013319   Raju H P;Hossain S M;Anantharaman N;Das M (Centre of Advanced Studies and Research, C Abdul Hakeem College of Engineering & Technology, Melvisharam-632 509) : Biodesulphurization of natural gas in a three-phase fluidized bed bioreactor using Thiobacillus dentrificans. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(5), 406-11.

Natural gas from well head contain a number of undesirable components including hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), which can be removed by anaerobic desulphurization process using three-phase fluidized bed bioreactor. Optimum H₂S removal (90.89%, w/w) was obtained at following parameters: H₂S conc., 0. 55 μ M /l; loading rate, 6.05 μ M /min; contact time, 12 h; pH, 7.0; temperature, 45°C and feed and culture flow rate, 11 l/ min. Methane (CH₄) gas of natural gas acts as a sole carbon source to bacteria and maximum bacterial growth is observed as 9.93 ' 10⁸ numbers of cells/ml.

013318   Prasad U;Deshmukhe G;Dwivedi A;Singh S D (NO, RVC Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, Email: dgeetanjali@gmail.com) : Detection of genetic variation in four Ulva species based on RAPD technique. Indian J Mar Sci 2009, 38(1), 52-6.

DNA yield was obtained by using 2 protocols, CTAB (Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) and modified Wattier et al; out of which the latter yielded more quantity of DNA (0.85 μg/g). Out of total amplified product 53% bands were shown monomorphic and remaining of the bands were polymorphic. The high frequency of polymorphic bands suggests that the isolates of Ulva represented in our collection have sufficient genetic diversity for conducting a valid heterosis experiment. The intra species genetic similarity (GS) value was found highest for U. lobata and lowest for U. fasciata. The interspecies GS value was found highest between U. fasciata/U. lactuca and lowest between U. lobata/U. reticulata. The large number of differences among isolates revealed by the RAPD technique indicate that it would be possible to establish a unique "fingerprint" for individual plants based on the combined results generated from a small collection of primers.

013317   Pokharkar Raghunath D;Sanjaykumar D;Funde Prasad E;Pingale Shirish S (Chemistry Dep, Arts, Commerce & Science College, Narayangaon, Pune, Maharashtra, Email: shirish.pingale@rediffmail.com) : In-situ transesterification of non-edible oil from Thespesia poulnea seeds. Res J Chem Envir 2008, 12(4), 99-101.

A new non-edible oil source to obtain biodiesel from in-situ transesterification reaction of Thespesia poulnea seeds of kernels has been studied. The seeds are found to contain non-edible oil in the range of 73%. In this paper the aim is to produce biodiesel directly from seeds by in-situ transesterification reaction. One can demonstrate the cost effective new source of energy by single step reaction. i.e. production of oil by combining extraction and reaction of extract with the mixture of alcohols to obtain oil as one of the best in-situ transesterification.

15 ref

013316   Padmavathi V;Prathibha devi B;Sudha Rani T; Rajani B;Uma Devi M (PG Botany Dep, Sarojini Naidu Mahavidyalaya, Hyderabad, Email: ptammisetti@yahoo.com) : Chromosomal alterations induced through chemical treatment in two cultivars of sunflower.. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2008, 1(4), 189-92.

Influence of three chemicals. ( dES, MH & NN) in four concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6% & 0.8%), on the chromosomal behavior were studied in two cultivars of sunflower- EC-68415 and Morden. The chromosomal studies comprised the mitotic and meiotic cell divisions. Stickiness, clumping of chromosomes and misorientation at metaphase, bridges & fragments, laggards and misorientation at Anaphase, micronuclei at telophase were the aberrations observed in the mitotic divisions. The mutagenic effect followed a NN>MH>dES pattern for mitotic abnormalities in both the cultivars The different aberrations observed at meiosis were stickiness at diakinesis (Prophase I) clumping of chromosomes at metaphase I, sticky bridges and fragments at anaphase I and polyploid cells. Stickiness was the most common aberration in all mutagenic treatments in both cultivars. A regular pattern of NN>dES>MH was observed for mutagenic effectiveness on meiotic aberrations in the two sunflower cultivars.

4 tables, 30 ref

013315   Nerurkar A S;Hingurao K S;Suthar H G (Microbiology and Biotechnology Centre Dep, Faculty of Science, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002) : Bioemulsifiers from marine microorganisms. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(4), 273-7.

Highlights bioemulsifier-producing marine microorganisms, which are capable of producing unique metabolites having industrial applications. High molecular weight biosurfactants (bioemulsifiers) produce stable emulsions, which allow bacteria to adhere strongly to hydrophobic surfaces and then degrade large biological complexes. Bioemulsifiers are classified according to their hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB); those having a low HLB are strong lipophiles and used as water-in-oil emulsifiers, whereas those having a high HLB are strong hydrophiles and used as oil-in-water emulsifiers. Acinetobacter calcoaceticus is the most promising marine microorganism used in diverse applications. In A. calcoaceticus RAG-1, emulsification is brought about by production of an extracellular, polymeric bioemulsifier termed emulsan. Tropical marine yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica NCIM 3589, produces emulsifier in the presence of alkanes or crude oil. Bioemulsifier potential is mainly dependent on its chemical nature and hence its activity can be enhanced by simple media modification or mutagenesis.

013314   Neogi et al (Laboratory of Virology II, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi-110 067) : Global HIV-1 molecular epidemiology with special reference to genetic analysis of HIV-1 subtypes circulating in North India: Functional and pathogenic implications of genetic variation. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(6), 424-31.

HIV-1 displays extensive genetic diversity globally which poses challenge in designing a suitable antigen/immunogen to provoke desired protective immune response in host. HIV-1 mediated pathogenesis is complex and involves host genes, virus genes and other factors. A number of genetic subtypes have been identified based on sequence variations, largely in envelope region. Different genetic subtypes display variation in amino acid sequences with increasing incidence of subtype B, C, D and mosaic recombinants in India. They can potentially alter the functions of several proteins like Rev, Tat ,Vpr, Vif etc and thereby, influence HIV-1 mediated pathogenesis. Recent study has shown that LTR promoter region exhibits novel mosaic structures with segments from B/C Myanmar and India. This indicates rapid evolving nature of HIV-1 and causing epidemics due to existence of multiple subtypes in Indian region. These multiple subtypes show significant differences in various functions (gene activation, cell cycle arrest, RNA binding activities) compared to prototype subtype B genes. These differences may help in better understanding of unique features of HIV-1 epidemic in India.

013313   Naidu R B;Geraldine J;Mala S;Glittus P; Puvanakrishnan R (Biotechnology Dep, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai-600 020, Email: puvanakrishnan@yahoo.com) : Strain improvement strategies for enhanced tannase production from Aspergillus foetidus MTCC 6322. Biomedicine 2008, 28(3), 175-80.

Tannase is extensively used in the food, feed, beverage, brewing, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. A potent tannase with high activity is an absolute necessity for optimal industrial applications. Hence, the objective of this study is to obtain a mutant strain for tannase overproduction from a new strain of Aspergillus foetidus MTCC 6322. Strain improvement strategies using UV, ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS), nitrous acid (NA) and heat mutagenesis of the parent strain were tried. The parent strain produced 19.5 ± 2.0 U/ml at 72 h of fermentation time in submerged culture. Mutagenesis exerted a positive effect on the Aspergillus foetidus strain producing 1.5-2.0 fold increase in tannase production. The heat IV mutant exhibited the highest tannase activity of 38.9 ± 0.2 U/ml at 48 h. Higher titres of tannase with 2.5-2.8 fold increase in tannase activity were obtained by SSF. Catabolite repression was found to be diminished in the case of mutant strains. The mutant strains showed increased antibiotic resistance upto 250 μg/ml of penicillin, tetracycline, cycloheximide and amphotericin B. The mutagenesis also conferred increased thermostability up to 70°C till 60 min. with 82.7% residual tannase activity. Out of the strain improvement strategies tried, use of heat mutant resulted in increased thermostability with optimal activity.

6 tables, 15 ref

013312   Muniraj G;Kaushik H D (Entomology Dep, C.C.S. H.A.U., Hisar, Haryana-125 004, Email: sago.muni@gmail.com) : Comparative evaluation of different geographic isolates of nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner). Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2008, 1(4), 210-12.

Bioassay studies on different geographic isolates of India viz. Hisar (Haryana), Faridabad (Haryana), Sirsa (Haryana), Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan), Nagpur(Maharashtra), Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) of HaNPV revealed that Hisar isolate was the most virulent with an LC₅₀ value of 0.2x 10⁷ Poly Occlusion Bodies(POBs) per ml. Time mortality assay revealed that Hisar isolate was more virulent with lowest LT₅₀ values (114.67-240.00 h). The order of the virulence/pathogenicity of all the isolates was Hisar > Sri Ganganagar > Sirsa >Faridabad>Coimbatore> Guntur >Nagpur.

2 tables, 17 ref

013311   Maiti R K;Borra J;Hernandez Pineroro J (NO, Universidad de las Americas (UDLA-Puebla), Santa Catarina Martir, Cholula, Puebla, Mexico, Email: ratikanta.maiti@gmail.com) : Biotechnology of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2008, 1(4), 245-54.

The eggplant, Brinjal, is a highly desirable vegetable fruit for its delicious preparations and high medicinal and nutritional values. Several insect pests, disease and abiotic stress factors affect its fruit quality, toxicity due to use of insecticides, fungicides, as well as its production. For concerted research activities, investigations have been directed on biotechnology and molecular biology of the crop for genetic improvement of the crop in an attempt to overcome these menaces. In vitro tissue culture techniques have been profitably used for regeneration of the crop through organogenesis, agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation for various diseases and other purposes such as parthenogenesis etc.. Various molecular markers such as QTL, RAPD, AFLP, microsatelite, SSR have been identified for its effective utilization for crop improvement. Genes have been mapped for various morphological and other traits for its genetic improvement. Various transgenic lines have been developed for resistance to various insects such as beetles, stem borer, aphids, and disease resistance such as Fusarium, bacterial wilt.

^iia44 ref

013310   Madhu Meeta;Bipen Kumar;Gill R S;Thind K S (Plant Breeding Dep, Genetics and Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Identification of red rot resistant clones of sugarcane at settling stage III under Punjab conditions. Pl Dis Res 2007, 22(1), 93-4.

1 table, 6 ref

013309   Huq F;Ababneh D;Alshehri A (Discipline of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, The Univ of Sydney, Sydney, Email: F.Huq@usyd.edu.au) : Molecular modelling analysis of the metabolism of carbamazepine. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(2), 235-43.

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is an important drug that has replaced both phenytoin and phenobarbitone as the first-line anticonvulsant for a number of paediatric seizure disorders. CBZ undergoes extensive hepatitic metabolism catalysed by cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Thirty-three metabolites of CBZ have been identified. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that the metabolites HIM, IM, IMQ, 9-ACA and AI have low LUMO-HOMO energy differences so that they would be kinetically labile. The presence of both electron-rich and electron-deficient regions on the surface of CBZ and its metabolites indicate that they may be subject to both electrophilic and nucleophilic attacks. This means that the reactive metabolites especially 9-ACA and AI can react readily with electron-rich molecules such as reduced form of glutathione and nucleobases in DNA, thus causing cellular toxicity and DNA damage respectively.

15 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

013308   Huq F (Discipline of Biomedical Science, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Australia, Email: f.huq@usyd.edu.au) : Molecular modelling analysis of the metabolism of tacrine. Int J pure appl Chem 2008, 3(1), 41-8.

Tacrine (TAG) is a potent, centrally active, reversible, cholinesterase inhibitor, used for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. However, the use of TAG is associated with a number of adverse effects including gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting and hepatotoxicity. TAG is known to undergo extensive oxidative metabolism in rat and humans producing a number of mono- and di-hydroxylated metabolites catalyzed by CYP1A. Some of the hydroxylated metabolites can be further oxidized to produce corresponding ketone derivatives although no such metabolite has been detected. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that TAC and all its metabolites have moderately large to large LUMO-HOMO energy differences so that none would be highly inert or extremely labile kinetically except the hypothetical metabolite 1,2-DK-TAC which is expected to be much more labile. Presence of some electron-deficient regions on the molecular surfaces means that TAG and its metabolites can react with glutathione and nucleobases in DNA, although the rates of such adverse reactions are expected to be low except in the case of 1,2-DK-TAC.

14 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

013307   Huq F (NO, Discipline of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, The University, Australia, Email: f.huq@edu.au) : Molecular modelling analysis of the metabolism of gefitinib. Int J pure appl Chem 2008, 3(1), 33-9.

Gefitinib (GF) is an orally active inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase (TK) involved in signal transduction processes and implicated in proliferation and maintenance of cancer cells. It inhibits epidermal growth factor-stimulated tumour growth when administered orally to mice bearing a range of human tumour xenografts. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that neither GF nor any of its metabolites is highly labile or extremely inert kinetically. The metabolite M605211 although marginally less reactive than the metabolite M387783, is found to abound most in electron-deficient regions so that it can be subject to nucleophilic attack by glutathione and nucleobases in DNA. The reaction with glutathione can cause glutathione depletion thus inducing oxidative stress and cellular toxicity whereas that the oxidation of nucleobases in DNA can cause DNA damage.

10 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

013306   Huq F (Biomedical Science Discipline, Faculty of Medicine, The Univ of Sydeny, Australia, Email: f.huq@usyd.edu.au) : Molecular modelling analysis of the metabolism of nelfinavir. Int J pure appl Chem 2008, 3(1), 11-15.

Nelfinavir mesylate (NFV) is a potent HIV-1 protease inhibitor that is commonly used in combination with reverse transcriptase inhibitors in the treatment of HIV-infection in pregnant women. NFV therapy is associated with glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and new onset of diabetes mellitus. Pregnancy is also a risk factor for glucose intolerance. The two major metabolites of NFV following its oral administration are 3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxynelfinavir (Ml) and hydroxy-t-butylamidenelfinavir (M8). M8 is 98% as active as the parent drug whereas Mi is only 20% active. Another metabolite is 3',4'-dihydroxyneIfinavir (M3). Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that NFV and the metabolites Ml, M3 and M8 have large LUMO-HOMO energy differences ranging from 4.9 to 5.1 eV from DFT calculations, indicating that they all would be kinetically inert. Thus, although the molecular surfaces of NFV and its metabolites possess some electron-deficient regions so that they may be subject to nucleophilic attack by glutathione and nucleobases in DNA, their kinetic inertness suggests that the rates of such adverse reactions may be low unless speeded up enzymatically.

5 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

013305   Huq F (Discipline of Biomedical Science, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Australia, Email: F.Huq@us.usyd.edu.au) : Molecular modelling analysis of epigallocatechin-3-gallate. Int J pure appl Chem 2008, 3(2), 115-23.

The major green tea catechin (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is. a powerful antioxidant with potent anti-inflammatory, apoptotic and cancer preventive properties. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that EGCG and its metabolites have large LUMO-HOMO energy differences ranging from 4.5 to 5 9 eV, indicating that the compounds would be moderate to highly inert kinetically. The molecular surfaces of the compounds are found to abound in neutral green and electron-rich red and yellow regions so that they may be subject to lyophilic and electrophilic attacks. The abundance of electron-rich regions on the molecular surfaces can explain why EGCG and its metabolites would act as powerful antioxidants, thus providing an explanation for their anticarcinogenic and other propetctive roles. The molecular surfaces of EGCG and its metabolites are also found to possess a small amount of electron-deficient blue regions so that the compounds may be subject to nucleophilic attacks. Nucleophilic attacks may be due to glutathione and nucleobases in DNA as a result of which depletion of glutathione and oxidation of nucleobases in DNA may occur. The former would induce oxidative stress and hence cellular toxicity whereas the latter would cause DNA damage. However, because of kinetic inertness of the molecules and paucity of electron-deficient regions, the rates of such adverse reactions are expected to be low.

13 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

013304   Huq F (Discipline of Biomedical Science, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicile, Australia, Email: f.huq@usyd.edu.au) : Molecular modelling analyses of metabolism of zoledronic acid, pamidronate and clodronate. Int J pure appl Chem 2008, 3(2), 77-81.

Zoledronic acid (ZA) is a third-generation heterocyclic nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate approved in the EU for the treatment of Paget's disease of bone. Like other nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates such as pamidronic acid (PMD). ZA is a more potent inhibitor of bone resorption than bisphosphonates that do not contain nitrogen e.g. etidronic acid, clodronic acid (CLD) and tiludronic acid. In this study, molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations have been carried out to obtain information on relative toxicity of ZA, CLD and PMD. The results of the analyses show that ZA, CLD and PMD have LUMO-HOMO energy differences of the order of 6.1 to 7.0 eV so that the compounds would all be inert kinetically. The molecular surfaces of ZA, CLD and PMD are found to abound in neutral green and electron-rich red and yellow regions so that they can be subject to lyophilic and electrophilic attacks. Paucity of electron-deficient regions on the molecular surfaces of the compounds indicate that the compounds may not induce cellular toxicity associated with glutathione depletion and DNA damage associated with oxidation of nucleobases in DNA.

4 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

013303   Huq F (Discipline of Biomedical Science, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Australia, Email: f.huq@usyd.edu.au) : Molecular modelling insight into toxicity of ethylene oxide. Int J pure appl Chem 2008, 3(2), 71-6.

Although ethylene oxide (EO) is a widely used industrial chemical, being an alkylating agent it is genotoxic and carcinogenic Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that EO and its metabolites have large LUMO-HOMO energy differences ranging from 5.1 to 10.1 eV. The values suggest EO and its metabolites would be inert kinetically. In actual fact, EO is highly reactive in biological systems, suggesting that the reactions of EO with biomolecules such as glutathione, proteins and DNA may be following enzyme-catalysed pathways. That EO is also highly reactive in the environment, points to the limitations of the molecular modelling calculations for an isolated molecule in a vacuum. The molecular surface of EO is found to abound in electron-deficient blue regions so that the compound can be subject to nucleophilic attacks. Nucleophilic attacks can be due to glutathione and nucleobases in DNA so that the two compounds may induce cellular toxicity due to glutathione depletion and DNA damage due to oxidation of nucleobases in DNA.

7 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

013302   Huq F (NO, Sydney University, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia, Email: f.huq@fhs.usyd.edu.au) : Metabolic activation of toluene-A molecular modelling analysis. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(1), 105-20.

Toluene has been widely used as an organic solvent, ingredient of thinners, as a coating in the leather industry and in the synthesis of a number of chemicals. It is a common cause of neurotoxicity in people that intentionally and repetitively breather high concentrations of toluene over a long period of time. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that toluene and its major metabolites have LUMO-HOMO energy differences ranging from 3.8 to 6.6 eV from DFT calculations, indicating that the compounds would vary significantly in their kinetic lability. The presence of electron-deficient sites on the molecular surface of its most kinetically labile metabolite MBQ indicates that the compound may be subject to nucleophilic attack by cellular nucleophiles such as glutathione and nucleobases in DNA. Reaction with glutathione would induce cellular toxicity due to glutathione depletion and the oxidation of nucleobases would cause DNA damage. Another two other metabolites hippuric acid and toluene-2,3-epoxide may also be subject to nucleophilic attack by glutathione and nucleobases in DNA. However, as the compounds are likely to be much less reactive kinetically than MBQ, the effects of such adverse reactions are expected to be less significant for them.

12 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

013301   Huq F (School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Univ of Sydney, Sydney, Email: F.Huq@usyd.edu.au) : Molecular modelling analysis of the metabolism of carbon tetrachloride. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(1), 85-91.

Carbon tetrachloride is a potent hepatotoxin, causing increased liver weight, lipid peroxidation, fatty infiltration and liver necrosis. It is carcinogenic to animals and classified as a probable human carcinogen. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that carbon tetrachloride and all its metabolites have moderately large to large LUMO-HOMO energy differences so that they would be kinetically inert except: CCl₂ and carbon monoxide which have much smaller values. Thus the persistence of CCl₄ and its metabolites in the environment is due to their kinetic inertness. The molecular surface of CC1, has significant amount of electron-deficient blue regions so that it can react readily with glutathione and nucleobases in DNA, thus causing inducing cellular toxicity due to glutathione depletion and DNA damage due to oxidation of nucleobases in DNA.

10 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

013300   Huq F (School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Email: F.Huq.usyd.edu.au) : Metabolism of niclosamide-A molecular modelling analysis. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(1), 77-83.

Niclosamide is a restricted-use pesticide that has been successfully used for more than 40 years to control sea lampreys in streams tributary to the Great Lakes. Ids also used to kill golden apple snail which is a major pest of rice. Despite its general use, niclosamide is found to be toxic to several aquatic organisms. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that niclosamide and its metabolites differ in their LUMO-HOMO energy differences and hence kinetic lability. TCFNA has the smallest LUMO-HOMO energy difference and hence the greatest reactivity. It has also a lower solubility in water and possibly a lower thermodynamic stability. These properties may make TCFNA to be a toxic and mutagenic metabolite. The molecular surface of TCFNA is found to possess significant amount of electron-deficient region so that it may be subject to nucleophilic attack by glutathione and nucleobases in DNA. Reaction with glutathione induces cellular toxicity associated with glutathione depletion whereas oxidation of nucleobases in DNA causes DNA damage.

5 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

013299   Huq F (NO, Sydney Univ, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia, Email: f.huq@fhs.usyd.edu.au) : Metabolic activation of paracetamol-a molecular modelling analysis. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(1), 43-9.

Paracetamol probably the most versatile and widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug all over the world and is also one of the commonest means of committing suicide. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) show that among paracetamol and its metabolites, NAPQI has the highest kinetic lability and lower solubility in water, and abounds most in electron-deficient blue regions so that it can react readily with glutathione and nucleobases in DNA. The oxidative stress due to glutathione depletion would induce cellular toxicity and oxidation of nucleobases in DNA would cause DNA damage.

9 illus, 1 able, 18 ref

013298   Huq F (NO, Sydney Univ, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia, Email: f.huq@fhs.usyd.edu.au) : Metabolic activation of choloroform-A molecular modelling analysis. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(1), 37-42.

Chloroform is a highly toxic halogenated hydrocarbon that is still widely used as a solvent in industrial processes and formed as a by-product during chlorination of water intended for human consumption and paper bleaching. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/ 6-31G* level) calculations show that chloform and its metabolites generally have large LUMO-HOMO energy differences, indicating that they would be kinetically inert, thus providing an explanation about their long persistence in the environment. Concentration of negatively charged regions on the molecular surfaces of chloroform and its metabolites indicate that they may be subject to electrophilic attacks. However, presence of some electron-deficient regions on the molecular surfaces of phosgene, *CHC₂, and CC1₃OH indicates that they also react with cellular nucleophiles such as glutathione and nucleobases in DNA, thus inducing cellular toxicity and DNA damage respectively.

9 illus, 17 ref

013297   Huq F (NO, Sydney Univ, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia, Email: f.huq@fhs.usyd.edu.au) : Molecular modelling analysis of the metabolism of methamphetamine. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(1), 27-35.

Amphetamine and methamphetamine are stimulants of the central nervous system (CNS) and sympathetic division of the peripheral nervous system. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that for methamphetamine and its metabolites, the positions with most negative electrostatic potential lie close to the carbon atom at the para-position of the phenyl ring and the amine nitrogen, indicating that the positions may be most susceptible to electrophilic attack. Presence of electron-deficient regions on the molecular surface indicates methamphetamine and amphetamine may be subject to nucleophilic attack by glutathione and nucleobases in DNA, thus causing cellular toxicity and DNA damage respectively. However, methamphetamine and all its metabolites are found to be kinetically inert so that the consequences of such adverse reactions may be low unless these are speeded up enzymatically.

11 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

013296   Huq F (NO, Sydney Univ, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Austra'ia, Email: f.huq@fhs.usyd.edu.au) : Molecular modelling analysis of the formation of HX.H₂O aggregates and (HX)_n oligomers wher X = F, Cl, Br and I. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(1), 19-25.

Molecular modelling analyses using molecular mechanics and semi-empirical calculations were carried out to investigate formation of HX.H₂O aggregates (X = F, Cl, Br and I) and (HX)_n rings with n = 3 to 10, through hydrogen bonding. Although among HF, HC1, HBr and HI, HF is polar, a solution of HF in water is a weak acid whereas those of HC1, HBr and HI in water are strong acids. When the HX distances in the optimized structures of HF.H₂O HC1.H₂O, HBr.H₂O and HI.H₂O are compared, it is found that the HF bond length is shortest and HI bond length is longest (HF, HC1, HBr and HI lengths are respectively 0.946, 1.285, 1.508 and 6.0679 Angustrum), indicating that the degree of ionization would be highest for HI(aq) and least for HF(aq). The calculated heats of formation of HF..H₂O, HC1.H₂O, HBr.H₂O and HI.H₂O in kcal mol^-1 are respectively -121.66, -79.55, -55.79, -31.40, indicating that HF.H₂O is most stable and the formation HI.H₂O is least favoured energetically.

11 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

013295   Huq F (NO, Sydney Univ, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia, Email: f.huq@fhs.usyd.edu.au) : Metabolism of vinyl chloride-A molecular modelling analysis. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(1), 11-18.

Vinyl chloride is a highly toxic industrial chemical that is carcinogenic to both humans and experimental animal's. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT(at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations indicate that the long persistence of vinyl chloride in the environment is due to kinetic inertness. Although chloroethylene oxide is kinetically inert, it is thermodynamically unstable and spontaneously rearranges to more reactive metabolite chloroacetaldehyde. The high kinetic lability and the presence of electron-deficient regions would make chloroacetaldehyde a highly toxic metabolite. Relatively small LUMO-HOMO energy differences suggest that, S-formylmethylcysteine, S-acetylglutathione and N-acetyl-S-(2-hydroxyethyl)cysteine would be kinetically labile and could be quite toxic but are more easily eliminated because of greater solubility in water.

13 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

013294   Huq F (NO, Sydney Univ, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia, Email: f.huq@fhs.usyd.edu.au) : Metabolism of isoniazid-A molecular modelling analysis. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(1), 1-9.

Isoniazid (INH) is the cornerstone of therapy against tuberculosis which is a global health problem of increasing dimension. The drug is metabolized in the liver by acetylation and hydroxylation. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that INH and its metabolites differ to some extent in their solvation energy, surface charge distribution, dipole moment, thermodynamic stability and kinetic lability. The metabolites hydrazine and acetylhydrazine are believed to be responsible for isoniazid-induced liver toxicity. However, the results of molecular modelling analyses show that both the metabolites are kinetically inert. It is possible that the compounds are spontaneously converted to more reactive metabolites pyruvate hydrazone and l,4,5,6-tetrahydro-6-oxo-3-pyridazine carboxylic acid. The charged nature of the surface of isoniazid and its metabolites indicates that the compounds may interact with biomolecules including glutathione and nucleobases in DNA electrically. Depletion of glutathione induces cellular toxicity by compromising the antioxidant status of the cell whereas oxidation of nucleobases causes DNA damage. It also explains why the molecules are soluble in water.

8 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

013293   Huq F (Discipline of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, The Univ of Sydney, Sydney, Email: F.Huq@usyd.edu.au ) : Metabolism of ketoprofen-A molecular modelling analysis. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(2), 229-34.

Ketoprofen (KP) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is widely used in humans and veterinary medicine in the treatment of acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis and various painful conditions. Increasing evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS) may contribute significantly to the development if intestinal lesions due to KP as are true with many other NSAIDs. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that molecular surfaces of KP and its metabolites abound in neutral green and have electron-rich red and yellow regions so that they may be subject to lyophilic and electrophilic attacks. The molecular surfaces of KP and its metabolites are also found to possess some electron-deficient blue regions so that the compounds may be subject to nucleophilic attacks such as those due to glutathione and nucleobases in DNA resulting into glutathione depletion and oxidation of nucleobases. The depletion of glutathione produces oxidative stress as it compromises the antioxidant status of the cell whereas oxidation of nucleobases causes DNA damage. The oxidative stress in turn may cause lipid peroxidation and damage to other biomolecules including proteins, enzymes and also DNA.

7 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

013292   Huq F (Discipline of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, The Univ of Sydney, Australia, Email: F.Huq@usyd.edu.au) : Molecular modelling analysis of the metabolism of diflunisal. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(2), 191-6.

Diflunisal (DF) is a lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid belonging to the class of compounds called NSAIDs that are widely used to relieve pain and inflammation in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. However, NSAIDs frequently cause gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity resulting into ulceration, bleeding and perforation. NSAIDs including DF have been demonstrated to bind covalently to intra- and extracellular proteins. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that the diketonic species DF-DK that may be formed from oxidation of DF would be highly electrophilic abounding in electron-deficient regions on its molecular surface and extremely reactive so that it can readily cause depletion of cellular glutathione and oxidation of nucleobases in DNA. However, no such metabolite has been detected in the metabolism of DF.

8 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

013291   Huq F (School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Univ of Sydney, Australia, Email: F.Huq@usyd.edu.au) : Molecular modelling analysis of the metabolism of loxapine. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(2), 183-9.

Loxapine is a neuroleptic used in the treatment of patients with psychiatric disorders. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that the metabolites 7-OH-Loxapine, 7-OH-amoxapine and loxapine-N-oxide have smaller LUMO-HOMO energy differences than loxapine or its other metabolites, so that they would be more reactive kinetically. The molecular surface of loxapine-N-oxide is also found to abound in electron-deficient regions so that the metabolite can react readily with cellular antioxidant glutathione and nucleobases in DNA, thus causing depletion of glutathione and damage to DNA. Depletion of reduced form of glutathione may induce cellular toxicity by compromising the antioxidant status of the cell whereas oxidation of nucleobases in DNA would cause DNA damage.

9 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

013290   Huq F (Discipline of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, The Univ of Sydney, Australia, Email: F.Huq@usyd.edu.au) : Molecular modelling analysis of the metabolism of mifeprepristone. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(2), 175-81.

RU486 is a synthetic 19-nor-steroid that binds strongly to progesterone as well as glucocorticoid receptors, thus acting as an antagonist to progestational and glucocorticoid functions. Currently RU486 is used as an abortifacient in France, UK, Sweden and China. The side effects of RU486 include abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, and delay in onset of the next menstrual cycle. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that RU486 and its metabolites are all fairly inert kinetically except FMFP which is much more labile. The presence of some electron-deficient regions on the molecular surfaces of RU486 and all its metabolites indicates that none of the compounds may be totally immune to nucleophilic attack. However, the rates of such adverse reactions are expected to be low for RU486 and all its metabolites except for the kinetically labile metabolite FMFP so that FMFP could induce cellular toxicity associated with glutathione depletion and DNA damage from oxidation of nucleobases.

8 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

013289   Huq F (Discipline of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, The Univ of Sydney, Sydney, Email: F.Huq@usryd.edu.au) : Molecular Modelling analysis of the metabolism of nefazodone. Int J pure appl Chem 2007, 2(2), 155-65.

Nefazodone (NEF) is a novel antidepressant that shows no cardiac toxicity or anticholinergic activity common with tricyclic antidepressants. However, there are several reported cases of idiosyncratic adverse reactions of the drug including hepatobiliary dysfunction and cholestasis. It has been suggested that the metabolites p-ONE-NEF, p-ONE-mCPP and p-ONE-TRZ may be playing a significant role in NEF-induced hepatitic necrosis. The compounds can react with reduced form of glutathione resulting into its depletion, thus causing cellular toxicity. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that p-ONE-NEF, p-ONE-mCPP and p-ONE-TRZ have low or moderately low LUMO-HOMO energy differences meaning that they would be kinetically labile. Two other metabolites NEF-ONE and p-OH-TRZ also have low LUMO-HOMO energy differences so that they also would be kinetically labile. The kinetic lability and the presence of electron-deficient regions on the surfaces of NEF-ONE, p-ONE-NEF, p-mCPP and p-ONE-TRZ mean that the metabolites can indeed react readily with the cellular antioxidant glutathione resulting into glutathione depletion and hence oxidative stress and cellular toxicity, and may also cause oxidation of nucleobases and hence DNA damage. Thus, molecular modelling analyses provide support to the idea that cellular toxicity due to NEF and its metabolites may be mediated by quinone-imine and other ketonic species.

16 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

013288   Haq F (Discipline of Biomedical Science, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Australia, Email: f.huq@usyd.edu.au) : Molecular modelling analyses of the metabolism of darifenacin. Int J pure appl Chem 2008, 3(2), 65-70.

Darifenacin (DFC) is a novel muscarinic M3 selective antagonist used for the once-daily oral treatment of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder. Molecular modelling analyses based on molecular mechanics, semi-empirical (PM3) and DFT (at B3LYP/6-31G* level) calculations show that DFC and its metabolites have large LUMO-HOMO energy differences ranging from 5.2 to 5.6 eV, indicating that DFC and all its metabolites would be kinetically inert. The molecular surfaces of DFC and its metabolites are found to abound in neutral (green) and electron-rich (red and yellow) regions so that the compounds may be subject to lyophilic and electrophilic attacks. None of the compounds abounds in electron-deficient (blue) regions so that none may experience any significant nucleophilic attacks such as those due to glutathione and nucleobases in DNA. This means that DFC and its metabolites may not induce cellular toxicity that results from glutathione depletion and may not cause DNA damage that results from oxidation of nucleobases.

8 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

013287   Gupta N;Dubey A;Tewari L (Microbiology Dep, G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar-263 145) : High efficiency alcohol tolerant Saccharomyces isolates of Phoenix dactylifera for bioconversion of sugarcane juice into bioethanol. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(5), 401-5.

Various indigenous strains of Saccharomyces sp. (SCP-1, SCP-3, SCP-4, SCP-5, SCP-7) isolated from datepalm (Phoenix dactylifera) sap were evaluated for alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme activity, ethanol production and alcohol tolerance limits and compared with standard culture of S. cerevisiae (S.C.Std). Alcoholic contents in juice samples fermented with different yeast strains varied considerably (8.9-12.5%, v/v) as determined by GLC. Yeast cultures showed varied in vitro ethanol tolerance (3-12%). Isolate SCP-1 was found superior showing 12.5% ethanol production, high ADH enzyme activity (4.38 units/ml) and higher alcohol tolerance maintaining cell viability at 12% ethanol in YPD medium up to 48 h.

013286   Chakravarthy M B N;Vijayakumar B S (Biosciences Dep, Sri Sathya Sai Univ, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, Email: mbnchakravarthy@gmail.com) : Cellulose degradation by Drechslera puttaparthii sp.nov, a local isolate from Prasanthi nilayam.. Biozone 2009, 1(1), 65-9.

Study on the enzyme activity of Drechslera puttaparthii sp.nov, a new species growing as a pathogen on Royal Palm tree Roystonia regia from Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi was carried out. A Semi -Solid Fermentation technique with Lemon grass as a substrate was used for growing the fungi. The activity of the crude enzyme produced by the fungi for degrading the Lemon grass leaf in semi - solid fermentation process was detected using Benedict's test for reducing sugars. The present preliminary investigation revealed the presence of enzymes, whose activity was revealed on starch and cellulose. This present investigation unravels the mystery of spectrum of enzymes produced by the new Hyphomycete namely Drechslera puttaparthii sp.nov, isolated from semi-arid tropical forest area of Puttaparthi mandal, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh

4 illus, 6 ref

013285   Bajaj B K;Pangotra H;Wani M A;Sharma A;Sharma A (Biotechnology Dep, University of Jammu, Jammu-180 006) : Characterization of thermo-tolerant and acid/alkali tolerant β-glucosidase from bacterial isolate M+. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(3), 242-7.

Presents isolation and characterization of β-glucosidase (BG) from a bacterial isolate. Enzyme showed maximum activity at 50°C (2200 IU/l), however, relatively good activity (1600-1900 IU/l) was maintained even at higher temperature (60-80°C). Enzyme was thoroughly stable at 50-80°C for 30 min to 1 h and retained activity (75-100%), indicating its substantial thermo-tolerant nature. Maximum activity of BG was found at pH 6 (2200 IU/l), but significantly good activity was also observed at pH 5 (1800 IU/l), 7 (2000 IU/l), 8 (1900 IU/l) and 9 (1500 IU/l). Pb²⁺ caused considerable increase in enzyme activity (47%), while Zn²⁺ caused a little reduction (7%).

013284   Anil Kumar;Maiti R K;Zavala F (NO, , Vibha Agrotech Ltd., "Inspier", Plt. No. 21, Sec-I Huda Techno Enclave, Hitech City Rd., Hyderabad-500 081, Email: anilkumar.vibha@gmail.com) : Advances in maize biotechnology. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2008, 1(4), 225-35.

Maize is grown throughout the world under a wide range of climates. With narrowing genetic base of cultivated varieties accompanied with endangering and depletion of genetic resources which had ultimately led to constrain in genetic enhancement and any further yield improvement with conventional breeding techniques. Application of molecular tools viz., functional genomics, molecular genetics and genetic engineering will assist in precise breeding/engineering to generate the crop stand with best ideotypic features and thereby defining the future prospects of maize crop improvement. Biotechnology is a recent tool in enhancing crop yield and crop adaptation to several biotic and abiotic stress factors. Biotechnology defines the application of current scientific methods and techniques to the modification and improvement of biological systems such as crops.

^iia127 ref

012274   Yadav R;Jain V;Kumar J;Misra J P;Kumar R (Biotechnology Dep, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Univ. of Agri. & Tech., Meerut) : Effect of nickel on bio-physio parameters on growth and its accumulation in Cicer arietinum L.. Prog Agric 2008, 8(2), 224-30.

Field investigations were conducted on the responses of two varieties of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) namely Pusa 1103 (Desi variety) and Pusa 1105 (Kabuli variety) at different concentrations of heavy metal (nickel) in soil for diverse 18 traits. Significant increase in the growth was observed at the lower concentrations ranging from 5-25 ug g-1 nickel level. Addition of nickel above this level reduced the leaf area, plant growth, root length and yield of the plant. Accumulation of nickel by both the varieties in different parts of the plants was studied. The control plants had minimum nickel content in the tissues. As the concentration of the soil applied nickel was increased an increase in the content of nickel in root as well as shoot was observed. Fruiting stages showed more severe toxicity symptoms in comparison to the vegetative stages. In both the varieties roots of the plants were found to have higher nickel content than shoots of the plants. Over all Nickel accumulation was found to be higher in Pusa 1103.

2 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

012273   Warrier R R;Gurdev Singh B;Anandalakshmi R; Sivakumar V;Kumar A M;Shivalingam R (Seed Technology Div, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Forest Campus, R.S. Puram, P.B. No. 1061, Coimbatore-641 002, Email: rekha@ifgtb.res.in) : Vegetative propagation of Tinospora cordifolia - a folkloric and ayurvedic medicinal plant. Biomed 2007, 2(2), 131-7.

Several medicinal plants have been assessed as endangered, vulnerable and threatened due to over harvesting or unskillful harvesting. Conservation strategies need to be adopted for continuous supply to meet the ever-increasing demands and sustainable utilization of resources. Tinospora cordifolia is widely used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. The stem is harvested for therapeutic uses. Vegetative propagation studies to standardise the size of the cuttings and auxin requirements were attempted. Further, variation in rooting ability of Tinospora cordifolia germplasm collected from different geographical locations was also tested. The species rooted well without any hormone treatments with 96 per cent rooting. A variation in rooting ability was observed with cuttings from different locations. Altitudinal variations had an effect on rooting and survival ability of the cuttings with high altitude germplasm showing a rooting of 20 per cent and survival of 11 per cent.

1 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

012272   Veena (Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, , 975 North Warson Road, Saint Lauis, MO, USA, Email: veena@danforthcenter.org) : Engineering plants for future: tools and options. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2008, 14(1-2), 131-5.

The availability of efficient techniques for genetic engineering of plants across taxonomic boundaries is a must to address the challenges posed by the global growth of the human population. This will shorten the time and accelerate the entire process needed for inclusion of novel traits in plants with potential to increase agricultural productivity, improved nutritional quality as well as processing characteristics. Summarizes current understanding, latest advancements and comparisons of various methods used to date to generate transgenic plants with a special focus on the biological mode of gene delivery into plants.

^iiaref

012271   Vamsee Krishna C;Phale P S (Biotechnology Group, School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technolo, Powai, Mumbai-400 076) : Bacterial degradation of phthalate isomers and their esters. Indian J Microbiol 2008, 48(1), 19-34.

Phthalate isomers and their esters are used heavily in various industries. Excess use and leaching from the product pose them as major pollutants. These chemicals are toxic, teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic in nature. Various aspects like toxicity, diversity in the aerobic bacterial degradation, enzymes and genetic organization of the metabolic pathways from various bacterial strains are reviewed here. Degradation of these esters proceeds by the action of esterases to form phthalate isomers, which are converted to dihydroxylated intermediates by specific and inducible phthalate isomer dioxygenases. Metabolic pathways of phthalate isomers converge at 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, which undergoes either ortho- or meta- ring cleavage and subsequently metabolized to the central carbon pathway intermediates. The genes involved in the degradation are arranged in operons present either on plasmid or chromosome or both, and induced by specific phthalate isomer. Understanding metabolic pathways, diversity and their genetic regulation may help in constructing bacterial strains through genetic engineering approach for effective bioremediation and environmental clean up.

^iia5 illus, 112 ref

012270   Vaishali;Singh B (Biotechnology Dep, SVBPUA&T, Meerut) : Applications of biotechnology in selection, breeding and production of vegetable crops. Prog Agric 2008, 8(2), 121-7.

Biotechnology has recently created unprecedented opportunities, not only for the manipulaton of biological systems for the benefit of human beings, but also undertaken studies for better understanding of the fundamental life processes. In the simplest and broadest sense, biotechnology is the utilization of living organisms or their components to provide useful products or processes for specific uses. It has potential to increase food productivity, reduce the dependency of agriculture on chemicals, lower the cost of raw materials and reduce the negative environmental impacts associated with traditional production methods. Now Biotechnology can be used to improve the quality of seed grains, increase protein levels, develop crop resistance to pathogens, insect pests as well as tolerance to droughts, floods and extreme temperatures. In addition, Biotechnology can make foods healthier and more nutritious. For example, tomato and other vegetables have been developed containing increased levels of certain nutrients like vitamin C and E and beta carotene, which may help in protecting against the risk of chronic diseases such as cancers and hearing disease.

^iia4 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

012269   Tuteja N;Vashisht A A;Tuteja R (NO, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110 067, Email: narendra@icgeb.res.in) : Translation initiation factor 4A: a prototype member of dead-box protein family. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2008, 14(1-2), 101-7.

DEAD-box proteins are characterized by nine conserved helicase motifs. Several different DEAD-box proteins are found in eukaryotes, whereas prokaryotes have small number of these proteins. They play important roles in almost all kinds of RNA metabolism including roles in remodeling ribonuclear protein complexes. These proteins are usually very specific and cannot mutually be replaced. Many of these DEAD-box proteins (but not all) have been shown to have RNA-dependent ATPase and ATP-dependent RNA helicase activities. Many of them have also been shown to contain DNA unwinding activities. Translation initiation factor 4A is the prototype of the DEAD-box family of proteins. Actually, the DEAD-box protein family was discovered on the basis of conserved sequence motifs of eIF4A. Motif II (or Walker B motif) has the amino acids D-E-A-D (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp), which gave the name to the family. In general, the eIF4A is considered as a helicase that locally melts the secondary structures and makes the RNA accessible to nucleases. It is part of the cap-binding complex eIF4F but is also found to be present in a free form. The biochemical activities of eIF4A are reported to be upregulated by eIF4B, eIF4H and eIF4G. It has been proposed that eIF4A helps to unwind secondary structures in the 5'-untranslated region, which are inhibitory for protein synthesis. In plants, it has been shown to play a unique role in abiotic stress tolerance, which suggests a new pathway to engineer to increase the crop production under the stress conditions.

^iia2 illus, 1 table, 45 ref

012268   Tripathi N K;Sathyaseelan K;Jana A M;Rao P V L (NO, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior-474 002) : High yield production of heterologous proteins with Escherichia coli. Def Sci J 2009, 59(2), 137-46.

The demand for therapeutic recnmbinant proteins is set to sec a significant increase over the next few years. As a consequence, the processes used to produce these proteins must be able to meet market requirements, Recombinant proteins have gained enormous importance for clinical applications. The present paper reviews the fermentation process for high yield scalable production of heterologous recombinant proteins in Escherirhia coli. Influence of process parameters for the standard fermentation processes are discussed, and alternative methods that solve the limitations are reviewed together with the methods thai yielded in higher productivity of E. coli process. The common problems are scale-up issues, plasmid instability, acetate accumulation and substrate inhibition in the high cell density bioreactor production system. Methods to overcome these issues are described. Solving the problems makes ideal condition for high yield production with E. coli expression system as compared to other systems.

1 illus, 2 tables, 76 ref

012267   Sundaram S;Singh S K (Centre for Biotechnology, Nehru Science Centre, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002) : Axillary shoot multiplication from nodal explants of the sweet basil Ocimum basilicum L.. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2008, 78(Pt-1), 72-6.

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an important medicinal herb and is called 'Medicine Mughal' by many. It is used to prepare herbal formulations to cure different diseases. Its mosquito repellant property can also be exploited as an alternative to synthetic repellants used presently. An efficient protocol for in vitro shoot multiplication of Sweet Basil has been developed. Nodal segments, from young plants, were taken as explants; shoot multiplication was induced on slightly modified Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with BAP (2.66 μM) and NAA (4.84 μM). Shoot proliferation could be induced using different combinations of BAP, IAA and Kinetin. Shoots were further multiplied through continued subculture of nodal segments with sprouted shoots. Micro-shoots were rooted in the basal medium supplemented with IAA (1.71 μM) and BAP (0.44 μM). Survival of in vitro grown plantlets 2 months after transplantation in the pots, containing equal parts of sand and top soil, was found to be 95 percent.

1 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

012266   Singh D K (Zoology Dep, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: dileepksingh@gmail.com) : Biodegradation and bioremediation of pesticide in soil: concept, method and recent developments. Indian J Microbiol 2008, 48(1), 35-40.

Biodegradation is a natural process, where the degradation of a xenobiotic chemical or pesticide by an organism is primarily a strategy for their own survival. Most of these microbes work in natural environment but some modifications can be brought about to encourage the organisms to degrade the pesticide at a faster rate in a limited time frame. This capability of microbe is some times utilized as technology for removal of contaminant from actual site. Knowledge of physiology, biochemistry and genetics of the desired microbe may further enhance the microbial process to achieve bioremediation with precision and with limited or no scope for uncertainty and variability in microbe functioning. Gene encoding for enzyme has been identified for several pesticides, which will provide a new inputs in understanding the microbial capability to degrade a pesticide and develop a super strain to achieve the desired result of bioremediation in a short time.

^iia25 ref

012265   Singh A K;Ansari M W;Pareek A;Singla-Pareek S L (Plant Molecular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi-110 067, Email: sneh@icgeb.res.in ) : Raising salinity tolerant rice: recent progress and future perspectives. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2008, 14(1-2), 137-54.

With the rapid growth in population consuming rice as staple food and the deteriorating soil and water quality around the globe, there is an urgent need to understand the response of this important crop towards these environmental abuses. With the ultimate goal to raise rice plant with better suitability towards rapidly changing environmental inputs, intensive efforts are on worldwide employing physiological, biochemical and molecular tools to perform this task. In this regard, efforts of plant breeders need to be duly acknowledged as several salinity tolerant varieties have reached the farmers field. Parallel efforts from molecular biologists have yielded relevant knowledge related to perturbations in gene expression and proteins during stress. Employing transgenic technology, functional validation of various target genes involved in diverse processes such as signaling, transcription, ion homeostasis, antioxidant defense etc for enhanced salinity stress tolerance has been attempted in various model systems and some of them have been extended to crop plant rice too. However, the fact remains that these transgenic plants showing improved performance towards salinity stress are yet to move from 'lab to the land'. Pondering this, we propose that future efforts should be channelized more towards multigene engineering that may enable the taming of this multigene controlled trait. Recent technological achievements such as the whole genome sequencing of rice is leading to a shift from single gene based studies to genome wide analysis that may prove to be a boon in re-defining salt stress responsive targets.

^iia1 illus, 1 table, 206 ref

012264   Shukla V;Mattoo A K (Sustainable Agricultural Systems Laboratory, USDA-ARS, the Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 001, Beltsvile, MD 20705-2350, USA, Email: autao.mattoo@ars.usda.gov) : Sucrose non-fermenting 1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2) : a family of protein kinases involved in hyperosmotic stress signaling. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2008, 14(1-2), 91-100.

Our understanding of plant adaptation to abiotic stresses, which include drought, salinity, non-optimal temperatures and poor soil nutrition, is limited, although significant strides have been made in identifying some of the gene players and signaling partners. Several protein kinases get activated in plants in response to osmotic stress and the stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA). Among these is a superfamily of sucrose non-fermenting protein kinase genes (SnRK2). This review focuses on the developments related to the activity, substrates, interacting proteins and gene regulation of SnRK2 gene family members. Reversible phosphorylation as a crucial regulatory mechanism turns out to be a rule rather than an exception in plant responses to abiotic stress. Nine out of thirteen bZIP transcription factors (ABI5/ABF/AREB family) share the recognition motif, R-Q-X-S/T, suggesting that likely SnRK2 kinases have a major role in regulating gene expression during hyperosmotic stress.

^iia88 ref

012263   Sengar R S;Chaudhary R (Tissue Culture Lab, College of Biotechnology, S.V. Bhai Patel University of Agriculture a, Meerut-250 110) : Role of biotechnology in the development of horticulture crops. Green Fmg 2008, 2(2), 135-6.

Biotechnology offers a vast potential in horticulture. The biotechnological tools may likely to have greater impacts in horticulture, where even minor changes such as in colour aroma quality and postharvest behaviour would make significant commercial impacts. Genetic transformation, micropropagation in vitro conservation of germplasm synseed technology, virus-cleaning through STG techniques, biofertilizers biopesticides and postharvest biotechnology are important areas in biotechnology of horticultural crops. In India micropropagation of horticultural crops has established well and in vitro protocols have been successfully exploited in ornamental crops some forest plants, banana, cardamom etc. A few genetically-engineered crops are also in the pipeline at various stages of testing. To provide virus free plants in citrus shoot tip grafting technique can be successfully employed while embryo-fruitful results in mango breeding. Systematic R and D efforts aimed at commercialization of product and process may go in a long way in promotion of horticulture industry in the country and to enhance India's capability to compete globally.

4 ref

012262   Saravanan R;Revathi K;Balakrishna Murthy P (Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology Dep, R.K.M. Vivekananda College, Chennai-600 004) : Effect of lambda cyhalothrin, a synthetic pyrethroid on some of the blood antioxidants in freshwater catfish Clarias batrachus(Bloch). Pollut Res 2008, 27(2), 299-303.

The non-enzymatic antioxidants are vitamin A, E (tocopherol) and vitamin C( ascorbic acid ) glutathione and iron with low molecular mass prevent free radical reactions during oxidative stress. The present study was to find out the toxic effect of synthetic pyrethroid lambda cyhalothrin on some of the blood antioxidants in freshwater catfish Clarias batrachus. The fishes were exposed to the pesticide for a period of 45 days at a sublethal concentration of 5.768 ppm. Analysis of antioxidant profiles was carried out on the 15th, 30th and 45th day of exposure to find out the alteration in antioxidant production and the stress response of the fishes to the pyrethroid compound.

1 table, 36 ref

012261   Rup Lal et al (Zoology Dep, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: duzdel@vsnl.com) : Pseudomonas sp. to Sphingobium indicum: a journey of microbial degradation and bioremediation of Hexachlorocyclohexane. Indian J Microbiol 2008, 48(1), 3-18.

Unusual process of production of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and extensive use of technical HCH and lindane has created a very serious problem of HCH contamination. While the use of technical HCH and lindane has been banned all over the world, India still continues producing lindane. Bacteria, especially Sphingomonads have been isolated that can degrade HCH isomers. Among all the bacterial strains isolated so far, Sphingobium indicum B90A that was isolated from HCH treated rhizosphere soil appears to have a better potential for HCH degradation. This conclusion is based on studies on the organization of lin genes and degradation ability of B90A. This strain perhaps can be used for HCH decontamination through bioaugmentation.

8 illus, 7 tables, 85 ref