015032   Raval P;Shah H;Panchal H (G.H. Patel P.G. Dep of Computer Science and Technology, Sardar Patel Univ, Vallabh Vidhyanagar, Gujarat-388 120) : Bioinformatics approach for discovering codon bias. Prajna 2009, 17(Dec), 122-4.

A "book" has been written in form of genome for each and every organism. Now it is time to read the book by various means for getting crucial information form it. We outline one way of doing it with the help of computer in this paper. The genetic code has degeneracy i.e. a single amino acid is coded by different codons depending upon the employed codon usage for each organism. According to non-randomness of the codon usage, there are optimal and non-optimal codons for each organism. This is called the codon bias of the organism. Codon bias refers to the tendency for an organism to use certain codons more than others to encode a particular amino acid. Here we intend to put a bioinformatics approach for finding a codon bias in the selected organism. We have created one module in the Java programming language using which one can easily find out the particular codon bias for a specific organism. This tool accepts any file format as input and it can also take multiple files as input. It runs on any platform, as Java is a platform independent language. It produces output in Microsoft Excel file format so that the output can be used for certain statistical analyses.

3 illus, 5 ref

015031   Raval N;Jadeja G (NO, Smt. K. P. Patel Collage of Home Science, Nr. Sardar baug, Anand, Gujarat-388 001) : Effect of germination and fermentation on phenolic comounds of white and black soybean. Prajna 2009, 17(Dec), 140-4.

In the present study, the phenolic compounds present in two different varieties of raw and processed, white and black soybean were evaluated. Total phenolics, tannin, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin content were assessed from raw white am black soybean. In addition, the germination and fermentation treatment were given to check out the changes occurre in phenolic content of processed soybeans. The highest phenolic content was found in black, Bifidobacterium bifidum fermented soybean. While, the lowest level of polyphenol were found in white, iMctobacillus plantarum fermented soybean. The results conclude that the changes occurred in phenolic content due to different processing conditions. The results suggested that the phenolic contents should also consider as an important characteristic feature of soybean seeds and as a potential selection criterion for antioxidant activity in soybean.

2 tabels, 15 ref

015030   Rautaray D;Phadtare S;Sastry M (Tata Chemicals Innovation Centre, , Anmol Pride, Survey No. 270 1st and 2nd Floor, Baner Road, Pune-411 045, Email: msastry@tatachemicals.com) : Nanotechnology. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(Spl), 121-8.

Nanotechnology is an emerging field of research and technology dealing with the fabrication and engineering of materials, structures, and systems at the nano-scale in at least one dimension. A nanometre (nm) is one-billionth of a metre, or ten times the diameter of a hydrogen atom. The diameter of a human hair is, on an average, 80,000 nm. At such scales, the ordinary rules of physics and chemistry no longer apply. For instance, materials' characteristics, such as their colour, strength, conductivity, and reactivity, can differ substantially between nano- and macro-scale objects (objects that can be seen by the naked eye) (Fig. 1). For example, carbon nanotubes are 100 times stronger than steel but six times lighter. The origin of this movement towards the nanoscale is often traced towards the end of 1959, the date of the seminal lecture by Richard Feynman entitled "There is Plenty of Room at the Bottom" delivered at the Annual Meeting of the American Physical Society at California Institute of Technology. The term 'nanotechnology' was first coined in 1974 by Norio Taniguchi, then a Professor at Tokyo Science University.

4 illus

015029   Randhawa G J;Singh M;Chhabra R;Guleria S; Sharma R (National Research Centre on DNA Fingerprinting, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 002, Email: gjr@nbpgr.ernet.in) : Molecular diagnosis of transgenic tomato with Osmotin gene using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Curr Sci 2009, 96(5), 689-94.

Requirement for upgradatioiv of analytical methods for ffie detection of genetically modified (GM) crops is increasing at a fast pace, with a quantum jump in the area of GM crops being grown globally to meet the regulatory and international trade requirements. In the present study, standardization of multiplex poly-merase chain reaction (MPCR) for the detection of GM tomato with osmotin gene was undertaken. In the MPCR, two pairs of designed primers specific for the inserted osmotin gene from Nicotiana tabacum in the transgenic tomato were used along with primers for 35S-promoter from Cauliflower Mosaic Virus and LAT 52 (endogenous late anther tomato) gene for simultaneous detection of the osmotin transgene, 35S promoter and endogenous LAT 52 gene. Internal control target (LAT 52 gene) was included both to assess the efficiency of all PCR reactions and to eliminate any false negatives. Molecular analysis using MPCR of the GM tomato revealed the detection of osmotin gene, CaMV 35S promoter and endogenous LAT 52 gene simultaneously in a single amplification reaction comprising 35 cycles with 59°C annealing temperature. MPCR detection results of GM and non-GM tomato suggest that the reported MPCR protocols would be suitable for detection and monitoring of transgenic tomato with osmotin gene.

3 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

015028   Praveen N;Manohar S H;Naik P M;Nayeem A;Jeong J H;Murthy H N (Botany Dep, Karnatak Univ, Dharwad-580 003, Email: nmurthy60@yahoo.co.in) : Production of andrographolide from adventitous root culture of Andrographic paniculata. Curr Sci 2009, 96(5), 694-7.

Adventitious roots were induced directly from leaf segments of Andrographis paniculata on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 5.3 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 30 g/l sucrose. Adventitious roots cultured in flasks using MS liquid medium with 2.7 μM NAA and 30 g/l sucrose showed higher accumulation of biomass (fresh and dry weight) and andrographolide within four weeks. Seven-fold increment of fresh bio-mass was evident in suspension cultures along with 3.5-fold higher andrographolide compared to natural plants. These results showed a great potentiality of adventitious root cultures for the production of andrographolide.

2 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

015027   Pradhan V D;Deshpande N R;Ghosh K (Autoimmune Disorders Dep, National Institute of Immunohaematology, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai-400 012, Email: pradhanv69@rediffmail.com) : Proteomic approach to autoimmune disorders. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 13-17.

Proteomics is the study of structural and functional endowment of cells, tissues or organs. This science brings together powerful tools-physical separation techniques like 2-D electrophoresis and mass spectroscopy. It also includes various monoclonal antibodies and other probes coupled with which analysis is done by systems biology approach using modern software. Various statistical, probabilistic, humanistic and artificial neural network algorithms and at the same time incorporating elements of chaos and fractal theories are used to study the interactions of multitude of proteins in the cell. This allows separation of large background noise of high concentration proteins inside the cell from pathobiologically and aetiologically relevant protein molecules present in nano, femto or even atto molar concentrations. Pattern recognition algorithms in modern proteomic techniques will help in understanding aetiopathogenesis of disease, discovering diagnostically and prognostically important biomarkers and molecular targets for future drug discovery. These techniques will have important applications in autoimmune disorders and other disorders which are in general difficult to manage. The present review shows how proteomic approach can illuminate various facets of these groups of elusive disorders in near future.

^iia1 illus, 12 ref

015026   Pradeep Kumar;Maurya A K;Rai V (Biotechnology Dep, VBS Purvanchal Univ, Jaunpur-222 001, Email: pradeepk14@rediffmail.com) : ABO and RH(D) blood groups among maurya (Backward caste) population of Jaunpur district (U.P.), India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 723-6.

Study reports the distribution of ABO and Rh(D) blood groups among 450 unrelated individuals from Maurya (Backward Caste) population of Jaunpur district. The overall ABO percentage is B (40%)> O(31.33%) >A (25.33%) >AB (3.33%). The frequencies of Rh positive and Rh negative individuals are 92.4% and 7.6% respectively.

1 table, 41 ref

015025   Paul S P;Manoj S;Nagraj V;Devraj S;Ramya M (NO, , 28, Anjenata Temple Street, 1st Cross, 2nd Main, RMV snd Stage, Aswathanagar, Bangalore-560 094, Email: surjoprabhapaul@gmail.com) : Expression of stress responsive genes due to endosulfan toxicity on model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 727-33.

In order to identify genes that are differentially expressed as a consequence of oxidative stress on exposure to endosulfan in the current study mRNA RT -PCR differential display method was adopted using 2x3 primer combinations following treatment with different concentrations of endosulfan on model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. On blasting the result the induced band was identified as HSP 70(HSP-1 and HSP-2) heat shock protein which showed homology to mouse and human sequences. Thus authour demonstrate that C. elegans can be used as an model organism for evaluating stress response.

4 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

015024   Paul A (Crop Improvement Dep, Horticulture and Agril. Botany, Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture) Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan-731 236) : Potential for the environmental impact of transgenic crops. Indian Agric 2009, 53(3-4), 79-84.

Debates about the commercial introduction of GM crops in some parts of the world have led to questions about their potential impact on the environment. Could they affect non-target insects, outcross to produce uncontrollable weeds or have adverse effects on wildlife? To what extent could they benefit the environment by reducing certain chemical inputs into agriculture or providing raw materials currently obtained from non-renewable sources? Although it is acknowledged that agriculture inevitably has an impact on the environment, what is a reasonable trade off between crop production, wildlife and consumer concerns? The objective of this review is to outline what is known about the different kinds of environmental effects of GM crops and to discuss the principles and questions that have emerged from the assessment of environmental impact so far. One of the most challenging issues in assessing environmental effects is in deciding what constitutes an acceptable or unacceptable environmental impact. A question often asked is : should the environmental impacts of GM crops be compared with those from conventional organic or integrated farm management practices ? Here environmental impact will be compared against a baseline of non-GM conventional agricultural practice that is the predominant form of agriculture internationally.

1 table, 13 ref

015023   Patra D;Ejnavarzala H;Basu P K (Sociology Dep, Hyderabad Univ, Hyderabad-500 046, Email: enbss@uohyd.ernet.in) : Nanoscience and nanotechnology: ethical, legal, social and environmental issues. Curr Sci 2009, 96(5), 651-7.

Attempts to understand the debate over nanoscience and nanotechnology regarding its potential benefits to the society. One view in this debate is that nanoscience and nanotechnology has a revolutionary potential and will have significant economic benefits, while the other view is skeptical about its potential in the context of ethical, legal, social and environmental (ELSE) issues and values such as equity and justice. In some developed countries, discussion on the ELSE issues of nanoscience and nanotechnology has already begun. Hence, there is a need to take a cue from the debate in the developed countries and focus our attention on these issues in the Indian context. The ELSE issues should be addressed right from the beginning of the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology, so that it is possible to make informed policy decisions.

29 ref

015022   Oamen H P;Idu M (Plant Biology and Biotechnoogy Dep, Benin Univ, PMB 1154 City, Nigeria, Email: henryoamen@yahoo.com) : Allelopathic effects of aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus L. on germination and seedling growth of some bean seeds. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 705-10.

Allelopathic effects of aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus L. on germination and seedling growth of Cajanus cajan, Phaseolus vulgaris (brown and white varieties) and Sphenotylis stenocarpa were observed. Extract showed significant positive allelopathic effects at P< 0.05 on plumule lengths and radicle lengths. The number of root hairs for C. cajan was only reduced at far higher concentrations. The need for harrowing was also discussed.

6 tables, 19 ref

015021   Nanda S;Sudeep Kumar G;Mukherjee S;Sreejith R;Bhattacharya S;Shankar S;Vidhya R;Somasundaram S S N (Environmental Biotechnology Div, School of Biotechnology, Chemical an, VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: ssnomasundaram@vit.ac.in) : Degradation of polyethylene by Pseudomonas sp.. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 851-5.

Interest in the microbial biodegradation of polyethylene as intensified in recent years as humanity strives to find sustainable ways to cleanup contaminated environments. Hence, this paper, investigates the ability of Pseudomonas in degrading polyethylene. The weight of the polyethylene before incubation was compared with the weight after incubation. The final weights of the polyethylene recovered after incubation, were compared to that of their initial weights before incubation and the percent of degradation was evaluated. On an average, the percentage of degradation was 31 in 3 weeks of incubation at 37°C. With the decrease in weight after incubation, it was concluded that the active enzymes produced by Pseudomonas caused changes in the physical weight of polyethylene. The significance of the results is discussed.

4 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

015020   Mudoi K D;Borthakur M (Medicinal, Aromatic and Economic Plants Div, North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat-785 006, Email: kalpataru_dm@yahoo.co.in) : In vitro micropropagation of Bambusa balcooa Roxb. through nodal explants from field-grown culms and scope for upscaling. Curr Sci 2009, 96(7), 962-6.

Efficient and reproducible in vitro procedure for large-scale multiplication of Bambusa balcooa Roxb. has been described. Multiple shoot formation (8-10) was observed from excised tender node (12-18 mm in length) containing axillary bud isolated from second-dary branches of 11/2-yr-old culms, when implanted on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP, 1.0 mg l^{-1), Continuous shoot proliferation, tenfold, every 4 weeks was achieved by sub-culturing shoot clumps (2-3 shoots/cluster) in BAP (1.0 mg l-1) fortified medium. Seventy-five per cent of shoots could be rooted efficiently on excised propagules when transferred to MS medium supplemented with BAP (1.0 mg l-1) and naphthaleneacetic acid (3.0 mg/l). Using this protocol, the first batch of plantlets can be obtained after six months from the initial establishment and then every month new batches of plantlets can be regenerated, depending upon the availability of efficient shoots. After hardening, rooted plantlets were successfully transferred to the soil in polythene sleeves with over 90% survivability and recorded normal growth. Macroproliferation can be done after a period of 5 months from the soil transfer, by which propagules can be increased by more than three times. The tech-economic viability was studied with consideration that the production will be executed in a well-established plant tissue culture laboratory. Factors for characterization at various stages for tissue culture work of R. balcooa have also been studied and evaluated.}

7 tables, 15 ref

015019   Mishra H P;Misra R C;Sahu P K (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Orissa Univ of Agric. and Technology, Bhubaneswar-751 003) : Combining ability and nature of gene action in sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.). Indian J agric Res 2009, 43(2), 119-23.

Combining ability and nature of gene action involved in the inheritance of seed yield and its components in sesamum were analyzed in F₁ of a half diaHel cross among 1-2 elite varieties of diverse origin. Varieties VRI-1 and GT-10 were good general combiner for capsules/plant, Kalika and HT-1, for seeds/capsule, AKT-64 and Pragati, for 1000-seed weight and Uma, GT-10, Akt-64 and Kalika were good combiner for seed yield. Gene action was largely additive for primary branches and predominantly additive for plant height and 1000-seed weight. Both additive and non-additive gene action were equally important for days to maturity and seeds/capsule. Additive gene action played a greater role in case of capsules/plant, while non-additive gene action played a greater role in inheritance of seed yield.

4 tables, 11 ref

015018   Medi V G;Bhat R S;Kuruvinashetti M S (Biotechnology Dep, Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005, Email: bhatramesh12@rediffmail.com) : pVR37, a new binary promoter-probe vector with xylanase reporter. Curr Sci 2009, 96(10), 1305-7.

3 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

015017   Kulkarni V M;Ganapathi T R (Plant Cell Culture Technology Section, Nuclear Agriculture and Biotech, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400 085, Email: vmk@barc.gov.in) : Simple procedure for slow growth maintenance of banana (Musa spp.) embryogenic cell suspension cultures at low temperature. Curr Sci 2009, 96(10), 1372-7.

Although earlier banana cell suspensions have been cryopreserved for the purpose of germplasm conservation, for routine work it is desirable to develop a simple method of maintaining the cell suspensions under slow/suspended growth, from which actively growing cultures can be retrieved quickly. Experiments were hence conducted to develop a method for slow growth maintenance of embryogenic cell suspension cultures without losing their regeneration potential. The embryogenic cell suspensions of banana cultivars Rajeli and Rasthali were maintained at different temperatures (37°C, 25°C, 15°C and 8°C) for studying the growth parameters. The suspensions of both the varieties maintained at 37°C showed necrosis and turned brown, whereas at 25°C, 39-fold (cv. Rajeli) and 18-fold (cv. Rasthali) increase in the cell mass was noticed within 49 days. Substantially slow cell growth of 4.5-fold (cv. Rajeli) and 4.6-fold (cv. Rasthali) could be attained at 15°C. A temperature of 8°C suspended the growth of the cells and a constant settled cell volume was maintained for over 49 days corresponding to seven subcultures. Morphologically, normal plants were regenerated from the cells maintained at 25°C, 15°C as well as 8°C and were hardened in the greenhouse. It has been revealed that the banana cell suspensions can be maintained without subculturing at 8°C for over 4 months.

4 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

015016   Kasturi K;Suresh Kumar C (Centre for Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Andhra Pradesh) : Functional validation of a structural homology model for C. botulinum pyridoxal-dependent decarboxylase-A ATCC 3502. Acta Cienc Indica-Chem 2009, 35(4), 493-6.

Protein homology modeling uses experimentally determined protein structures to predict the conformation of another protein with a similar amino acid sequence. The gram positive strain of Candida botulinum (cbo), is a potent pathogen which causes botulism. The metabolic pathways of the bacterial strain have been studied using KEGG, an online metabolic database. The unique metabolic pathway of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis was screened for key enzymes. The amino acid sequence of the key enzyme of pyridoxal-dependent decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1-, K001618, 474 aa) was submitted for alignment to BLAST-p of NCBI. The template of the target sequence was submitted to an online modeling server of MODWEB which preferably gives three models for each individual sequence. The pathway and the enzym utilized for homology modeling is unique and are absent in the host humans. Out of the obtained models the best model pertaining to the enzyme of pyridoxal-dependent decarboxylase was validated using RCSB-validate and deposit, an online model validation tool. The model obtained was visualized in RASMOL. The results obtained can be further referred for docking and dynamics studies.

4 illus, 6 ref

015015   Kasthuri J;Rajalakshmi T;Kavitha A (Zoology Dep, SFR College, Sivakasi-626 123, Email: jkbtjer@yahoo.co.in) : Optimization of various physico chemical parameters for the enhanced microtuberization in Solanum tuberosum L. under in vitro condition. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 739-42.

With the view of optimization of production of disease free seed tubers of Solanum tuberosum L., the in vitro method which permits synchronous tuberization has been attempted with manipulated physicochemical parameters. Irrespective of PGRs, the highest shoot length was observed at 1.50 mg/ L in both apical and nodal segments showed the higher shoot length. The trend remained same for the PGRs in combination also. Regarding the various parameters, sucrose concentration, 8%, photoperiod, 18 hrs and temperature, 25 °C seemed to show the highest number of tubers.

6 tables, 19 ref

015014   Kasthuri J;Dhanalakshmi K (Zoology Dep, The Standard Fireworks Rajaratnam College for Women (Autonomous, Reaccredited with A Grade by NAAC), Sivakasi-626 123, Email: jkbtjer@yahoo.co.in) : Specific activity and molecular characterization of protease of both wild and mutant strains of Bacillus subtilis. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 927-30.

Bacillus subtilis isolated from the soil samples was grown in LB broth. The enzyme protease was recovered and assayed for its protein content and specific activity at various levels of purification. Of which, the ion exchange chromatographic sample seemed to be a highly purified form when compared to the other two samples. On further experimentation it showed an optimal activity at 65°C and pH 7. Further, Ca^{++, Mg++ and EDTA seemed to activate the specific activity of protease at optimized temperature and pH; whereas HgCl₂ and FeCl₂ showed inhibitory effect. The strain was then improved by UV exposure and the one exposed to 15 min showed the highest activity (0.186 U/mL). Besides, the protease of both wild and mutant strains revealed the molecular weight 28,000 and 38,000 D respectively. Thus the mutant strain seemed to be the superior.}

1 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

015013   Jain S K;Neekhra B;Pandey D;Jain K (Biotechnology Dep, Dr H S Gour, Sagar-470 003, Email: subjain@gmail.com) : RAPD marker system in insect study. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 7-12.

Insects represent a major life form on earth. So far. nearly 0.9 million insect species are discovered, comprising 75% of all the recorded animal species. Some of the insect species are easy to identify and categorize, while for others, it is difficult because of their small size and morphological similarity. Moreover, it is further difficult to identify morphological variation due to environmental factors by available traditional methods. To overcome these problems, the advanced molecular techniques, viz.. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism), RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA), and AFLP (Arbitrary Fragment Length Polymorphism) have been a great help. RAPD markers have been used in gene mapping to characterize cultivars and species genetically, infer phylogeny and biogeography of insect population and understand modes of evolution and evolutionary trajectories. Thus, RAPD markers have become the most common yardsticks for measuring genetic differences between individuals, within and between related species or population. The unprecedented advancements in modern molecular biology, particularly in those of DNA marker technology, have created a wealth of technical know-how that finds useful application in molecular ecology research in insects.

^iia62 ref

015012   Ikbal;Boora K S;Dhillon R S (Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultuyral Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: rsdhillon@jau.ernet.in) : Evaluation of genetic diversity in Jatropha curcas L. using RAPD markers. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 50-7.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA markers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity in a representative population of Jatropha curcas L. from different eco-geographical regions of India. Out of 50 dacamer primers used, 44 yielded polymorphic banding pattern. A total of 328 DNA bands were obtained, of which 308 (93.90%) were polymorphic. The polymorphism was scored and used in band sharing analysis to identify genetic relationship. Cluster analysis based on Jaccard's similarity coefficient using UPGMA grouped all the 40 genotypes into two major groups at a similarity coefficient of 0.54. Similarity indices ranged from 0.44 to 0.92 with an average of 0.73, indicating a moderate to high genetic variability among the genotypes. The highest similarity coefficient was detected between accessions JC-32 and JC-35 from Madhya Pradesh, and the lowest in accessions JC-9, JC-14 and JC-19 from Rajasthan (Pipalkhunt, Banswara), Punjab (Kandi area) and Haryana (Ladwa, Hisar), respectively. Also, the Jatropha populations from diverse agro-climatic regions were more dispersed on the principal coordinates plot, revealing a wide genetic base.

3 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

015011   Hussain M A;Kabir M A;Sood A K (Biotechnology Dep, P.A. College of Engineering, Nadupadav, Kairangala, Mangalore-574 153, Email: abujuveria@gmail.com) : On the cytotoxicity of carbon nanotubes. Curr Sci 2009, 96(5), 664-73.

Cytotoxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is a major concern today well before its unusual physico-chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties are fully exploited for commercial interests and subsequent mass production leading to greater possibilities for its exposure to humans and the environment. Contradictory reports on cytotoxicity of CNTs often appear in the literature and a mechanistic explanation of the reported toxicity remains obscure. We review here the conflicting results to focus categorically on an array of issues in CNT cytotoxicity. They include dispersion, aggregation status, coating or functionalization and immobilization, cellular uptake or internalization, purity in terms of metal catalyst contaminants, size and size distribution, surface area, surface chemistry and surface reactivity, cell types selected for experimentation as well as bioassay of nanotoxicity itself attesting as an issue in cytotoxicity. Recently a general agreement has emerged towards the potential toxicity of CNTs, although various paradigms explaining the mechanisms of CNT cytotoxicity continue to be elusive in the literature. A lack of synergy among various issues while studying cytotoxicity and most developed paradigms for the mechanism of CNT toxicity is highlighted.

1 table, 123 ref

015010   Gupta J;Mathews J;Shukla S K;Mehra S;Mehra M; Sharma A;Sharma D (Biotechnology Dep, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh) : Mitocondrial DNA variation within and between the Gallus species. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 717-21.

Nucleotide sequence variation in two ribosomal genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), two ATPase genes (ATPase 6 & ATPase 8), three Cytochrome Oxidase genes (COI, COII & COIII), one Cytochrome B gene (Cytb) and 7 NADP dehrdrogenase genes (ND1, ND2, ND3, ND4, ND4L, ND5 and ND6) was used to estimate genetic diversity between domestic fowl breeds (G. g.domesticus), three G.gallus subspecies (G. g. spadicus, G. g.gallus and G. g.bankiva) and three other Callus species (G.varius, G.lafayetei, G. sonneratti). Domestic fowl breeds showed very low sequence variability (0.000 to 0.007) among themselves as well as with other G. gallus subspecies (0.000 to 0.009), however different Callus species showed comparatively high nucleotide divergence between themselves (0.016 to 0.076). Based on cumulative nucleotide sequence variability for all the genes, different subspecies of G.gallus formed single cluster, while other three jungle fowls made separate group with very high bootstrap support (71-100). Further, the genetic relatedness of G. g.murghi (Indian red jungle fowl) with them were estimated on the basis of nucleotide variability over 448 bp partial 12S rRNA and 610 bp partial 16S rRNA genes. The G. g.murghi showed very low nucleotide variability with the domestic fowl breeds as well as vith other G.gallus (0.003 to 0.007) in comparison to much high nucleotide variability with other three jungle fowls (0.015 to 0.042). The phylogenetic analysis also revealed very high genetic similarity between G. gallus murghi and other G.gallus subspecies including G. g.domesticus.

1 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

015009   Gulbitti-Onarici S;Sancak C;Sumer S;Ozcan S (The Scientific and Technical Council of Turkey, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute, P.O. Box 21, 41470 Gebze-Kocagli, Turkey, Email: selma.onarici@mam.gov.tr) : Phylogenetic relationships of some wild wheat species based on the internal transcribed spacer sequences of nrDNA. Curr Sci 2009, 96(6), 794-800.

The cultivated wheat, Triticum aestivum, is one of the most important staple crops in the world. There has been great interest in the determination of ancestral diploid genome donors of T. aestivum - an allohexaploid, because of agronomic significance. Southeastern Turkey in Karacadag District of the Diyarbakir province, exhibits great genetic diversity in terms of Triticeae family plants, where wheat was originally domesticated. In order to better understand the phyletical relationships between T. aestivum and its possible ancestral genome donors, tissue samples were collected from 38 individuals belonging to four species of Triticum and two subspecies of Aegilops speltoides, distributed throughout the above-mentioned geographical area. The ITS1, ITS2 and 5.8S rDNA repeat segments from these plants were sequenced and the nucleotide sequences were phyletically analysed. The results postulated that Triticum monococcum var. boeoticum is likely to be an a genome donor of both, Triticum dicoccoides (AABB) and Triticum aestivum (AABBDD). The results further support A. speltoides as a possible B genome source.

1 illus, 4 tables, 34 ref

015008   Ginwal H S;Maurya S S (Genetics and Tree Propagation Div, Forest Research Institute, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-248 195, Email: ginwalhs@icfre.org) : Evaluation and optimization DNA extraction method for Dalbergia sissoo leaf. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 69-73.

A modified protocol for Dalbergia sissoo genomic DNA isolation has been optimized based on a cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) method, described for other forest species. Leaves obtained from macro-propagated clones and mature trees of D. sissoo were tested. The method involves mortar grinding of tissue, a modified CTAB extraction buffer incorporating high salt concentrations, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and successive isoamyl alcohol-chloroform extractions with modified temperature conditions. The modification involved the use of doubled concentration of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (4% instead of 2%), increased incubation time with extraction buffer (40 min instead of 30 min), use of freshly prepared CTAB buffer and increased timing of washing of DNA pellet with wash buffer (45 min instead of 30 min). The yield was approximately 100 to 400 μg DNA per 100 mg of leaf tissue. The genomic DNA obtained by this method was suitable to be used in RAPD and ISSR analysis. This extraction method would allow the molecular analysis of DNA from different clones of D. sissoo.

3 illus, 1 table 23 ref

015007   Gautam S K;Suresh S (NO, The Energy and Resources Institute, 4th Main, 2nd Cross, Domlur II Stage, Bangalore-560 071, Email: gautamsk2005@gmail.com) : Biodegradation of 1,1-diphenylethylene and 1,1-diphenylethane by Pseudomonas putida PaW 736. Curr Sci 2009, 96(9), 1247-51.

The possibility of biodegrading the dechlorinated product of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(chloro-phenyl)ethylene (DDE) and structurally related compound 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (chlorophenyl)-ethane (DDD) under aerobic conditions was examined. Since commercial preparation of 1,1-diphenylethane was not available, a structurally related compound, 1,1-diphenyl-ethylene was chosen for the acclimatization of bacterial culture. More than 95% of 1,1-diphenylethylene (initial concentration 500 mg I^{1) was degraded by naphthalene degrading Pseudomonas putida PaW 736 within six days. GS-MS analysis revealed the formation of benzophenone as the end-product with residual concentration of 157 mg I-1 after six days of incubation. 1,1-diphenylethane was formed from the complete dechlorination of DDT using Mg°/Pd+4 bimetallic system. P. putida PaW 736 acclimated to 1,1-diphenylethylene was also able to degrade 1,1-diphenylethane (initial concentration 250 mg I-1) using it as the sole source of carbon and energy. More than 80% degradation of 1,1-diphenylethane was observed following 5 days of incubation. However, any metabolites of the biodegradative pathway for the degradation of 1,1-diphenylethane could not be identified.}

5 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

015006   Fathima Benazir J;Suganthi R;Pamdini Pooja M (School of Biotechnology, Dr.G.R. Damodaran College of Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Efficiency of immobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae in remediation of chromium. Asian J envir Sci 2008, 3(2), 97-103.

The chromium remediation ability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was studied, as it is non-pathogenic and easily available as wastes from fermentation industries. Normal baker's yeast, mutants and genetic strains with and without metallothioneins were used in their immobilized forms. Their chromium remediating ability was studied and their efficiencies were compared. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and diphenyl carbazide method were used to quantify chromium in the effluents. The work also focused on determining whether mutagenesis enhances or lessens the organism's ability to remediate chromium and establishing the role of metallothioneins. The chromium content of the effluent was around 5600ppm before remediation, after which it reduced to around 28ppm. The best activity was observed in the genetic strain containing multiple copies of metallothioneins and the mutants were still efficient in spite of the damage in the de novo pathway. Proteins isolated from the strains after bioremediation showed a similar banding pattern to metallothionein suggesting their activity in heavy metal stress.

3 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

015005   Dhanasekar P;Dhumal K N;Reddy K S (Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085, Email: sekar@barc.gov.in) : Identification of RAPD markers linked to plant type gene in pigeonpea. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 58-63.

Pigeonpea is the second most important pulse crop of India accounting for almost 90% of the World's pigeonpea area and production. Altering the plant types could improve the economic yield and its adaptability as well. Molecular markers can identify and tag plant type genes without much environmental interference. In the present investigation of identifying and tagging RAPD markers linked with the plant type trait, the plant material consisted of parents, F₁ and a F₂ population obtained by crossing genotypes TT44-4 with open-tall and TDI2004-1 with compact-dwarf plant types. RAPD analysis was performed on 84 genotyped F₂ plants following a bulked segregant analysis (BSA) approach. In the parental screening with 200 random decamer primers, only eight showed polymorphism, of which only two could be linked to the plant type gene. Two markers (OPF04₇₀₀ and OPA09₁₃₇₅) were identified that were present in the open-tall plants, while absent in compact-dwarf plants. Linkage analysis showed that the markers OPF04₇₀₀ and OPA09₁₃₇₅ were located 8.4±0.03 cM and 9.6±0.032 cM, respectively away from the plant type gene locus. The markers were validated in 15 genotypes with open-tall plant type. The utilization of the marker and the dwarfing gene is discussed.

3 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

015004   Deore S L;Khadabadi S S;Chittam K P;Baviskar B A;Matke N D;Todkar A R;Kubade M S;Moon K V (NO, Govt. College of Pharmacy, Kathora Naka, Amravati-444 604, Email: Khadabadi@yahoo.com) : In vitro studies of anthelmintic activity of Lagenaria siceraria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 923-5.

Ethanol and aqueous extracts from the fruits of L. siceraria were investigated for their anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma and Ascardia galli. Various concentrations (25, 50, 100mg/mL) of aqueous and ethanolic extracts were tested in the bioassay, which involved determination of time of paralysis and time of death of the worms. Both the extracts exhibited significant anthelmintic activity at highest concentration of 100 mg/mL. Piperazine citrate was included as standard reference and distilled water as control.

1 table, 15 ref

015003   Dasarathan Rajesh;Jayarman K;Jayaraman G (School of Biotechnology, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: gjayaraman@vit.ac.imn) : Characterization of highly stable bacteriocin from Enterococcus faecium isolated from traditional fermented finger millet. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 797-802.

Samples of fermented millet (koozh) prepared traditionally, were collected from different places in and around Thiruvanamalai and Vellore district (South India) including the tribal inhabited areas of Jawadhu hills. About 75 different organisms were isolated of which seven were found to be lactic acid bacteria (LAB).Out of these seven strains, a single strain that produce bacteriocin was identified, characterized and confirmed by 16s rDNA sequencing as Enterococcus faecium. The bacteriocin inhibited the growth of Lactobacillus sp and other food borne pathogens like Leuconostoc mesenteroid.es and Listeria monocytogenes and found to exhibit bactericidal activity of 52.66 IU/mL (nisin equivalents). Bacteriocin was treated with proteinase K, pronase, papain, chymotrypsin, trypsin and pepsin, but the action of protease alone was observed, indicates that the bacteriocin was Proteinaceous in nature. This bacteriocin was found to be stable at pH range of 2-12 and tolerant to temperature for 2 hrs upto 110°C at acidic pH. Such molecules of high stability and broad spectral antibacterial property has potential application in food industry as probiotic supplements.

2 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

015002   Das S K;Chatterjee A (Dairy Biotechnology Section, Eastern Regional Station, National Dairy Research Institute, Kalyani-741 235, Email: subratakdas@email.com) : Stem cell & its potential. Indian Dairyman 2009, 61(7), 40-5.

The promise of stem cell therapies is an exciting one, but significant technical hurdles remain that will only be overcome through years of intensive research. Research on stern cells is advancing knowledge about the development of an organism from a single cell and how healthy cells replace damaged cells in an adult organism. This promising area of science is also leading to investigate the possibility of cell-based therapies to treat diseases, which are often referred to as regenerative or reparative medicine. Stem cell technology has already revolutionized modern biology and promises to provide unique opportunities in understanding mechanisms behind basic biological processes and in the treatment of disease. Among its countless applications in human and veterinary science, researchers hope to eventually use stem cells to repair spinal cords; cure Crohn's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases; re-grow arteries and limbs; replace damaged kidneys and hearts; cure diabetes by substituting non-functioning pancreadc cells; restore vision and hearing; and treat leukemia, lymphoma and brain cancer.

8 ref

015001   Chakraborty R;Chakraborty S;Dutta B K;Paul S B (Biotechnology Dep, Assam Univ, Silchar-788 011, Email: ausupriyoch_2008@rediffmail.com) : Nutritional parameters and their genetic variability in bold grained rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes of Assam. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(6), 4694-702.

In Barak valley zone of Assam the physically hard working people prefer bold grained rice with good taste because of slow digestion and longer retention in the stomach. But most of the modern high yielding rice varieties is medium and fine grained. Keeping the need of rural people in mind, the present experiment was conducted on 47 bold grained rice genotypes with two recommended high yielding check varieties namely Ranjit and Monohar Sali of Barak Valley, Assam. The mean performances of 8 nutritional parameters of these 49 genotypes were evaluated. Crude protein content (%), total soluble protein content (g/ 100 g of oven dry sample), the amino acids lysine content and tryptophan content (g/16 g of N) varied from 7.09 to 13.10, 4.10 to 6.69, 3.20 to 4.45 and 0.56 to 1.10, respectively. The ash content (%) and phosphorus content (%) varied from 0.88 to 1.50 and 0.213 to 0.430, respectively. Calcium and iron content (mg/100 g) ranged from 16.59 to 37.98 and 1.11 to 3.92, respectively in the bold grained rice genotypes. The difference between phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic (GCV) coefficient of variations was very small for all the above nutritional parameters indicating greater role of genetic factors in their expression. In the present investigation, high heritability associated with high genetic advance was found in the characters viz., calcium content and iron content. Breeding method based on progeny testing and mass selection could be useful in improving these traits. High heritability along with moderate genetic advance was observed in the characters crude protein content, total soluble protein content and ash content. Judicious application of pure line selection could be effective for improving these characters. Lastly high heritability with low genetic advance was recorded for the amino acids lysine and tryptophan content and phosphorus content. This indicated that these nutritional parameters were mostly governed by non-additive gene action (dominance and epistasis) in their inheritance.

3 tables, 17 ref

015000   Bhikshapathi D V R N;Shravan Kumar Y; Madhusudan Rao Y;Kishan V (University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009, Email: vbkishan@yahoo.com) : Borrelidin: a prospective drug. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 18-23.

Borrelidin, an antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces species and firstly isolated from Streptomyces rochei, is a possible drug candidate due to its recently reported antiangiogenic activity and other biological activities. Keeping in view the potential scope of the antibiotic, we performed computational studies like application of Lipinski's rule for borrelidin, and found from the properties of the borrelidin that it possessed good absorption or permeability across the biological membrane. Influence of borrelidin on CYP3A enzyme was tested by pretreatment of the male Wistar rats at a concentration of 100 μg/mL/rat daily for 5 d by oral administration, buspirone was used as a substrate; the results indicated the role of borrelidin acting as an inhibitor of CYP3A. The effect of borrelidin on pretreated rat liver by micromorphological studies was also done and results showed the damage on liver with borrelidin pretreatment. Influence of borrelidin on platelets was studied at three different concentrations along with known antiplatelet aggregating agent, aspirin. Platelet aggregation was noticed for all the three tested concentrations in comparison to control. Influence of borrelidin on prothrombin time was also performed and compared with known anticoagulant, warfarin sodium, have little effect of borrelidin on the prothrombin time which indicated the anticoagulant activity.

5 illus, 20 ref

014999   Balakrishnan S;Kumpatla S;Viswanathan V (NO, M V Hospital for Diabetes and Diabetes Research Centre, Chennai-600 013, Email: dr_vijay@vsnl.com) : Comparative analysis of transcription factors of insulin signaling (Insulin receptor substrate family). Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 24-30.

The aim of this study was to identify the role of insulin receptor substrates (IRS) in insulin signaling by doing sequence based comparative analysis. The sequences of IRS family (1, 2, 4, 5 & 6) were submitted to predict protein motif scan and clustal W for motif, domain identification and multiple sequence alignment. All the 5 IRS had some common motifs like amidation, Asn glycosylation, myristoylation, cAMP, casein kinase II, protein kinase C phosphorylation sites and functional domains like PTB and PH. Some functional motifs like tyrosine phosphorylation, Rho kinase a binding, OGFR, PSGP were identified in IRS-1, RGD motifs in IRS-1 and 4, XYPPX motif and ECM protein domain in IRS-2, NLS motif and extension like domain in IRS-2 and 4, ascorbate cytosolic peroxidase, class II peroxidase superfamily domain, NHL and 2 octapeptide repeats and ATP_GTP_ attachment sites in IRS-4. These domains and motifs may have inducing and inhibitory effects on insulin signaling.

1 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

014998   Balakrishnan M;Srivastava R C;Pokhriyal M (Bioinformatics Centre, Central Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair-744 101, Email: mbkrishnan@hotmail.com) : Homology modeling and docking studies between HIV-1 protease and carbamic acid. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 96-100.

HIV-I protease (HIV-I PR) is aspartic protease enzyme which is essential for the life-cycle of HIV retrovirus. Homology structural model and function relation of HIV-I PR have solved the structure of HIV-I proteases. Created a homology model of HIV-I PR and the 3-D structure as template using with ICMPro software. The ICMPro nomology modeling algorithm has demonstrated excellent accuracy in blind predictions. Moreover, recent results show that ICMPro models built with as little as 35% identity can be accurate enough to be successfully used in receptor based rational drug design. The closest homologue with the highest sequence identity of 38.395% was selected as representative model using YASARA tools. The model was validated using protein structure checking tools such as PROCHEK for reliability. A total of two pockets were predicted by the software. Once the pockets were predicted, the ligand was subjected to docking reaction using the docking module of ICMPro software. Based on the RMSD and energy values, the best docking orientation was selected. The better RMSD value of docking is 0.0066288. This study will be used in broad screening of inhibitors of the protein and can be further implemented in future drug designing.

5 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

014997   Anjaneyulu Y;Krupadam R J;Vutukuru S S (Biotechnology Dep, Sreenidhi Institute of Science and Technology, Yamnampet, Ghatkesar, Hyderabad-501 301, Email: myvutukuru@yahoo.com) : Contribution of nutrients and trace metals by mangrove vegetation and impact of aquaculture on the kakinada bay ecosystem. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 809-18.

In the Godavari estuarine system near Kakinada Bay, Andhra Pradesh, East Coast of India, the mangroves spread over an area of 22, 450 ha of which the highly productive Coringa mangroves adjacent to the bay cover an area of 6,600 ha. The average annual litter production (dry weight) of this mangrove ecosystem was found to be of 896 g m^{-2yr-1 with the contribution of C in the form of leachate to a tune of 224 g m-2yr-1 and an equal amount of particulate detritus besides 4.5 g m-2yr-1 as leachate to the ecosystem. High concentrations of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn were found during the monsoon. Semi-intensive aquafarming (~ 3,500 hectares) resulted in soil salinization, deteriorated water quality, loss of habitat biodiversity besides environmental degradation of this fragile estuarine ecosystem.}

9 tables, 24 ref

014996   Alamdari E G;Deokule S S (Botany Dep, Pune Univ, Pune-411 007, Email: ebrahim-19730@yahoo.com) : Allelopathic potentiality of paddy weeds in Iran. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 931-4.

The allelopathic effects of whole aqueous plant leachates of four selected weed species viz. Cyperus difformis, Echinochloa crusgalli, Paspalum paspaloides and Sagittaria trifolia on radicle and hypocotyl length of seedling as well as seed germination of paddy varieties like Tarom, Neda and Fajer were studied at 2007 in Iran. Results showed that whole plant leachates of selected weeds except Cyperus difformis significantly decreased both radicle and hypocotyl length of paddy seedling of Tarom variety. It was also recorded that whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia decreased seed germination of Tarom variety at 50% over control (93.33%) only. Laboratory bioassay also indicated that seed germination as well as radicle and hypocotyl length of paddy seedling of Neda variety was significantly hampered by whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia and Paspalum paspaloides only. The effect of whole plant leachates of Cyperus difforms stimulated hypocotyl length of Fajer variety while radicle length of mentioned test variety was not significantly affected by whole plant leachates of above weed. It indicates that whole plant leachate of Cyperus difformis has some active allelochemicals which stimulated hypocotyl length of paddy seedling. In general, seedling growth of test crop significantly was hampered by whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia at (5.96 cm) over control (9.25 cm) only. It was also recorded that whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia as well as Paspalum paspaloides had maximum inhibitory effect on seed germination of test crop as compared with other weeds. However, seed germination as well as radicle and hypocotyl length of Tarom and Neda varieties was much sensitive to allelopathic inhibition of whole plant leachates of Sagittaria trifolia in great extent as compared with Fajer variety. Comparison of mean of organic constitute in selected weeds showed that Sagittaria trifolia and Echinochloa crusgalli had high quantities of phenols and starch respectively. The estimation of proteins revealed that all selected weeds except Paspalum paspaloides had similar quantity of proteins.

4 tables, 21 ref

024419   Vijayalakshmi D;Paramathma M (Plant Mol. Biology & Biotech Dep, TNAU, Coimbatore-3, Email: viji_tnau2003@yahoo.co.in) : Metabolic profiling of seed sources of Jatropha curcus Linn collections of Tamil Nadu for biofuel characteristics. Adv Biotech 2009, 9(5), 44-6.

Jatropha curcas is a multipurpose tree of significant importance because of its several industrial and medicinal uses. A number of tree based oil seed crops are identified as an alternative source for diesel. Jatropha oil is an environmentally safe, cost effective renewable source of non conventional energy and promising substitute for diesel, kerosene and other fuel oils. An investigation was carried out in five Jatropha curcas selections from various locations in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu for the fatty acid profile and chemical constants of the oil. The fatty acid profile of the selected Jatropha curcas TNMC 5 revealed the presence of more number and quantity of unsaturated fatty acids. Chemical constants viz., saponification value, iodine value and free fatty acid ranged from 119.5 to 172.5, 67.5- 94.2 and 0.27 to 0.34% respectively. The study indicated that the cultures of Jatropha curcas TNMC 5 and TNMC 7 as an efficient seed source for production.

1 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

024418   Veerapagu M;Jeya K R;Sivakumar N (Biotechnology Dep, Muthu Mase Arts & Science College, Harur, Tamila Nadu, Email: veera.pagu@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of probiotic lactobacillus sp on ornamental fish against pathogenic Vibrio spp. Adv Biotech 2009, 9(5), 20-2.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus sp. on performance and disease resistance of ornamental fish Black moly (Poecilia sphenops) against pathogenic Vibrio alginolyticus. Two different concentration of probiotic feed were prepared (Spray dried on commercial ornamental fish feed). Lactobacillus at the inoculum concentration of 8 x 107 cfu/ml was used for probiotic feed preparation (Ex-1 2%, Ex-2 4% v/w). Ex-1 used as probiotic control feed. A pathogenic bacterium V. alginolyticus inoculum was given to the experimental tank at the final concentration of 6 x 103 cfu/ml. The results showed that total bacterial load in the fish tank and intestinal tract of fish were increased and it was decreased in the lactobacillus control. Similarly total vibrio load was increased in the vibrio control and decreased in the feed supplemented with lactobacillus sp.

4 illus, 21 ref

024417   Thangapandian V;Muthamilarasan M;Manimuthu C; Asma M;Lingakumar K (Microbiology Dep, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Sivakasi-626 124, Email: mybacterium@sify.com) : Recovery and recycling of agar. Adv Biotech 2009, 9(5), 31-3.

Agar is an algal polysaccharide widely used in biological research and as food additive. Overexploitation of agar will lead to the loss of agar yielding algal population. Reuse of agar in biological research may conserve the biosphere and the biodiversity. In this investigation, authors try to recover the used agar by freeze-thawing method (Training manual on Gracilaria, 2000). The recovered agar samples are reused successfully for media preparation, which gives a hope for further research.

3 tables, 15 ref

024416   Ramalingam;Rudra;Saraswathy N;Sadasivam S (Biotechnology Dep, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, Email: gobiram@rediffmail.com) : Degradation of flatulence-causing oligosaccharides in soymilk by α-galactosidase - a novel thermotolerant from Penicillium purpurogenum. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(2), 160-5.

α-Galactosidase from Penicillium purpurogenum was induced to a greater extent in the culture medium by arabinose, galactose, lactose and guar galactomannan. The enzyme was purified by acetone precipitation and DEAE-Sephacel column chromatography. The purified enzyme showed a single band in both native-PAGE and SDS-PAGE. The molecular mass of enzyme was found to be between 107 and 110 kDa. The enzyme exhibited the optimum pH and temperature at 5.0 and 55°C, respectively. α-Galactosidase was strongly inhibited by Ag^{+ and Hg2+, while Fe2+ enhanced the activity. PMSF did not inhibit α-galactosidase activity, whereas N-bromosuccinimide completely inhibited the enzyme activity. Further, galactose and melibiose moderately inhibited the enzyme activity. The K_m values for PNPG, melibiose, raffinose and stachyose were found to be 0.20, 5.26, 10 and 9.1, respectively. α-Galactosidase completely hydrolyzed flatulence-causing raffinose and stachyose of soymilk in 1.45 h.}

1 illus, 5 tables, 26 ref

024415   Prasad M P;Sethi R;Tamilarasan M;Subha K S (NO, Sangenomics Research Labs, Bangalore, Email: prasad_m_p@hotmail.com) : Production of bioethanol using various agricultural raw materials by two step enzymatic process. Adv Biotech 2009, 9(5), 41-3.

Bioethanol is a domestically produced liquid fuel made from renewable plant resources known as biomass. Ethanol is also an effective tool for reducing air toxics that comes from the transportation sectors and is presently the alternative to the depleting resources. In this present work, bioethanol was produced by using 15 ready and cheaply available agricultural raw materials. The biomass used are cassava, fruit pulp, rice extract, sweet potato, potato, sugar cane beet, saw dust, coconut pith, groundnut waste, rice straw, rice husk, leaf litter, wood bark, maize husk and waste paper. To produce ethanol from biomass two key processes were followed, first the starch or hernicellulose and cellulose portions of the biomass were broken down in to simple sugars through a process called saccharification. Second, the sugars are fermented to produce ethanol. Two enzymes were used for the hydrolysis of the biomass namely amylase from Aspergillus niger and cellulase from Trichoderma viride. Cellulase was used for the hydrolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose and amylase is used for the hydrolysis of starch present in the raw materials. Fermentation of the hydrolyzed samples was done using Sacharomyces sp. The fermented product was purified by primary distillation process at 80°C and the fraction is collected. The ethanol is then determined by specific gravity method. Further studies can be done to yield more amount of ethanol by optimizing the activity of enzymes over biomass, incubation temperature, and incubation time and also secondary distillation after primary distillation.

1 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

024414   Patil M M;Pal A;Anand T;Ramana K V (Food Biotechnology Discipline, Defence Food Research Lab, Siddarthanagar, Mysore-570 011, Email: dfrlmysore@sancharnet.in) : Isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria from curd and cucumber. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(2), 166-72.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from curd and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) samples. The culture supernatants were screened for antimicrobial activity against LAB. Fourteen bacterial strains showing promising antimicrobial activity were further characterized by biochemical and molecular methods. These isolates were assigned to the genera Lactobacillus, Pediococcus and Weissella, on the basis of their morphological, biochemical, physiological characteristics, carbohydrate fermentation pattern and 16S rRNA gene sequences.

2 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

024413   Nishevitha N S;Angeline T;Jeyaraj Nirmala (PG & Research Zoology & Biotechnology Dep, Lady Doak College, Madurai) : Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) Glu_{298 asp polmorphism (G894T) among south Indians.} Indian J med Res 2009, 129(1), 68-71.

Nitric oxide (NO) synthesized by endothelial cells is known to be a potent vasodilator. It has been suggested that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) (G894T) may affect the response of vascular endothelium to increased oxidative stress. The Glu298Asp (GT) polymorphism located in exon 7, may be associated with several diseases. The objective of the present study was to determine the presence of genotype frequencies ofGlu298→Asp (G894T) single nucleotide polymorphism in the eNOS gene among south Indian male Tamil speaking population. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragmant analysis was done to detect the presence of Glu298→Asp (G894T) variant of the eNOS gene in 105 healthy male volunteers. The frequency of the eNOS GG, GT, and TT genotypes was found to be 74.3,25.7, and 0 per cent respectively. The 'T' allele frequency among this population was found to be 0.13. Chi square analysis showed that the study population lies in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The occurrence of the homozygous mutant (TT) was completely absent among the study population. Moreover, our result indicated that the presence of the homozygous mutant genotype for eNOS polymorphism was absent/less common among south Indian male Tamil population of Asian race.

1 illus, 25 ref

024412   Mukadam D S;Chavan A M;Taware A S;Taware S D (Botany Dep, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad-431 004, Email: santosh.taware@genomelifesciences.co.in) : Isolation, cloning and molecular characterizaton of polygalacturonase I (pgaI) gene from Aspergillus niger isolate from mango. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(2), 153-9.

Isolation, cloning and molecular characterization of polygalacturonase (pga1) gene from the mango isolate of Aspergillus niger has been reported. The full length amplicon consisted of 1101 bp. The entire cDNA gene with the predicted protein of 367 amino acids had an estimated mol wt of 38.28 kDa with pI 4.40. When the nucleic acid sequence was compared with other Aspergillus spp., pga1 sequence showed the highest sequence similarity with A. niger and A. fumigatus. Comparison of the amino acid sequences revealed the presence of high degree of homology among the polygalacturonases (PGs) from different fungi. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that nucleic acid sequence of the isolated pgaI gene shares 98% homology with the pgaI gene of A. niger.

4 illus, 10 ref

024411   Megadi V B;Tallur P N;Hoskeri R S;Mulla S I; Ninnekar H Z (Biochemistry Dep, Karnatak University, Dharwad-580 003, Email: hzninnekar@yahoo.com) : Biodegradation of pendimethalin by Bacillus circulans. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(2), 173-7.

A bacterium capable of degrading herbicide, pendimethalin, was isolated from the contaminated soil by enrichment culture technique and identified as Bacillus circulans. The organism grew on pendimethalin (1 g/L) as the sole source of carbon and accumulated 6-aminopendimethalin and 3,4-dimethyl 2,6-dinitroaniline as metabolites in the culture medium. The cell-free extract of B. circulans grown on pendimethalin contained the activities of pendimethalin nitroreductase and pendimethalin mixed function oxidase. The results suggest that the bacterium degraded pendimethalin by nitroreduction to 6-aminopendimethalin and by oxidative dealkylation to 3,4-dimethyl 2,6-dinitroaniline and pentane, which was utilized as the source of carbon and energy for growth.

3 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

024410   Manjunatha B N;Prasad M;Maan S;Prasad G (Animal Biotechnology Dep, College of Veterinary Sciences, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, Email: gprasad1986@gmail.com) : Differentiation of Indian isolates of bluetongue virus serotype 1 from Australian and African isolates based on analysis of vp5 gene. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(2), 117-25.

Bluetongue virus (BTV), prototype species of genus Orbivirus, belongs to the family Reoviridae. It is a non-enveloped, double shelled virus with ten segmented dsRNA genome. RNA segment 6 encodes an outer capsid serotype specific virus protein VP5. A pair of primers (forward 207-229 bp & reverse 1284-1304) was designed from the published BTV-1 segment 6 sequences to specifically amplify vp5 gene from Indian isolates of BTV. These primers specifically amplified PCR product of 1098 bp from cell culture adapted isolates of BTV-1 (Hisar isolate-BTV-1H, Avikanagar isolate-BTV-1A and Sirsa isolate-BTV-1S₃), but did not give any amplification with BTV-9 and BTV-23, indicating serotype specificity. vp5 coding sequences amplified from Indian BTV-1 isolates were cloned into pPCR Script^{TM Amp SK (+) vector and transformed into XL10-Gold Kan ultracompetent Escherichia coli cells. The positive clones selected by blue-white screening and colony touch PCR were sequenced. The sequence analysis of the vp5 gene (253-1255 bp) revealed that Indian isolates of BTV-1 showed 89-91.1% nucleotide identity with Australian isolates of BTV-1, whereas it showed only 77-79.7% similarity with the BTV-1 African isolates. All three Indian isolates shared 99.4% nucleotide sequence similarity amongst themselves. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences revealed that the Indian BTV-1 isolates shared 96.7-98.8% and 94.9-95.8% amino acid similarity with Australian and African BTV-1 isolates, respectively. In silico restriction enzyme (RE) profile analysis of vp5 gene sequences showed that Indian isolates of BTV-1 can be differentiated from other BTV-1 isolates from South Africa and Australia using TaqI and BsmI restriction endonucleases.}

5 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

024409   Lal S;Tabacchioni S (Biotechnologies Dep, Protection of Health and Ecosystems, Plant Genetics and Genomics Sect, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 S. Maria di Galeria, Rome, Italy, Email: silvia.tabacchioni@enea.it) : Ecology and biotechnological potential of Paenibacillus polymyxa. Indian J Microbiol 2009, 49(1), 2-16.

Microbial diversity is a major resource for biotechnological products and processes. Bacteria are the most dominant group of this diversity which produce a wide range of products of industrial significance. Paenibacillus polymyxa (formerly Bacillus polymyxa), a non pathogenic and endospore-forming Bacillus, is one of the most industrially significant facultative anaerobic bacterium. It occurs naturally in soil, rhizosphere and roots of crop plants and in marine sediments. During the last two decades, there has been a growing interest for their ecological and biotechnological importance, despite their limited genomic information. P. polymyxa has a wide range of properties, including nitrogen fixation, plant growth promotion, soil phosphorus solubilisation and production of exopolysacchandes, hydrolytic enzymes, antibiotics, cytokinin. It also helps in bioflocculation and in the enhancement of soil porosity. In addition, it is known to produce optically active 2,3-butanediol (BDL), a potentially valuable chemical compound from a variety of carbohydrates. The present review article aims to provide an overview of the various roles that these microorganisms play in the environment and their biotechnological potential.

1 table, 92 ref

024408   Kanikkai Raja A;Babu Vimalanathan A;Rajeev Kumar;Tyagi M G (Pharmacology & Clinical Pharmacology Dep, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Bagayam, Vellore-632 002, Email: tyagi239@yahoo.co.in) : Systemic targeted delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and its effective role in cancer therapeutics. Indian J multidiscipl Res 2009, 5(3), 285-96.

RNA interference (RNAi) technology has been rapidly developed for the purpose to down regulate cancer gene expression and progression. Especially the small sequence specific small interfering RNA (siKNA) mediated gene therapy is a very recent therapy in inhibiting the cancer-associated target gene. However some limitations such as poor transfection efficiency, efficient targeted delivery, nonspecific immune cells mediated reactions, inactive against nuclease enzymes, very poor tissue penetration these overcome by the development of a systemically administerd.Cancerous cells specific nanoimmunoliposomes complex with very high transfection efficiency increase effective cancer therapeutics. In this review we present, mechanisms of RNAi, siRNA targeted delivery strategies and discuss the therapeutic potential in cancer gene therapy.

2 illus, 1 table, 76 ref

024407   George S;Ponnachan P T C;Archibald A L (Veterinary Biochemistry Dep, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Trhissur-680 651, Email: sisilamma@yahoo.com) : Identification of genetic variation at murine casein loci by RFLP. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(2), 131-6.

Genetic variation in the casein loci of Mus musculus (8 different strains) and Mus spretus was examined as restriction fragment length variants (RFLVs) using 5 restriction enzymes, BamHI, SftI, EcoRI, XbaI and HindIII. No variation was observed between the inbred strains of M. musculus. Between M. musculus and M. spretus variations in fragment length were observed at different casein loci, revealing restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). All the 5 enzymes generated polymorphic fragments in γ-casein locus while α and ε casein loci were polymorphic to four enzymes. The enzymes, HindIII and XbaI, yielded monomorphic fragments in αand ε-casein loci, respectively. Three enzymes generated polymorphic fragments in K-casein locus but only two yielded polymorphic fragments at β-casein locus. Among the different casein loci, γ-casein locus was highly polymorphic while β-casein locus exhibited least polymorphism. Thus, RFLVs suggest the occurrence of similar alleles at all the five casein loci viz., α, β, γ, εand of the inbred strains of M. musculus and a bi-allelic existence was observed between M. musculus and M. spretus.

5 illus, 1 table, 17 ref