Clayton Vic. Australia-316 8, Email: henry.sathananthan@med.monash.edu.au) : Human centriole: origin & how it impacts fertillization, embryogenesis, infertility & cloning. Indian J med Res 2009, 129(4), 348-50.

^iia17 ref

001375   Rita;Shirkot P;Verma S;Gupta M (Biotechnology Dep, Dr. Y.S. Parmar Horticulture and Forestry Univ, Nauni, Solan-173 230) : Assessment of genetic diversity of Hypericum perforatum L. in Himachal Pradesh by using isozyme markers. J Hill Res 2009, 22(1), 14-20.

Hypericum perforatum L belongs to family Hypericaceae, is a perennial herb. It is medicinally important plant and its major use is in curing depression and anxiety. Genetic variation of eighteen genotypes of Hypericum perforatum L was evaluated by using nine enzyme systems. Isozyme analysis of eight enzymes revealed considerable and very useful polymorphism among eighteen genotypes of Hypericum perforatum L from six sites of Himachal Pradesh. Allele frequency in the eighteen genotypes ranged from 0.5 to 1.00 and at all polymorphic loci only two alleles could be identified. On the basis of dendrogram the eighteen genotypes were separated into two clusters. Cluster-l subdivided into sub clusters including genotypes from Jandod and Bekhli sites of Kullu district and Theog and Jubbal sites of Shimla district whereas cluster-ll included genotypes from Kharapathar and Kotkhai sites of Shimla district. Polymorphism in selected genotypes was depicted to be 63.3%.

2 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

001374   Ranade R;Gopalakrishna T (Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400 085) : Genetic diversity in blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). J Fd Legume 2009, 22(3), 153-7.

Blackgram is an important pulse crop in India serving as an inexpensive source of proteins in various popular Indian dishes. Increase in productivity of pulse crops is being achieved by developing newer varieties with agronomically desirable traits. In the study, AFLP was used to reveal genetic variation among elite blackgram varieties and to differentiate them at a molecular level. The number of varieties identified by a primer pair ranged from 8 to 18. It was possible to differentiate the varieties using a single AFLP primer pair. Twelve blackgram varieties could be identified by the presence of variety specific amplicon. Grouping of varieties as revealed by UPGMA dendrogram was generally in conformity with known pedigree. Results shows that AFLP is an efficient technique for detecting polymorphism even in crop iike blackgram which has a very limited genetic variability.

2 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

001373   Radha P;Padma P R;Sumathi S (Biochemistry Dep, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Avinashilingam Women Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Effect of Solanum nigrum leaf extract on the non-enzymic antioxidant profile of experimental mice induced with tumour. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 582-85.

Tree radicals are the main contributing factor in most of the diseases. Antioxidants help in eradicating the effects of free radicals. In the study, the hypothesis that Solarium nigrum leaf extracts are equipped to scavenge Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in tumour bearing mice was tested. The oxidative status of 1 iver of female Swiss Albino mice (6-8 weeks old) subjected to DLA injection irrtraperitoneally and subsequent oral administration of Solatium nigrum leaf extract (500 mg/kg) for 21 days was studied. The antioxidant activity of leaves of plants bearing red berries and black berries was assessed by analyzing the non-enzytnic antioxidants and by 2, 2'-diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Vitamins A, E, C, reduced glutathione and protein thiols level and DPPH scavenging activity decreased significantly in DLA injected mice. Administration of Solarium nigrum leaf extracts was found to elevate the antioxidants level. Black berry leaf extract showed higher antioxidant potential than red berry leaf extract except in reduced glutathione assay where red berry leaf extract showed a higher activity than black berry leaf extract. The results suggest that Solanum nigrum leaves are a potential source of antioxidant and help in quenching ROS levels.

1 table, 16 re

001372   Puri P;Husain S (Microbiology Dep, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar, Punjab) : Stem cells: status & applications. Indian Sci Cruiser 2009, 23(5), 16-21.

7 ref

001371   Pradhan S;Sharma M;Subba K B;Basistha B C (Science and Technology Dep, Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology, Gangtok-737 101) : Effect of various cultural conditions on in vitro germination of immature seeds of Citrus reticulata Blanco. J Hill Res 2009, 22(1), 39-42.

5 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

001370   Meher H C;Koundal K R;Gajbhiye V T (NO, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Reactive oxygen species, antioxidants, sulfur metabolites and their agro-biotechnological potential to enhance stress resistance of crop plants. Indian J agric Biochem 2010, 23(1), 1-17.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by-products of aerobic metabolism. At physiological concentration, ROS mediate intracellular signaling cascades and redox regulation. Their excessive production leads to oxidative stress, loss of cell function, and ultimately apoptosis or necrosis. A balance between oxidant and antioxidant in intracellular systems is vital for cell function, regulation, and adaptation to diverse growth conditions. A core ubiquitous oxidoreductase system with antioxidant and redox regulator roles comprises of thiordoxin reductase (TrxR) and thioredoxin (Trx). TrxR has a highly reactive active site - selenocysteine residue, to reduce several substrates in addition to Trx. It catalyzes regeneration of several antioxidants - ascorbic acid, selenium-containing substances, lipoic acid, and ubiquinone (Q10). Formation of ROS is one of the active defense responses of plants to pathogen invasion and linked to hypersensitive response (HR) resulting in cell necrosis/lesion. Accumulation of phytoalexins inhibits pathogens in or adjacent to HR cells. Various sulfur metabolites- thiols, alliins, glucosinolates, phytoalexins, phytochelatins, proteins (defensins and thionins) constitute the innate defense mechanism of plants to resist abiotic stress and pests and have the biotechnological potential to enhance resistance of crop plants.

4 illus, 2 tables, 171 ref

001369   Maurya S K (Veterinary Biochemistry Dep, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kumarganj, Fizabad-224 229) : Allele frequencies and PIC values of microsatellites in three south Indian cattle breeds. Indian vet J 2009, 86(2), 120-2.

The number of alieles for microsatellites loci ETH 225, HBB and ILSTS 030 were found to be 12, 11 and 6 with a mean allele size of 145.83 ± 2.32 bp, 174.00 ± 2.00 bp and 154.33 ± 1.76 bp respectively. The allele frequencies for ETH 225, HBB and ILSTS 030 were 0.083 ± 0.014, 0.091 ± 0.026 and 0.167 ± 0.102 respectively. PIC values for ETH 225 and HBB showed them to be highly polymorphic with values of 0 891 and 0.831 respectively, while microsatellite ILSTS 030 was less polymorphic for these breeds with a PIC value of only 0.519.

10 ref

001368   Mahajan V A;Dashaputre A G;Aglave B A; Lokhande M O (Biotechnology Dep, Institute of Life Sciences, H.P.T. Arts and R.Y.K. Science College, Nashik, Maharashtra) : Multigene engineering. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 610-11.

001367   Kannappan S;Anuradha C V (Biochemistry & Biotechnology Dep, Faculty of Science, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar) : Insulin sensitizing actions of fenugreek seed polyphenols, quercetin & metformin in rat model. Indian J med Res 2009, 129(4), 401-8.

Plant polyphenols have been known to exert anti-diabetic action and promote insulin action. The present study was carried out to compare the effects of administration of fenugreek seed polyphenolic extract (FPEt), quercetin and metformin (a positive control) in an acquired model of insulin resistance (IR). Adult male Wistar rats divided into seven groups (n=12). IR was induced in groups (groups 2, 3, 4 and 5) by feeding a high fructose diet (FRU) (60 g/TOO g diet) for 60 days. From day 16, FRU rats were administered either FPEt (200 mg/kg bw) (group 3), quercetin (50 mg/kg bw) (group 4) or metformin (50 mg/kg bw) (group 5) for the next 45 days. Group 1 served as normal control while groups 6 and 7 served as FPEt and quercetin controls respectively. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was done on day 59 to assess glucose tolerance. At the end of 60 days, the levels of glucose, insulin, triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA) were measured in the blood and the activities of insulin-inducible and suppressible enzymes in cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions of liver and skeletal muscle. The extent of tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins in response to insulin was determined by assaying protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) and protein tyrosine phosphatase (FTP) in liver. Fructose caused increased levels of glucose, insulin, TG and FFA, alterations in insulin sensitivity indices, enzyme activities and reduced glycogen content. Higher PTP activity and lower PTK activity suggest reduced tyrosine phosphorylation status. Administration of FPEt or quercetin improved insulin sensitivity and tyrosine phosphorylation in fructose-fed animals and the effect was comparable with that of metformin. The findings indicated that FPEt and quercetin improved insulin signaling and sensitivity and thereby promoted the cellular actions of insulin in this model.

6 tables, 31 ref

001366   Jain V;Gupta S;Saxena R;Singh R (NO, Amity Institute of Biotechnology and Amity Microbial Biotechnology Un, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh) : Thermostable alkaline protease with detergent compatibility from newly isolated strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Indian J agric Biochem 2010, 23(1), 45-50.

Protease produced from a newly isolated strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was studied. Physico-chemical conditions such as temperature, pH and incubation time were optimized for the best enzyme production. The strain produced about 560 U/ml of the enzyme at 27°C in a production media of pH 8 in 24h. Casein was found to be the most suitable substrate. Various parameters such as optimum temperature and pH, temperature and pH stability, effect of metal ions and detergents on the enzyme activity were studied. The optimum temperature and pH were found to be 60°C and pH 10, respectively. Enzyme was stable at temperature 25°C to 40° C but the stability declined above 40° C. The enzyme was also stable at pH 7 to 10 and showed maximum stability at pH 10 after 2h of incubation. Metal ions as Mn^{++, Cu++ and Ca++ enhanced the activity of the enzyme. The enzyme showed compatibility at 60°C with commercial detergents.}

5 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

001365   Girisha S T;Niranjan M H;Raghavendra V B;Raju N S (Biotechnology Dep, JB Campus, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-56, Email: stgirisha@gmail.com) : Biochemical and minerals studies of K-134 variety groundnut (Arachis hypogaea. L) grown in municipal water. Int J appl envir Sci 2009, 4(1), 1-8.

The effect of untreated municipal sewage water on the minerals like Nitrogen (6.94 mg/dry wt), Phosphorous (1.05 mg/dry wt), Potassium (12.73 mg/dry wt), Sodium (0.18 mg/dry wt), Calcium (0.06 mg/dry wt), Magnesium (0.07 mg/dry wt), Chloride (0.3 mg/dry wt), Iron (mg/dry wt 0.05), Zinc (0.008 mg/dry wt) and Copper (0.006 mg/dry wt) and the biochemical contents like Protein (2.93 mg/dry wt), Lipid (20.17 mg/dry wt),Total sugar (2.4 mg/dry wt 89), Starch (3.91 mg/dry wt) and Amino acid (5.98 mg/dry wt) of ground nut has been determined and compared with the control plant.l, 5,10, 25, 50, 75, 100%, concentration of sewage water was used for the irrigation of DH-3-30, ICJS-11, JL-24, K-134, TMV-2 and VRI-2 varieties of groundnut at regular intervals. The study revealed that sewage water at 25% and 50% has promotive effect on K-139 variety when compare to' control and other varieties.

2 tables, 31 ref

001364   Ghosh P;Sawant N;Aglave B A;Lokhande M O (Biotechnology Dep, Institute of Life Sciences, H.P.T. Arts and R.Y.K. Science College, Nashik, Maharashtra) : Xenotransplantation-a promising clinical technology. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 622-23.

001363   Gavli J;Pagare R S;Lokhande M O;Aglave B A (Biotechnology Dep, Insitute of Life Sciences, H.P.T. Arts and R.Y.K. Science College, Nashik, Maharashtra) : Terminalia chebula-a promising multipurpose herbal medicine. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 640-42.

001362   Dhara A;Saini M;Das D K;Swarup D;Gupta P K (Centre for Wildlife Conservation, Management and Disease Surveillance, Indian Veterinary Research Instit, Izatnagar-243 122) : Restriction analysis of the cDNA encoding toll-like receptor 3 of buffalo and nilgai. Indian vet J 2009, 86(2), 123-6.

Restriction analysis revealed that the ligand binding ectodomain of nilgai differs in structural pattern than that of the buffalo, which might influence ligand - binding efficacy and TLR3 function.

2 illus, 12 ref

001361   Dargode P;Gavali J J;Aglave B A;Lokhande M O (Biotechnology Dep, Institute of Life Sciences, H.P.T. Arts and Y.K. Science College, Nashik, Maharashtra) : Stevia rebaudiana-bio sweetner of future. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 624-25.

001360   Chhokar V;Sood D R;Wani M A;Bajaj B K (Biotechnology Dep, Guru Jambheshwar Science and Technology Univ, Hisar, Haryana) : Effect of garlic extract on human intestinal microflora. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 357-60.

Influence of aqueous extract of five garlic genotypes (HG-1, HG-6 HG-17, HG-19, G-l) was examined on the population of Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli. Monitoring of the growth after 6h and 24h revealed that garlic extract was effective in checking the growth of these pathogens. The aqueous extract of garlic variety HG-19 bulbs showed the maximum inhibition against all the microorganisms tested. The best garlic extract concentration emerged to be 1.5% that produced more than 90% growth inhibition.

4 tables, 16 ref

000339   Somashekhar R;Naik G R (Biotechnology Dep, Capital College, Bangalore-560 036, Email: ssrajur@gmail.com) : Anatomical changes in Prosopis juliflora (Swartz) D.C. seedlings under saline condition. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 257-62.

The effect of salt stress on leaflet characteristics in Propopis juliflora exhibits some interesting features. The physical thickness of leaf enhanced to 23.6% and 44.7%, at 6 month and 1 year old plants under saline condition over control, The anatomical features reveal that in the mesopfayHS region the length and width of palisade cells reduced to 16,6% and 89.3% and spongy cell size to 26% over control.

2 tables, 24 ref

000338   Sobha V;Chitra G;Santhosh S;Hashim K A; Valsalakumar E (Environmental Sciences Dep, Kariavattom Campuw Kerala Univ, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581@rediffmail.com) : Alginic acid content in different parts of Sargassum wightii and Padina tetrastromatica. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 203-10.

Alginic acid is mainly synthesis from the seaweeds and it widely used in several industries. Sargassum wightii and Padina tetrastromatica are the major sources for the manufacture of Alginic acid in Kerala. This two brown algae are commonly present at Kovalam and Thankasseri. Since these sea weeds are available in large quantities, they appear to be the most suitable raw material for commercial exploitation. Present study mainly concentrated on the availability of alginic acid in different parts of Sargassum wightii and Padina tetrastromatica. The observation revealed that Sargassum wightii could be considered as a good raw material in view of its availability in fair quantities.

4 table, 16 ref

000337   Sobha V;Chitra G;Santhosh S;Hashim A; Valsalakumar E (Environmental Sciences Dep, Kariavattom Campus Kerala Univ, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581) : Comparitive study on chemical constituents of Sargassum wightii, Gracilaria corticata and Padina tetrastromatica. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 219-34.

Deals with the detailed study, of the monthly variations of the major biochemical constituents in whole plant, frond, stipe and rhizome of Sargassam wightii, Gracilaria corticata and Padina tetrastroritatica. In the study two stations on the Kerala coast, Kovalam and Thankasseri, have been selected for intensive investigation, as they are characteristic of having luxuriant growth of algae throughout the year. The present investigation mainly deals with the monthly variation of the values of moisture, proteins, carbohydrate and lipid and follows the same pattern with the whole plant and different pats of the plant.

6 tables, 31 ref

000336   Sinha S;Johari S;Sarmah R (Centre for Bioinformatics Studies, Dibrugarh Univ, Dibrugarh) : Extensive study on entities and relationships of cell line database (CLDB)-proposed remodeled schema. Bull Life Sci 2010, 16(3), 85-91.

Cell line database (CLDB) contains information about cell lines such as origin, tissue specificity, tumorogencity etc. The database was developed for the purpose of gaining efficiency for biomedical research analysis. Hyper CLDB is a hypertext version of the CLDB containing equal information of CLDB and is available online. This database is consisting of information of more than 6000 cell lines. A detailed study has been made about the schema of the aforesaid available database. It was found that some modification of the schema may enhance the performance of the database. The schema is designed in such a way that more information related to cell lines can be entered in the database. All efforts have been made to reduce redundancy and to enhance the efficiency of the database.

3 illus, 8 ref

000335   Singh H P (Horticulture Dep, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, KAB-II, Pusa, New Delhi-110 012) : Accelerating quality production of horticultural crops in India. Indian Hort 2009, 54(4), 3-9.

The past efforts in India proved beyond doubt that horticulture is the best option to improve livelihood, food and nutritional security with enhanced employment and increased income through value-addition. Technology-led development addressing issues of production, consumption and policy supports provided ample opportunity to harness the potential. Sustained efforts are needed to improve competitiveness, enhancing the efficiency of production system and establishing linkages with various stakeholders to achieve sustainable transformation. Whatever efforts and investments that have been made, it has been highly productive so far but the coming scenario with the climate change will be different. For example, tomatoes or potatoes or cauliflowers are basically temperate crops. But bringing after their genetic manipulations, it is possible to grow them as tropical and subtropical crops in India. In potato, which is just a long day crop and now we have the variety that is grown in short day conditions and we are even going forward to get the varieties which can be grown in tropical situations. So given the time, the manpower and the financial assistance, our Indian scientists can take this challenge of the climate change and can avail the opportunities in future and definitely emerge as a leader not only in horticulture but in total agriculture. Finally, achieving enhanced productivity, profitability, equity and improving the quality of life of people through innovative horticulture shall be our set goal, emphasizes Dr H.P. Singh, a renowned Horticulturist at the ICAR Headquarters.

2 illus, 3 tables

000334   Ramapriya R;Usha K;Karthikeyan A (Biochemistry Biotechnology Dep, Avinashilingam Univ of Women, Coimbatore-641 043) : Preliminary study on the antioxidant potential of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn.. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 317-22.

The antioxidant potential of the leaf and flower extracts of the plant, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn, was evaluated. The antioxidant potential was assessed quantitatively by studying the free radical scavenging activity against the stable DPPH (2, 2 - diphenyl -1 -picrylhydrazyl) radical and inhibition against in vitro lipid peroxidation. Among the four extracts (aqueous, methanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate) of the leaves and flowers tested, the ethyl acetate extract of the leaf exhibited highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (59.79%) and highest inhibition against in vitro lipid peroxidation (75.54%). This finding indicated that the leaves showed higher antioxidant activity than that of the flowers.

2 illus, 20 ref

000333   Kushwah B S;Updhaya S C;Shukla S;Sikarwar A S;Bhadauria S (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Bichpuri, R. B. S. College, Agra, Email: b_kushwah@radiffmail.com) : Determination of phenol using polyaniline-fungal Laccases biosensor. Int J pure appl Chem 2009, 4(1-2), 25-33.

Laccases from Pleurotus ostreatus were extracted from the Shaken flask cultures of Pleurotus ostreatus grown at 25 °C with continuous agitation (110 r.p.m.) in baffled 1000 ml Erlenmeyer flasks containing 200 ml medium. The basal GYP medium used for cultures unless otherwise stated contained 20 g glucose 1^-1, 5 g yeast extract 1^-1, 5 g peptone from casein 1^-1 and 1 g MgSO₄.7H₂,O 1^-1 The pH was adjusted to 5.0 with H₃PO₄prior to sterilization. The kinetics of oxidation reactions catalyzed by laccases was studied using ABTS. The laccases showed lower specific activity and higher activity in non-polar organic solvents. Enzyme modified electrodes were fabricated with polyaniline. Electrochemical polymerization of aniline was performed to get the film of polymer on the surface of glass electrode. First ITO/PANI electrode was reduced by a 15 min cathodic polarization of the sensor at -500 mV in 0.1M acetate buffer, pH 5.5. After cathodic polarization, the film was immersed in 0.1 M of acetate buffer, pH 5.5 containing enzyme solution for the deposition of enzyme in polymer layer at +650 mV for 20 min. During this oxidation process Laccases become electrostatically attached to polymer film. The ITO/PANI/LAC electrode was rinsed with deionised water to remove any loosely bounded enzyme, and stored in buffer solution at 4°C when not in use. Conducting polymer/enzyme modified electrodes prepared by immobilization of enzyme were tested for electrocatalytic activities towards Amperometric sensing of phenol in industrial Effluent.

6 illus, 2 tables, 43 ref

000332   John de Rritto A;Marry Sujin R;Mahesh R; Dharmar K (Plant Molecular Biology Research Unit, PG & Research Dep, Plant Biology and Biotechnology, St.Xavier's College, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu, Email: bjohnde@yahoo.co.in) : Interpopulation genetic diversity of Vitex negundo L. by RAPD analysis. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 295-302.

Reveals that the genetic diversity in Vitex negundo L., an anti cancer drugs yielding plant collected from five location of KanyaKumari District of Tamilnadu. RAPD fingerprints were applied by Polymerase Chain Reaction of the genomic DNA using random primers. These primers produced multiple band profiles with a number of amplified DNA fragments varying from 5 to 10. A total of 35 polymorphic bands were observed. The genetic distance between the population ranged from 0.1881 to 0.3 773 and the genetic identity ranged from 0.6857 to 0.8284. The overall observed and effective number of alleles are about 1.4571 and 1.2798 respectively, The percentages of polymorphic loci are 45.71. Nei over all genetic diversity is 0.1691. It is clear that there is distinct genetic variability in Vitex negundo L.

6 tables, 18 ref

000331   Dua R;Kumar V;Sunkaria A;Gill K D (Biochemistry Dep, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh-160 012) : Altered glucose homeostasis in response to aluminium phosphide induced cellular oxygen deficit in rat. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(7), 722-30.

The study was designed to analyze the effect of acute aluminium phosphide (ALP) (10 mg/kg body wt.) exposure on the glucose homeostasis in rat liver and brain. ALP has been implicated in the inhibition of cytochrome oxidase causing reduced oxygen uptake and decreased ATP synthesis eventually resulting in cellular energy crisis. A significant decrease in plasma glucose levels in the ALP treated rats has been observed. Therefore, decreased ATP levels coupled with hypoglycemia may further intensify the cellular energy deficits. In order to meet the sudden increase in the local energy demand, the brain tissue utilizes its stored energy in the form of glycogen breakdown as observed by a decrease in the glycogen levels in both liver and brain which was accompanied by a marked increase in the activity of glycogen phosphorylase in both the tissues. The glycolytic rate was found to be enhanced in brain tissue as evident by increased activities of hexokinase and phosphofructokinase enzymes, but decreased in liver of ALP treated rats. Lactate levels were increased in plasma and brain, but decreased in liver of ALP treated rats. Pyruvate levels increased in the plasma and liver, but no change was observed in the brain tissue. ALP did not cause any change in the gluconeogenic enzymes like glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphophatase in brain, but a significant increase was observed in the liver. Results of the study showed that ALP induced cellular energy deficit leads to compromised energy status of liver and brain coupled with substantial alterations in glucose homeostasis. However, the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase decreased significantly in both the tissues.

5 tables, 46 ref

000330   Choudhury B (Center for Studies in Biotechnology, Dibrugarh Univ, Dibrugarh-786 004, Email: bulachoudhury@gmail.com) : Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from natural vegetation: sumbiosis and effects of soil physico-chemical parameters. Bull Life Sci 2010, 16(3), 75-84.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization was examined from different rhizospheric soil samples from natural vegetation of agricultural fields of Nagaon district of Assam. All the selected plants were colonized with AMF. The highest colonization was recorded (52.90%) whereas the spore numbers in the soil ranges from 0.33 to 7.33 spores g^{-1 soil. The effect of soil physico-chemical parameters was not found in the mutualistic symbiosis whereas positive correlation was observed in between the root colonization and the number of spores of AMF.}

2 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

000329   Bhatt A;Singh N (Biotechnology Dep, G.B. Pant Engg. College, Ghurdauri, Pauri Garhwal-246 194) : Estimation of genetic diversity in hybrid sorghum parental lines using RAPD markers. J Mount Res 2009, 4(Dec), 122-8.

The development of multicut sorghum hybrid using CMS system between Sorghum (S.bicolof) and Sudan grass (S.sudanense) is an important area of research to achieve quantum jump in fodder yield. An accurate classification of parental lines in to heterotic group is essential to facilitate selection of parents and predicting the performance of F1 hybrids. In recent years, attention has focused on molecular genetic markers for assessing genetic variability and relationship among genotypes for their application in crop improvement. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate genetic divergence among hybrid parental lines by employing RAPD markers. This will aid the long -term objectives of predicting the level of heterosis in F1 hybrid. The genetic diversity of 15 forage sorghum parental lines comprised of five male sterile lines and ten restorer lines were estimated employing RAPD markers. Genetic distance was determined by Jaccard's similarity coefficients. Cluster dendrogram generated nine sub clusters for assessing molecular genetic diversity among the genotypes. Genetic variability among restorer lines was much higherthan among cytoplasmic male sterile lines (CMS).PCR analysis based on 15 RAPD primers detected sufficient polymorphism for germplasm characterization and genetic distance. The cluster analysis based on these markers revealed that SDSL92140 (restorer line) and 2219A (cytoplasmic male sterile line) were most distant to each other and could be used in hybrid breeding programme.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

020323   Vaze M N;Jawale C V;Shah R G;Joshi C G (Genetic Engineering and Animal Biotechnology Dep, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandary, Anand Agricultura, Anand-388 001) : IVF-potential tool in animal reproduction. Indian J Field Vet 2008, 4(2), 64-7.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves fertilization of in vitro matured oocyte with in vitro capacitated sperm and carrying embryo thus developed to term or cryopreservation of this embryo for future use. For every step to be successful, various media are available. IVF, though success rate is low, promises us to utilize this technology for commercial embryo transfer programs, embryo cloning and production of transgenic animals.

3 illus, 32 ref

020322   Trivedi M;Yadav S K;Yadav G K;Bhaskar R; Tiwari R K (AMITY Institute of Biotechnology, Amity Univ, Lucknow, Email: mtrivedi@lko.amity.edu) : Thidiazuron induced callus induction and in-vitro regeneration of asparagus (Asparagus racemosus Wild.). Indian J scient Res 2010, 1(1), 27-30.

Indirect organogenesis was exploited through callus induction and in-vitro regeneration was achieved in Asparagus racemosus. The vigor of cultivars regenerated from callus cultures was higher as compared to plant regenerated from seeds. The effects of different concentration of Thidiazuron (TDZ) on induction and growth of callus of Asparagus were studied. Calluses grew more rapidly on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) basal medium supplemented with 0.4 mg/l TDZ as compared to the same medium with low (0.2 mg/1) concentration or high (1 mg/1) concentration of TDZ. The nodal explants were treated with different concentrations of TDZ for both callus induction and shoot development. Callus induction was recoded in all treatments tried, however, only 45% showed organogenesis.

2 tables, 13 ref

020321   Suneetha V;Mohanaravali;Pragathipriyadarsini; Singh S K (1,2,3,4 School of Biotechnology, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: vsuneetha@vit.ac.in) : Strain improvement of actinomycetes for maximum production of α-amylase. Adv Biotech 2009, 9(4), 28-33.

Reveals the way of improving the strain of actinomycetes for the higher production of amylase thus making the strain more economically useful. Majority of the native isolates from the natural environment do not meet this condition. Hence a step wise strain improvement process is to be essentially carried out using mutagenesis or r-DNA methods to obtain high yielding mutant strains with desirable qualities. Thus, the process of strain improvement involves a continual genetic modification of the culture, followed by reappraisals of its cultural requirements. Genetic modification can be achieved by various methods like selecting natural variants, selecting induced mutants by selecting recombinants or using r-DNA techniques. The strain improvement studies on limited scale led to the isolation of six mutants with increased capacity to produce Amylase. Among them, mutants of strain-2 and strain-3 were exhibiting two fold increases in amylase production as compared to native strain, whereas with strain-1 and strain-4 mutants, a 1.4 fold increase in amylase yield was observed. The four mutants, which showed the highest of 60 KU/ml, is compared to control (native isolate) with 17 KU/ml, thereby resulting in 3.5 folds increase in amylase yield. The results on the preliminary study of strain development appears to be very encouraging and suggesting that there is high potential for further strain development of these native strains. The tentative identification of these strains with high amylase activity suggest that they belong to genus Streptomyces.

18 ref

020320   Sharma N (Biotechnology Dep, GLA Institute of Professional Studies, Mathura-281 406) : Spectral, thermal and antimicrobial activities of Zn (II) and Cu (II) complexes of drug diazepam (7-chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-3H,4-benzodiazepine-2-one). Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 273-80.

Describes the synthesis, characterisation and antimicrobial activity of metal complexes of Diazepam. The complexes have been characterised by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and IR spectral data. The molecular formula of the complexes corresponds to [M L (NCbJz], where M = Zn (II) and Cu (II) and L= Diazepam. The physico - chemical and IR spectral data shows that the ligand coordinates to the metal ion in a bidentate fashion (through the N (1) and N (4) Nitrogen atoms). The antimicrobial studies of ligand and its metal complexes have been screened for selected bacteria (E. coli, S. typhi, B. subtilis and S. aureus) and fungi (A. flavous, A. niger, P. triticena and F. species). Antimicrobial studies show that the Cu (II) complex is more toxrc than Zn (II) complex.

5 tables, 19 ref

020319   Sharma A;Srivastava P (NO, , 3/201, Ganesh Talab, Dadabari, Kota, Rajasthan) : Evaluation of harvesting day during Spirulina fusiformis cultivation. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 431-3.

To evaluate harvesting day during Spirulinafusiformis cultivation, protein percentage of cultures was analyzed each day for a period of 15 days. Protein content increased linearly up to 6th day. On 7th day maximum protein content was noticed. Afterwards, it showed a declining pattern. 7th day was found to be the highest protein content.

1 illus, 8 ref

020318   Shanthil Kumar M;Kapila S;Dang A K;Arora S; Kapila R (Animal Biohemistry Div, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, Email: suman_ndri@yahoo.com) : Isolation and characterization of caseinophosphopeptides from buffalo milk. Indian J Dairy Sci 2009, 62(6), 447-51.

Milk is a complex mixture of molecular species, containing bioactivity, which confer special properties for the infant development, and growth beyond basic nutrient. Many of the bioactivities of the milk are attributed to the proteins and peptides secreted into the milk by mammary gland. The bioactivity of several milk proteins are latent; and are released during proteolytic digestion of the protein [in vivo] or during food processing (in vitro). Caseins, the major milk proteins are the source of many bioactive peptides. Tryptic hydrolysis of casein yield phosphorylated peptides called Caseinophosphopeptides (CPP), which possess bioactive properties such as mineral binding, antioxidative and immunological activities. The present investigations have been done with an aim to characterize CPP of buffalo milk origin. Casein was prepared by Isoelectric precipitation method from buffalo milk. Isoelectrically prepared casein was further fractioned into α-, β- and ϕ-caseins on the basis of their differential solubility in urea. The caseins and their fractions were hydrolyzed with tyrpsin for different time interval to determine the degree of hydrolysis. The Caseinophosphopeptides (CPPs) were isolated from hydrolyzed solution of casein based on the principle that CPPs were soluble at pH 4.6 and aggregated with divalent cation such as calcium at neutral pH and precipitated out using ethanol. The CPP whole and obtained from different fractions were resolved on Tricine SDS-PAGE. The electrophoretic pattern revealed that CPP has a low molecular weight of 3-4kDa. The CPPs were further resolved on RP-HPLC. The elution profile of whole CPP showed three major peaks with retention times 13.216 min, 14.304 min and 17.711 min.

24 ref

020317   Shankar H;Sharma R;Lokendra Kumar;Ghosh D; Balvinder Singh (Biochemistry Dep, Sardar Bhagwan Singh P G Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Research, Balawala, Dehradun-248 161, Email: bsinghlko@gmail.com) : In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of crude aqueous extract of Eulophia campestris rhizome. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 265-8.

The rhizome of Eulophia campestris, family Orchidaceae, was evaluated for antibacterial activity against some gram positive bacterial strains Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 57), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96), gram negative bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeuruginosa (MTCC 2453), Escherichia coli (MTCC 483), a single fungal strain Aspergillus niger (MTCC 281) and a yeast Candida albicans (MTCC 227). The antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract of E. compestris (AEEC) was determined by agar well diffusion method at the concentrations ranging from 100 to 400 μg/ml. Standard antibiotic salts were used as positive controls. The crude AEEC showed remarkable antimicrobial activity against selected microbial strains. AEEC gave maximum activity against E. coli as well as Pseudomonas aeuruginosa amongst the selected microbial strains.

1 table, 14 ref

020316   Sandhya N S;John Sheila;Iyer P (Home Science Dep, Women's Christain College, Chennai, Email: brajuraj@yahoo.com) : Growth of probiotic bacteria in selected prebiotic foods. Adv Biotech 2009, 9(4), 41-3.

Study on assessing the growth of probiotic bacteria in selected prebiotic foods namely barley, oats, wheat, garlic, banana, soybeans at different temperatures, pH, concentration of oligosaccharides and by the production of sugars using biochemical tests was done. When pH was considered the growth of all the probiotic bacteria was maximum at acidic conditions than at alkaline conditions. At different temperatures, the growth of probiotic bacteria was greater at room temperature than at cold conditions. Findings of the study prove that the probiotic bacteria are viable in presence of prebiotic foods at cold conditions and when exposed to room temperature the probiotic bacteria had regained its activity. A symbiotic combination of yoghurt with prebiotic foods can enhance health benefits like promoting lactose digestion in he small intestine which prevents lactose intolerance, increases calcium absorption and enhances the immune system.

4 tables, 6 ref

020315   Ramalingam;Satyaraj;Saranya;Saraswathy N (Biotechnology Dep, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 006, Email: gobiram@rediffmail.com) : Purification and characterization of a novel thermostable xylanase from Aspergillus tamarii islated from soil. Adv Biotech 2009, 9(4), 44-6.

A novel thermostable extracellular xylanase producing Aspergillus tamarii was isolated from soil. Xylanase was purified to homogeneity by acetone precipitation, ultrafiltration and DEAE-Sepharose column. Molecular weight of the enzyme was found to be 35 kDa, as evidenced by native-PAGE. The optimum pH and temperature for the maximum xylanase activity were observed at 6.0 and 55°C, respectively. The xylanase enzyme retains 22% of its original activity after 1 hr at 60°C. The enzyme was not stable above pH 7 and 70°C, respectively. Ag+ and Hg2+ ions completely inactivated the enzyme while Cu2+ions strongly inhibited the enzyme activity. The xylanase activity was moderately stimulated by Fe2+ ions. N-Bromosuccinimide completely inactivated the enzyme. The brightness of pulp was slightly improved by enzyme treatment.

2 illua, 1 table, 10 ref