007307   Mahanty B;Sarma S J;Pakshirajan K (Biotechnoloy Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Gywahati, Guwahati-781 039, Email: pakshi@iitg.ernet.in) : Evaluation of different surfactants for use inpyrene biodegradation by Mycobacterium frederiksbergense. Int J chem Sci 2007, 5(4), 1505-12.

A prerequisite for any surfactant - enhanced biodegradation systems is that the microorganisms survive, take up pollutants and degrade them in the presence of surfactant. Five different surfactants viz., Triton X-100, Tween 80, Tween 20, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were evaluated of their suitability in pyrene degradation by Mycobacterium frederiksbergense. The calculated molar solubilization ra ios for pyrene due to these surfactants were found to be close to those reported in the literature. The results indicated Tween 80 to be a suitable surfactant among the five in degrading pyrene, which caused 90% degradation within six days at an initial pyrene concentration of 50 mg/L; other surfactants did not show such significance in pyrene degradation. Pyrene degradation by M. frederiksbergense, at its different initial concentrations (0.1-1.0 mg 1^-1) using Tween 80 as the surfactant, followed first order kinetics with a maximum degradation rate of 0.056 mg 1^-1 h^-1 at 1 mg/L initial concentration.

3 illus, 16 ref

007306   Gowdhaman D;Angumeenal A R;Murugesan A G (Chemistry Dep, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Univ, Thirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur-613 402) : Potential utilisation of aquatic weeds for the production of alcohol. J Indian Chem Soc 2008, 85(6), 665-7.

The rhizomes of Typha angustata, Cyprus exallatus, aquatics weeds which are rich in carbohydrates were processed to generate the fermentable sugars. The fermentable starch hydrolysates were used as fermentation substrates for the yeast Saccaramyces cereviceae. The optimum conditions for the survival, growth and fermentation of the yeast Saccaramyces cereviceae with the selected substrates was evaluated. Alcohol was produced on a pilot scale by fermentation using these two substrates.

4 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

007305   Ghosh D (Smart Foods Centre, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia, Email: dilip.ghosh@bigpond.com) : Future perspectives of nutrigenomics foods: benefits vs. risks. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(1), 31-6.

Nutrigenomics, defined as the application of high-throughput genomics tools in nutrition research is now past its incubation phase. The poorly understood associations of diet and disease prevention in particular will likely be the single most important catalyst to its accelerated and continued growth. Whether the goal of matching foods to individual genotypes to improve the health of those individuals can be attained, and personalised nutrigenomic foods enter the world's food markets, depends on numerous hurdles being overcome: some scientific in nature, some technical and others related to consumer, market or ethical issues. Public adoption of new technologies is an important determinant for their success. Many of the drivers behind the trend in personalisation of food are now known, particularly ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) are the major drivers. Future development in the field of nutrigenomics undoubtedly will place its seemingly huge potential in better perspective. From the scientific responsibility point of view, one hopes that the new perspectives to be gained and progress to be made in this field will be so managed as to take the public at large on board, if we are to avoid another nutrition education disaster of the genetically modified organism type and dimension.

006370   Syamala Devi N;Devegowda (Biotechnology Dep, Sree Vidyanikethan Engineering College, A. Rangampet-517 102) : Two stage in Vitro digestion assay of non-starchy polysaccharides of feed ingredients by cellulase enzyme. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2007, 30(3-4), 117-19.

Evaluation of commercial enzyme preparations was carried out based on Non Starchy Polysaccharides (NSP) digestibility of poultry. Feed ingredients subjected to a stimulated two-stage in vitro digestion assay. The addition of the enzyme cellulases to the poultry feed enhanced the cellulose breakdown. The amount of glucose in the poultry feed has increased after it is added to the feed. Results indicated that released glucose might be available for easy digestion of the feed.

^ssc5 tables, 5 ref

006369   Katara P;Sharma V (Biosciences and Biotechnology Dep, Banasthali Univ, Banasthali-304 022, Email: pmkatara@yahoo.co.in) : In-silico mining of the essentiality and regulatory elements of Osmoprotectant genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biochem Cell Archs 2008, 8(2), 163-6.

Genes that are very essential for any organism share similarities with the essential genes of other organisms because most of the basic protein requirements remain same for different organisms and essential genes are conserved more than the non essential counterparts in bacteria and other organism. The study compares gene expression pattern with the sequence pattern. Genes that show considerable over and under-expression under osmotic stress and provide strength and suitable proteome to Pseudomonas aeruginosa to survive in such stress conditions are compared with the database of essential genes to observe their essentiality and also treated with MEME to analyze regulatory motif in their upstream region. It was found that 70 % of genes which show expression deviation under osmotic stress are essential and most of them are shared by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Finding of regulatory motif shows that no motif was shared by all of the genes and the length of motif vary very considerably (8 - 46 nt), thus suggest that most of these genes does not share same regulatory machinery.

2 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

006368   Esakkiammal B;Sethuramalingam T A;Rajakumari K;Anand Kumar Y (Centre for Aquafeed and Nutrition (CAFeN), Research Dep of Advanced Zo, St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai-627 002) : Influence of dietary catortenoid concentrations on the growth and skin colour development in coloured mollies Poecilia sphenops. Aquacult 2008, 9(2), 177-84.

In the study three types of formulated diets (Control Type - I -sp ₁, sp ₂, sp ₃, sp ₄, and sp ₅, Type II -mixed Type - III) with varying carotenoid concentrations were prepared and fed to coloured mollies Poectilia sphenops for 90 days to assess the growth performance and development of skin colouration. Among the feed tested the maximum weight gain and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) were higher in mixed diet (Type III) fed fishes followed by Sp-3 diet (Type-II). No significant growth rate was observed among the other diets. The lowest (best) Food Conversion Ratio (ECR) was recorded in mixed diet and Sp-3 diet and a significant difference was noticed in terms of quality of food in the rest of the diets because they showed higher FCR. The Protein Intake (PI) and Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) also showed the same trend. The elevated protein intake has influenced the body growth there by the carotenoid utilization and retention in the body tissue become evident. Supplementation of carotenoids through feed has improved the skin colour well, as the spirulina concentration increased in the diets. Spectrophotometirc detection of carotenoids revealed that the mixed diet, Sp-3 and Sp-5 fed fishes showed intense colouration than other feed fed fishes. So it could be presumed that 30% spirulina incorporated diet and mixed diet could be used in the formulation diets to promote maximum growth and to improve skin colouration in Poecilia sphenops.

3 tables, 29 ref

006367   Aberomand M;Bhide S V (Biochemistry Dep, Ahwaz Jondishapur Univ of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran, Email: aberumand@yahoo.com) : Novel chickpea seed's N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase: determination of molecular mass, chemical modification and effect of metal ions. Biochem Cell Archs 2008, 8(2), 183-5.

Deals with the purification and characterization of a novel N-Acetyl-Beta-D- Glucosaminidase [E C 3.2.1.50] from Chickpea seeds. Determined the molecular heterogeneity of Chickpea seeds's N-Acetyl-Beta-D-Glucosaminidase, chemical modification and effect of EDTAand Metal ions on enzyme. N-acetyl β-D-glucosaminidase is heterodimers with molecular weight 27.300 KDa, Zn⁺² restored 89% activity of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase. Modification of tryptophan residues by N-brornosuccinimide resulted in total loss of activity of the enzyme studied. Treatment of enzyme with NBS may lead to modification of Trp.

3 tables, 10 ref

005460   Wadhvani G;Chhimpa V;Verma P S;Sharma I K (Chemistry Dep, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004, Email: sharma_indra20@rediffmail.com) : Synthesis of 3-hydroxy-2-butanone using free and immobilized baker's yeast. Int J chem Sci 2007, 5(3), 1027-32.

3-Hydroxy-2-butanone, an aroma carrier used in flavoring foods and non alcoholic beverages and food industry, was obtained by green chemical synthesis. The biotransformation of 2, 3-butanedione was carried out using Baker's Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as microbial catalyst in free (FBY) as well as immobilized (ImBY) form in aqueous medium. The reduction product 3-hydroxy-2-butanone thus obtained was isolated and purified by chromatographic techniques and characterized on the basis of spectral analysis.

2 tables, 14 ref

005459   Verma N;Kumar K;Kaur G;Anand S (Biotechnology Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala, Punjab) : Asparagine biosensor for leukemia based on l-asparaginase obtained from Erwinia carotovora. Natn J Life Sci 2007, 4(1), 1-5.

Development of a novel, diagnostic biosensor for monitoring asparagine levels in leukemia was the purpose of the study. Different immobilization strategies were applied to immobilize the enzyme and improve its stability. Phenol red indicator has been coimmobilized with asparaginase and color visualization approach has been optimized for various asparagine ranges. Response time studies have been carried out for different immobilization methods. The detection limit of asparagine achieved with nitrocellulose membrane and pH strips is 10^-1 M and with calcium alginate beads is 10^-9-10^-1 M. Asparagine range detection in normal and leukemia serum samples was done by using both the pH strips and calcium alginate bead system of immobilization.

3 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

005458   Thangavel K;Nagendra Prasad P (Biotechnology Dep, Sri Parama Kalyani College, Alwarkurichi, Thirunelveli (D.T.), Tamil Nadu) : Rapid shoot multiplication of Becopa monieri (Linn.) pennell through axillary bud culture. Natn J Life Sci 2007, 4(1), 29-32.

Rapid in vitro propagation was obtained from the axillary bud explants of an important medicinal plant Becopa monnieri (Linn.) Pennell. MS medium supplemented with BAP (5 μM) along with 10% coconut water was shown the maximum number of (5-8) fresh shoots from a single explant (axillary bud). Further subculture was done to establish the newly regenerated plantlets. Root induction and further elongation of shoots was achieved by transferring the shoots into MS medium supplemented with 8 μM IBA, 0.05% of activated charcoal and 2 μM GA3. Rooted seedlings were acclimatized by using half strength MS medium and transferred for field trail. As this plant is being used as memory enhancer (Rodendrys and Borrelli, 2005) and it is being subjected to over exploitation, the ex situ conservation of this plant is being an important task. This in vitro regeneration protocol will be used to regenerate this plant in large scale with a short duration of 3-4 months.

3 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

005457   Sashi V;Malathy N S;Gana Soundari S; Sivagamasundari A R (Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology Dep, P.S.G.R. Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore-641 004, Email: sashicbe@yahoo.co.in) : Xylanase production by three Aspergillus sp on solid state fermentation. Pl Archs 2008, 8(2), 927-9.

The aim of the study was to screen and examine the suitability of Aspergillus sp as a source of xylanase which can effectively degrade xylan from different agrowastes on solid substrate fermentation. Maximum production of xylanase was found in Czapek, Dox wheat bran medium, with optimum temperature 35°C and pH 6.0 respectively. Sodium nitrate was found to increase the enzyme activity and other nitrogen sources does not have any significant influence on enzyme production in all the three fungus.

2 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

005456   Sashi V;Gnana Soundari S;Sasikala K (Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology Dep, P.S.G.R. Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore-641 004, Email: sashicbe@yahoo.co.in) : Xylanase production from Trichoderma viride. Pl Archs 2008, 8(2), 941-3.

The aim of the present study is to select the best substrate for the production of xylanase from Trichoderma viride. Several agro-residues such as (Wheat bran, Cyanodon dactylon grass, cotton fiber, wheat straw) were used for xylanase production among that wheat bran was evolved as the best substrate. In order to optimize the cultural conditions different pH and temperature were tested. Trichoderma viride was found to produce maximum amount of xylanase at pH 5.5 and temperature 30°C.

4 illus, 9 ref

005455   Radha P;Srinivasan S (Biochemistry and Biotechnology Dep, Avinashilingam Univ for Women, Coimbatore-43) : Effect of phosphorus and iron on ammonia assimilating enzymes in the green manure Sesbania aculeata. Pl Archs 2008, 8(2), 845-7.

The effect of phosphorus and iron on the ammonia assimilating enzymes glutamate synthase, glutamate dehydrogenase and glutamine synthetase in the green manure Sesbania aculeata has been studied through the individual and combined applications of the above minerals with Rhizobium. The activity of glutamate dehydrogenase was improved by the application of phosphorus and iron at higher levels both individually and in combination. The activity of the enzyme glutamate synthase was enhanced by the application of lower concentration of phosphorus and iron. Glutamine synthetase activity was higher in plants treated with lower and higher concentrations of iron and phosphorus. Thus, phosphorus and iron at higher and lower enhances the activity of the ammonia assimilating enzymes.

3 tables, 8 ref

005454   Narayanamurthy G;Ramachandra Y L;Padmalatha Rai S;Sujan Ganapathy P S;Manohara Y N (Biotechnology Dep, Kuvempu University, Jnanasahyadri, Shankaraghata-577 451, Email: ylrkar@yahoo.co.in) : Production of alkaline protease by Aspergillus niger under soild state fermentation and compatibility of alkaline protease with various commercial detergents. Int J chem Sci 2007, 5(3), 1205-15.

A new soil isolate of Aspergillus niger was cultivated on coconut oil cake (COC) medium for production of alkaline protease under Solid State Fermentation. The physico-chemical parameters for maximum enzyme production were optimized. The optimal conditions for protease production using COC were found to be incubation time-96 h, incubation temperature-30°C, initial medium pH-8.5, initial moisture content-60%, and inoculum size-1.0 x 10⁷ spores 10g^-1COC. Supplementation of COC medium with Cu²⁺ (0.05mg g^-1COC) enhanced enzyme production. The enzyme was completely inhibited by PMSF, indicating it to be a serine protease. The enzyme was more compatible with Aerial detergent.

6 tables, 22 ref

005453   Murali K;Nachiappan V (NO, , AP 808, 60th Street, 10th Sector, K.K. Nagar, Chennai-600 078, Email: mkarpagam_bt@yahoo.co.in) : Micro propagation of Ailanthus excelsa L. from shoot bud explant. Pl Archs 2008, 8(2), 573-6.

In vitro cloning of Ailanthus excelsa L. was achieved by using apical and axillary bud explants derived from approximately 10 years old trees. Shoot bud explants were collected in different seasons. Survival rate and growth performance was highly season dependent, with satisfactory survival in early winter only. MS basal medium with KT (2.0 mg/L), GA₃ (0.2 mg/L) and tyrosine (10 mg/L) induced high frequency of development of axillary shoot buds in three to four weeks. About 8 shoots were multiplied from shoot tip. Subculturing of the explants with multiple new shoots were multipled from shoot tip. Subculturing of the explants with multiple new shoots in fresh medium for 35 days yield a larger number of shoots. The shoot multiplication rate was further accelerated by reculturing of axillary buds in media with KT (1.0 mg/L), BAP (0.5 mg/L) and GA₃ (0.1 mg/L) and 10 shoots were obtained. Elongated shoots were successfully rooted on half strength MS medium fortified with IBA (1.5 mg/L).

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

005452   Lokender Singh;Vats P;Manisha;Ritu Singh (Biotechnology and Microbiology Dep, Doon Paramedical College and Hospital, Dehradun, Uttrakhand) : Livelihood, food and health security with special reference to biotechnology. Pl Archs 2008, 8(2), 505-25.

In view of global warming and climatic changes, altered crop patterns, monocultures of crops, skyrocketing surge in food and fuel prices, inequitable food distribution, plateau in food production and sporadic hunger triggered food riots and widespread malnutrition in a part of the world, scenario of food, livelihood and health problems has emerged clearly. Solutions for augmenting these problems have been examined especially in the light of roles of biotechnology and nanotechnology in meeting these challenges. Both opportunities and challenges are being covered.

18 tables, 84 ref

005451   Kataria S K;Dalal S (Bioscience Dep, Maharshi Dayanand Univ, Rohtak-124 001) : Enhanced production of wedelolactone and demethyl wedelolactone in cultures of Eclipta alba. Pl Archs 2008, 8(2), 675-8.

Eclipta alba (Hassk.), a herb of group 'Daspushpam' that enshrine individual with good health particularly to rejuvenate pitta, liver and kidney. Eclipta alba produces secondary metabolite of medicinal significance such as wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone which are having antihepatotoxic properties. The effect of different plant growth regulators, alone or in combination, on synthesis and accumulation of wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone, the active principle compounds of Eclipta alba in static as well as suspension culture were studied. The best enhancement was observed in growth regulator combinations as MS + 2,4-D (5.0 μM) + Kin (0.5 μM) + 6-BA (0.5μM) for callus cultures and auxins were found to exhibit more cellbiomass. The suspension culture, MS + 2, 4-D (5 μM) + Kin (10 μM) + 6-BA (1 uM), results in maximum enhanced production of the active principles i.e. wedelolactone/demethylwedelolactone than static culture (3.0/2.9 fold) and natural plant (24.0/22.0 fold). The production of both active principle were greatly influenced by growth regulators. Suspension culture was much better for the formation of wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone than solid medium.

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

005450   Dhumale D B;Kakde D;Thorat A;Akhare A A (Tissue Culture Laboratory, Biotechnology Centre, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444 104) : In-Vitro culturing of safed musli seeds on ms basal medium supplemented with growth regulators for breaking seed dormancy. Ann Pl Physiol 2007, 21(2), 252-3.

In-vitro culturing of safed musli seeds was carried out on MS basal medium supplemented with two different levels growth regulators (GA₃ and 2, 4 D) for breaking seed dormancy. All the four in-vitro treatments tried were found to be superior over control. A marked increase in germination percentage was recorded. The treatment combination of MS basal media supplemented with 2 mg/l GA₃ (T₂) gave highest germination percentage of 48% over all other treatment combinations.

1 table, 5 ref

005449   Bisht S S;Bisht N S (Botany Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal University Campus Pauri, Pauri-246 001) : Callus induction studies in different explants of Swertia angustifolia (BUCH-HAM). Pl Archs 2008, 8(2), 713-16.

A protocol for callus induction and in-vitro plant regeneration through organogenesis was established for Swertia angustifolia Buch-Ham. (Gentianaceae). Callus was induced on Murashige and Skoog basal medium supplemented with cytokinin (Kn or BA)and auxin (2, 4-D/IBA/NAA) from leaf, petiole and stem explants of this medicinal plant. Poor callusing is observed when MS medium is fortified with 1.5 mgl^-1 of both 2, 4-D and Kn in leaf as well as petiole explants. Higher concentrations of Kn and 2,4-D (2.5 - 3.0 mg^-1) exhibited best callusing in leaf and better in petiole explant. Higher concentration of another cytokinin BA (1.5-2.0 mg^-1) produced best calli when combined with 2.0 mg^-1 of IBA in both leaf and petiole explants. BA and NAA in the range of 1.5-2.0 mg^-1 exhibited fast proliferation in callus mass in both explants whereas lower concentration of BA and NAA (0.5 mgl^-1) produced poor calli in these explants. In stem explant best callus mass was observed when 1.5 mg l^-1 of Kn and mg l^-1 concentration was most prominent with 1.0 to 2.0 mg l^-1 IB A.

2 tables, 10 ref

005448   Ann Suji H;Palavesam A (Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univ, Rajakkamangalam-629 502, Email: suthinagri@gmail.com) : Production of amylase by different bacterial species isolated from the gut of an Estuarine shrimp (Penaeus monodon). Pl Archs 2008, 8(2), 701-4.

Isolation and enumeration of aerobic bacterial flora in the gastrointestinal tract of an estuarine shrimp (Penaeus monodon) have been carried out. Amylolytic microflora were identified from the culture plate using selective media. The isolates were qualitatively screened on the basis of their extracellular enzyme producing ability. The selected strains were further quantitatively assayed for their amylase activity and the culture conditions were optimized to get a better yield. Amylase activity was exhibited by all the bacterial isolates. Maximum activity (31.84 U/ml) was exhibited by Bacillus mycoides. The information generated from the present investigation might contribute towards the production of amylase by Bacillus mycoides species (which showed a maximum amylolytic activity among the isolated different strains) under optimized environmental conditions.

4 tables, 20 ref

005447   Ann Suji H;Palavesam A (Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonnaniam Sundaranar Univ, Rajakkamangalam-629 502, Email: suthinagri@gmail.com) : Protease production by different bacterial species isolated from the gut of an estuarine shrimp Penaeus monodon). Pl Archs 2008, 8(2), 693-6.

The aerobic bacterial population in the gastrointestinal tract of an estuarine shrimp, Penaeus monodon were isolated and enumerated. Using selective media, the proteolytic bacteriae were identified. They were then screened qualitatively on the basis of their enzyme producing ability. The strains selected were further quantitatively assayed for their proteolytic activity and the culture conditions were optimized to get a better yield. Protease activity was exhibited by all the bacterial isolates. Maximum activity (92.91 U/ml) was exhibited by Pseudomonas anguilliseptica. The information generated from the present investigation might contribute towards the production of protease by Pseudomonas anguilliseptica (which showed a maximum proteolytic activity among the isolated different strains) under optimized environmental conditions.

4 tables, 23 ref

004500   Vandana Praveen;Tripathi D;Tripathi C K M; Bihari V (Fermentation Technology Div and Central Drug Research Institute, , Chattar Manzil, Lucknow-226 001, Email: ckmtcdri@yahoo.com) : Nutritional regulation of actinomycin-D production by a new isolate of Streptomyces sindenensis using statistical methods. Indian J expl Biol 2008, 46(2), 138-44.

Production of actinomycin-D, by an isolate, S. sindenensis, was optimized by statistical methods. Fructose peptone and NaNO₃ were found to be critical for antibiotic production. In the second step, their concentrations were optimized with Central Composite Design and Response Surface Methodology. Fructose, peptone and NaNO₃ at 2.55, 0.309 and 0.114 % respectively gave ~ 261 % higher yield (289 mg/l). Cultivation in fermentor at 600 rpm agitation and 1.5 vvm aeration with optimized medium gave 3.56 folds higher yield (365 mg/l) as compared to the yields in shake flasks using normal production medium (80 mg/l).

3 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

004499   Siva Raju K;Madhav M S;Sharma R K;Murthy T G K;Mohapatra T (NO, Central Tobacco Research Institute, Rajahmundry-533 105, Email: rajuks2002@yahoo.co.in) : Genetic polymorphism of Indian tobacco types as revealed by amplified fragment length polymorphism. Curr Sci 2008, 94(5), 633-9.

During the past five decades, a large number of tobacco varieties have been developed for different end uses in India through pure line selection from local land-races, mutation breeding and hybridization involving local selections and exotic introductions followed by pedigree selection. No systematic effort has been made to understand the existing diversity pattern in these varieties, which is crucial to define future breeding strategy in this important commercial crop. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was used to determine genetic variation in 54 varieties of cultivated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacllm and N. rustica) and three accessions of exotic germplasm. Nine oligonucleotide primer-pair combinations resolved a total of 967 AFLP fragments, of which 785 (81.2 %) were polymorphic. The mean genetic distance among the 49 cultivars and three exotic accessions of N. tabacllm was 15.35 %; 22 % among the five cultivars of rustica. Genetic polymorphism present among the cultivars of tobacco was low, as evidenced by the high degree of similarity in the AFLP profiles of different tobacco types. All the five cultivars of N. rustica can be readily identified using the primer pairs E-ACTIM-CAG and E-AACIM-CTG. Two major clusters were formed on the basis of species and seven sub-clusters were formed on the basis of manufacturing quality traits in the cultivars of N. tabacum. Cultivated flue-cured varieties were clustered separately from other air cured types. Species-specific markers identified in this study would be useful in identification of the true hybrids and monitoring introgression of useful genes from the wild relatives. The markers found specific to the varieties can be used in correct identification of the carrier genotypes in trade and commerce.

^ssc2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

004498   Siva R;Mathew G J;Venkat A;Dhawan C (School of Biotechnology, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, VIT University, Vellore-632 014, Email: rsiva77in@rediffmail.com) : Alternative tracking dye for gel electrophoresis. Curr Sci 2008, 94(6), 765-7.

Bromophenol blue (BPB) is regularly used as a dye marker to find out an ion front in the electrophoretic techniques. However, all the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of BPB have not yet been thoroughly investigated. Material safety data sheet of all standard companies providing BPB are advised that due care be exercised when handling this material as it may cause irritation with redness and pain. It is a well known fact that colorants from synthetic sources can be harmful and cause allergies. Thus, the study is aimed in a preliminary manner, to find an additional/alternative tracking dye from natural sources to replace the synthetic BPB dye. Bixa orellana L., commonly known as annatto, yielding orange to red colour dye from its pericarp, was tested for its potential as a tracking dye. This dye has characteristics similar to those of BPB and shows no interference with any of the test proteins. The utility of this dye was tested using proteins that exhibit different physico-chemical properties and compared with other commonly used staining methods as well as Western blot methods. The studies show that the pigment from B. orellana L. can be used as a tracking dye in place of BPB. The procedure is found to be easy, practical and reliable.

3 illus, 20 ref

004497   Singh R I;Aarti K;Singh S S (Fungal Biotechnology and Invertebrate Pathology Lab, Biological Scienc, R.D. University, Jabalpur, Email: ranaindersingh@yahoo.com) : Formation of interspecies fusants of Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus bitorquis mushroom by protoplast fusion. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(4), 369-72.

Interspecies fusants are formed between Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus bitorquis by protoplast fusion technique. Protoplasts were isolated and regenerated by using Novozyme 234 lytic enzyme. Twenty slow growing isolates were separated from the protoplast regenerated colonies, which were assumed as homokaryons (putative homokaryons). These twenty isolates were subjected to growth rate, colony morphology and spawn run studies for screening of true homokaryons. Antifungal markers were developed for selection of fusants.

^ssc1 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

004496   Sharma N;Kalra K L;Oberoi H S;Bansal S (Microbiology Dep, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Punjab Agricultural Universi, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: hari_manu@yahoo.com) : Optimization of fermentation parameters for production of ethanol from kinnow waste and banana peels by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(4), 310-16.

Study was taken up to evaluate the role of some fermentation parameters like inoculum concentration, temperature, incubation period and agitation time on ethanol production from kinnow waste and banana peels by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation using cellulase and co-culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae G and Pachysolen tannophilus MTCC 1077. Steam pretreated kinnow waste and banana peels were used as substrate for ethanol production in the ratio 4:6 (kinnow waste: banana peels). Temperature of 30°C, inoculum size of S. cerevisiae G 6% and (v/v) Pachysolen tannophilus MTCC 1077 4% (v/v), incubation period of 48 h and agitation for the first 24 h were found to be best for ethanol production using the combination of two wastes. The pretreated steam exploded biomass after enzymatic saccharification containing 63 gL-1 reducing sugars was fermented with both hexose and pentose fermenting yeast strains under optimized conditions resulting in ethanol production, yield and fermentation efficiency of 26.84 gL^-1, 0.426 gg ^-1 and 83.52% respectively. The study could establish the effective utilization of kinnow waste and banana peels for bioethanol production using optimized fermentation parameters.

3 illus, 4 tables, 32 ref

004495   Mishra P;Mishra B K (Biochemistry Dep, Patna University, Patna-800 005) : Percent conversion of tannic acid to gallic acid by Aspergillus niger PM-1 isolated from tannery soil. Bionotes 2008, 10(3), 87-8.

^ssc1 table, 9 ref

002395   Vasudevan N;Ravindran A D (Botany Dep, Saraswathi Narayanan College, Madurai-625 002, Email: florydevan@gmail.com ) : Biotechnological process for the treatment of fleshing from tannery industries for methane generation. Curr Sci 2007, 93(11), 1492-4.

1 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

002394   Sharma P;Gahlawat S K;Sihag R C;Chauhan M (Zoology and Aquaculture Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Induction of MX gene expression in the Indian major carp, rohu (Labeo rohita, Linnaeus). Indian J Fish 2007, 54(3), 321-6.

MX genes are inducible by type I interferon and involved in antiviral defenses in vertebrates. The protocol for obtaining MX gene expression was standardized by Poly I:C injection in Labeo rohita. A 786 bp cDNA was obtained on day 3 after poly I:C injection. PCR amplification of this cDNA using MX specific primers also yielded 786 bp product. However, PBS injected fishes did not show any MX expression.

3 ilus, 1 table, 28 ref

002393   Sharma O P;Sharma P N;Rana R;Garg I D (Plant Pathology Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, Email: pns@hillagric.ernet.in) : Identification and characterization of virus associated with yellow mosaic disease of Ageratum in Himachal Pradesh. Indian J Virol 2007, 18(2), 89-92.

Investigations carried out on yellow mosaic disease of Ageratum houstonlanum occurring widely in different districts of Himachal Pradesh revealed that the disease is caused by a virus. The infected plants exhibited vein yellowing followed by yellow vein mosaic pattern, severely infected plants showed necrosis, poor flowering and less seed formation. However, seed germination was not affected by the virus. The virus under study was transmitted through whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and grafting only to A. houstonianum, A. conyzoides and Abelmoschus esculentus. Immuno-diagnostic studies (ISEM and ELISA) showed positive reaction between the virus under study and the antiserum of Indian cassava mosaic virus revealing the association of Geminivirus with the disease. Electron microscopy of the infected leaves revealed the presence of geminate particles measuring 17-28 nm in diameter similar to the virus particles associated with the disease caused by whitefly transmitted gemininvirus.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

002392   Shah H R;Pathak J P;Parikh S C (P G Centre in Microbiology, Smt. S M Panchal Science College, Talod-383 215) : Production of cellulase using Bacillus subtilis (MTCC441) and cellulomonas cellulans (MTCC23) from agricultural residues by solid state fermentation. Geobios 2008, 35(2-3), 129-32.

Fungal and bacterial strains are useful for bioconversion of agrowastes into economically important products. The study deals with cellulase production using Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 441) and Cellulomonas cellulans (MTCC 23) individually and in mixed-culture form. Fermentation was carried out at controlled temperature, moisture level, pH and aeration conditions.

1 illus, 11 ref

002391   Rana T;Chandel V;Hallan V;Thakur P D;Handa A; Zaidi A A (Plant Virology Lab, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palmapur-176 061, Email: zaidi_aijaz@yahoo.com) : Molecular evidence of Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus in Himachal Pradesh. Indian J Virol 2007, 18(2), 70-4.

Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), a Trichovirus, was detected in 17 different cultivars of apple collected from different regions of Himachal Pradesh and in 4 rootstocks which are extensively used throughout India by direct antigen coating indirect ELISA. The sequence of an amplicon produced by RT-PCR using a degenerate primer confirmed the ELISA results for the cultivar Royal Delicious collected from the Kinnaur area. This study confirms the presence of ACLSV in India. The Kinnaur isolate falls under group A of ACLSV.

2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

002390   Rai M;Singh S M;Rai A (Veterinary Biotechnology Div, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122) : Restriction enzyme analysis of a recombinant plasmid containing fowl adenovirus 4 hexon gene. Indian J Virol 2007, 18(1), 36-9.

Recombinant plasmid containing fowl adenovirus 4 hexon gene designated as pCDNA3.1/V5-His-TOPO was digested with 17 restriction enzymes i.e. PstI, BamHI, EcoRI, HindIII, XmaI, XhoI, BglII, SpeI, SadI, SalI, OraI, AluI, AccI, XbaI, HhaI, KpnI and TaqI with their specific assay buffers. DNA fragments of expected size was observed and confirmed the right orientation of insert gene as analyzed on 0.7% agarose gel electrophoresis. It was found that enzymes BamHI, PstI, HindIII, SpeI, OraI had no site on insert DNA while EcoRI and XbaI had no site on vector as well as on insert DNA.

7 illus, 13ref

002389   Bag S;Singh R S;Jain R K (Unit of Plant Virology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Nerw Delhi-110 012, Email: rakeshjain56@yahoo.co.in) : Agrobacterium - mediated transformation of groundnut with coat protein gene of Tobacco streak virus. Indian J Virol 2007, 18(2), 65-9.

Transgenic peanut/groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) lines with sense and antisense coat protein (CP) gene of Tobacco streak virus (TSV) were generated by Agmbacterium- mediated transformation of de-embryonated cotyledons of cultivar JL-24. Approximately 180-200 days were required between explant transformation and hardening of transformants in the glasshouse. Genomic Southern analysis revealed two transgenic lines (S15, AS2) with single copy and one transgenic line (S3) with two copies of the CP gene. Northern analysis indicated the presence of CP transcript in transgenic lines with CP gene in sense as well as antisense I orientation. CP expression was observed in transgenic lines with sense CP gene (S3, S15) by ELISA.

4 illus, 18 ref

002388   Asokan R;Krishna Kumar N K;Verghest A (Division of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake (PO), Bangalore 560 089, Email: asokan@iihr.ernet.in) : Molecular identification of fruit flies, Bactrocerac spp. (Diptera: Tephritidea) using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I. Curr Sci 2007, 93(12), 1668-9.

3 illus, 16 ref

001348   Srivastava N;Averna M;Srivastava R A K (NO, Clonegen Biotechnology, USA) : Dietary cholesterol and estrogen administration elevate brain apolipoprotein E in mice by different mechanisms. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2008, 45(6), 410-15.

Apolipoprotein (apo) E plays an important role in the whole body cholesterol homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that it may also be involved in the local cholesterol transport in the brain, and influence the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by interacting with the β-amyloid protein and brain lipoprotein receptors. Since apoE expression is highest in the brain, next only to the liver and associated with the pathogenesis of AD, we hypothesized that dietary and hormonal intervention, known to regulate hepatic apoE expression may also regulate brain apoE and thereby influence local cholesterol transport. To test this hypothesis, groups of male C57BL mice were fed either regular rodent chow or high fat (HF) and high cholesterol enriched diet for 3 weeks. In a separate study, groups of male mice were administered pharmacological doses of 17-β estradiol for 5 consecutive days and sacrificed on the 6th day. As expected, HF diet elevated liver apoE mRNA and apoE synthesis. Similar to liver, brain apoE mRNA and synthesis also increased, following HF feeding. Estradiol administration increased liver apoE synthesis without affecting apoE mRNA. Interestingly, estradiol administration also increased the brain apoE synthesis, but without altering the brain apoE mRNA. These studies suggested that dietary cholesterol and estrogen administration elevated the brain apoE by different mechanisms.

001347   Siva Raju K;Madhav M S;Sharma R K;Murthy T G K;Singh N K;Bansal K C;Koundal K R;Mohapatra T (NO, Central Tobacco Research Institute, Rajahmundry-533 105, Email: tm@nrcpb.org) : Molecular diversity in Indian tobacco types as revealed by randomly amplified DNA polymorphism. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2008, 17(1), 51-6.

During the past five decades, a large number of tobacco varieties have been developed for different end uses in India through pure line selection from local land races, mutation breeding, and hybridization involving local selections and exotic introductions followed by pedigree selection. No systematic effort has been made to understand the existing diversity pattern in these varieties, which is crucial to define future breeding strategy in this important commercial crop. We characterized 46 varieties belonging to 10 different manufacturing tobacco types cultivated under different agro-climatic conditions in India along with two wild species of Nicotians using 40 arbitrary primers in RAPD. The level of polymorphism among the varieties of N. tabacum was 59.4%, which was more than double the level observed in the other cultivated species N. rustica (25.2%). A broader range (0.64 to 0.94) of pair wise similarity measures in N. tabacum than in N. rustica (0.83 to 0.92) reflected the more diversified breeding efforts in the major cultivated species. The two wild species namely, N. glutinosa and N. gossei clustered separately from the two cultivated species. Molecular classification of the varieties corresponded largely with their manufacturing trait and parentage. RAPD markers provided sufficient resolution to distinguish among closely related tobacco types. Nine RAPD markers were found conserved across all the varieties and species. The markers found specific to the varieties can be used in correct identification of the carrier genotypes in trade and commerce. This is the first report on the molecular diversity analysis of Indian tobacco.

2 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

001346   Shinde A N;Malpathak N;Fulzele D P (Botany Dep, Univ of Pune, Pune-411 007, Email: mpathak@unipune.ernet.in) : Production of phytoestrogens by plant cell and tissue cultures: recent scenario and exciting prospects. Pharmacog Rev 2008, 2(3), 43-53.

Phytoestrogens are group of plant derived compounds structurally and functionally mimic mammalian estrogen. Phytoestrogenic isoflavones, daidzein and genistein are associated with several health promoting properties against sex hormone related ailments and cancer. They are restricted to leguminoceae family and often subjected genotype and environment dependant variation in accumulation. Plant cell cultures have higher rate of metabolism and condensed biosynthetic rate, resulted in shorter period of time required for secondary metabolite production compared to intact plants. In present review we have summarized various studies carried out for production of isoflavones by in vitro cell cultures. Additionally several product optimization strategies including manipulation of physical and chemical parameters, elicitation, permeabilization and bioreactor application for mass cultivation were discussed with respect to isoflavonoids production. Advances in functional and structural genomics has resulted in identification and cloning of relevant genes from isoflavone biosynthetic pathway and regulatory systems. Metabolic engineering has improved productivity of plant cell cultures, intact plants and resulted in fortification of isoflavones in several legumes and non leguminous plants. This review highlights recent trends and future prospects of various strategies to direct higher than average productivity of phytoestrogenic isoflavones in plant cell cultures.

3 illus, 3 tables, 177 ref

001345   Rana P;Saini N;Jain S;Jain R K (NMR Research Centre, Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110 054) : Assessment of genetic diversity among rice genotypes with different adaptations to salinity using physio-morphological and moleular markers. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2008, 17(1), 1-8.

Breeding for salt tolerance using traditional screening and selection methods have been limited by the complex and polygenic nature of salt tolerance trait. This study was designed to evaluate some of the premium Basmati rice varieties for salt tolerance and to characterize genetic diversity among the rice varieties with different adaptations to saline soils using microsatellite (SSR) and ISSR markers. Plants of nine rice varieties including salt tolerant, salt sensitive and traditional Basmati, were grown in hydroponics using Yoshida solution containing 0 (control, pH 5.0) and 30 mM NaCI (Electrical conductivity 4.8 d/S, pH 5.0) and assessed for salinity tolerance on 1-9 scale as per IRRI standard evaluation system using seedling growth parameters, visual salt injuries and Na-K ratio. Physio-morphological studies showed that traditional Basmati rice varieties (Basmati 370 and HBC19) were more sensitive than the salt sensitive control variety, MI-48. SSR as well as ISSR marker systems generated higher levels of polymorphism and could distinguish between all the 9 rice cultivars. A total of 299 (225 polymorphic) and 437 (430 polymorphic) bands were detected using 28 UBC ISSR primers and 100 well-distributed mapped SSR markers, respectively. ISSR and SSR marker data-sets showed moderate levels of positive correlation (Mantel test, r = 0.43). The ISSR and SSR marker data analyzed using clustering algorithms showed two distinct clusters separating the Basmati (Basmati 370, HBC19 and CSR-30) from other non-aromatic indica (IR36, Pokkali, CSR10 and MI-48) rice varieties indicating greater divergence between Basmati and non-aromatic indica rice genotypes. Marker analysis showed a close relationship among the two traditional (Basmati 370 and HBC19) and cross-bred (CSR30) Basmati rice varieties and greater diyersity between the two salt-tolerant genotypes, Pokkali and BR4-10.

2 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

001344   Phaninatha Sarma A;Petar P;Murthy S D S (Biochemistry Dep, S.V. Univ, Tirupati-517 502) : Spirulina as a source of single cell protein. Vegetos 2008, 21(1), 35-45.

Cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae) are the most ancient, filamentous, photosynthetic bacteria that use water as electron donor in photosynthesis giving out oxygen. There are two important species, Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis. These are multicellular organisms, which are multiplied by binary fission. Depending upon the presence of chlorophyll a, botanists included it as micro algae in the class Cyanophyceae; but depending on its structural characteristics shown as a prokaryotic bacterium considered by the bacteriologist. This is the phytoplankton having rich of biomolecules in their structure include proteins (60%-70%), carbohydrates (20%-25%), essential fatty acids (18%), vitamins, minerals and pigments like carotenoids, chlorophyll a and phycocyanin. The phycocyanin is used in food and cosmetic industries. Because of the richest source of biologically required substances Spirulina considered as an excellent food source, with lacking of toxic characters and having corrective properties against viral attacks, anemia, tumor growth and malnutrition. Usage of Spirulina as a food supplement is used before the Columbus, Mexicans (Aztecs), presently some African tribes like "Kanembu" using as main food source. According to recent research noted that Spirulina as animal food supplement implies enhancement of the yellow coloration of skin and egg yolk in poultry and flamingos, growth acceleration, sexual maturation and increase of fertility in cattle. Present studies indicated that cyanobacteria having some AIDS-antiviral sulpholipids, are much useful against HIV.

3 tables, 72 ref

001343   Patel R K;Singh K M;Soni K J;Chauhan J B; Sambasiva Rao K R S (R & D-Biotechnology, National Dairy Development Board, Anand-388 001, Email: rkpatel146@yahoo.com) : Screening of dairy bulls for weaver syndrome in India. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2008, 2(1), 192-7.

Progressive Degenerative Myelo Encepha-lopathy (PDME) or the Weaver's Syndrome is an autosomal recessively inherited neurological disease mainly found in Brown Swiss breed. Attempt was made to find out the prevalence of different alleles of the microsatellite marker, TGLA116 in exotic, indigenous and their crossbred cattle and different breeds of buffalo population in India. Blood samples were collected from a panel of 214 cattle and 86 buffalo of different breeds belonging to various sperm stations across the country for Genomic DNA extraction. The PCR amplified products generated with TGLA 116 primers were used for microsatellite analysis using sequencing polyacrylamide gel (PAGE). Homozygous and heterozygous alleles were observed in polyacrylamide gel, occasionally along with higher molecular weight non-specific amplificons. Alleles were sized by using a 25bp DNA hyper ladder, 82 bp-digested product of Citrullinaemia and INCHWORM programme. The homozygous and heterozygous alleles of various sizes observed in different breeds of cattle and buffaloes ranged from 76 to 87 bp and 76 to 91 bp respectively. Out of 300 animals screened, 4 HF, 4 Gir cattle and one Murrah buffalo exhibited homozygous allele of 83 bp that could be related to weaver disease. But none of these adult cattle and buffalo bulls showed any symptoms of the weaver disease, indicating that presence of 83 bp homozygous allele is not related to the disease. One of the heterozygous alleles with 83 bp was also observed in 20 cattle breeds and 1 buffalo. However it is difficult to call them carriers, as 83 bp homozygous alleles could not show the symptoms of the disease in 8 cattle and 1 buffalo were phenotypically normal even after attaining the age of puberty. In view of the above the laboratory has discontinued screening dairy bulls for weaver syndrome.

1 illus, 11 ref

001342   Oktem H A;Eyidooan F;Demirba D;Bayrac A T;Oz M T;Ozgur E;Selcuk F;Yucel M (Biological Sciences Dep, Middle East Technical Univ, Ankara 06531, Turkey, Email: haoktem@metu.edu.tr) : Antioxidant responses of lentil to cold and drought stress. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2008, 17(1), 15-21.

Effect of cold and drought stress on antioxidant responses and growth parameters in shoots and roots of lentil (Lens culinaris M cv Sultan 1) seedlings were investigated. Ten-day-old hydroponically grown seedlings were subjected to drought and cold (4°C) stress for 5 days. The length and fresh weight of shoots decreased significantly under both stress conditions, contrary to the increase in these growth parameters for roots under the same conditions. The oxidative damage as generation of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide, was markedly higher in shoots under cold. Both stress conditions caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde levels in root tissues. The increase in proline levels was more pronounced under cold stress in shoots and roots. The tested stress conditions had no significant effect on chlorophyll contents. Superoxide dismutase activity was differentially altered in shoot and root tissues under drought and cold stress. The catalase activity was higher in roots under drought stress. On the other hand, ascorbate peroxidase activity increased in root tissues under cold stress. The results indicate that improved tolerance to cold and drought stress in root and shoot tissues of lentil might be correlated to the increased capacity of antioxidative defense system.

1 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

001341   Naidu R B;Saisubramanian N;Selvakumar D; Janardhanan S;Puvanakrishnan R (Biotechnology Dep, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai-600 020, Email: puvanakrishnan@yahoo.com) : Partial purification of tannase from Aspergillus foetidus by aqueous two phase extraction and its characterization. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2008, 2(1), 201-7.

Tannase, produced by the fungal strain Aspergillus foetidus MTCC 6322 by submerged culture fermentation, was partially purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation and aqueous two phase extraction (ATPE). ATPE was found to be a better purification strategy and it resulted in a purification fold of 2.70 and yield of 82.0%. A concentration of 25% polyethylene glycol (Molecular weight, 6000) was found to be optimal for extraction of tannase by ATPE. This extracellular tannase exhibited good pH, salts, surfactants, commercial detergents and thermal stability, indicating its suitability for commercial utilization. Application studies showed that this fungal tannase had good potential for use in the hydrolysis of tannic acid.

5 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

001340   Mir J I;Karmakar P G;Chattopadhyay S; Chaudhury S K;Ghosh S K;Roy A (Plant Virus Laboratory and Biotechnology Unit, Crop Protection Div, Central Reasearch Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 120, Email: anirbanroy75@yahoo.com) : SSR and RAPD profile based grouping of selected Jute germplasm with respect to fibre fineness trait. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2008, 17(1), 29-35.

With an aim to develop mapping population on fibre fineness trait, grouping of 16 selected jute accessions, eight each from Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis which showed promising agronomic characteristics, was carried out using fibre fineness data and DNA fingerprinting using SSR and RAPD primers. Based on fibre fineness trait two subgroups depicting the fine and coarse fibre yielding accessions were obtained in each species. A total of 26 RAPD primers and 22 pairs of SSR primers yielded 277 and 41 scorable bands, respectively. High level of polymorphism was detected between fine and coarse fibre yielding jute accessions. Dendrogram showed that all the accessions formed two main clusters between C. olitorius and C. capsularis and each main cluster subdivided in two clusters containing fine and coarse fibre jute accessions. RAPD and SSR marker data-sets showed high levels of positive correlation (Mantel test, r = 0.97). Grouping of jute accessions based on morphological and molecular data was highly correlated. This study will be useful in future jute breeding programs.

1 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

001339   Mangrauthia S K;Choudhary N;Tyagi A (Biochemistry Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012) : Cloning and characterization of drought responsive partial gene sequence(s) from Oryza sativa L. subsp. Indica. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2008, 45(6), 387-92.

Differential display gels were run for the drought tolerant (N-22) and drought susceptible (Panidhan) genotypes of rice (Oryza sativa) to identify the genes showing differential expression with respect to moisture stress. Differential cDNA products were cloned in PCR-Trap vector and analyzed for differential expression by Northern hybridization. Two clones namely R4A and R7G were found to be associated with water deficit stress (WDS). Sequencing revealed an insert of 244 bp in the clone R4A. BLASTN and FASTA results showed that R4A had maximum homology with a full-length cDNA clone: 002-110-H10 and OSJNBa006109.12 protein. GO classification suggested that it had <98>>-glucosidase motif which had been implicated in ABA mobilization and thereby ABA dependent gene expression.

001338   Kukreti P;Singh J (NO, Saradar Bhagwan Singh Post Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences &, Balawala, Dehradun, Uttaranchal-248 161) : Cow urine: ancient concept in modern agri-biotechnology. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 587-90.

Use of cow urine is known for a long time in India. Gau-mutra (cow's urine) has therapeutic values and he fact was mentioned in Sushrita samhita and Ashtanga Sangraha. This review article has been synthesized in modern context at a time while claims of intellectual property right (IPR) for agricultural products and rejectaments are being made all over the world. Cow urine has been proved efficient in organic farming and the effect of Cow urine based biomanures and biopesticides in agri-biotechnology has been discussed in length.

1 illus, 16 ref

001337   Khayum Ahammed S;Aggarwal R;Kapoor H C (Regional Agricultural Research Station (APAU), Palem, Mahaboobnagar Dist., Andhra Pradesh, Email: rashmiiari@yahoo.com) : Production, partial purification and characterization of extracellur xylanase from Chaetomium globosum. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2008, 17(1), 95-8.

Culture conditions for efficient production of extracellular xylanase by fungus, Chaetomium globosum isolate Cg2, have been standardized. Further, xylanase has been partially purified and characterized. Xylanase activity was maximum after 9 days of incubation when amended in medium with 1.5 % xylan as carbon source and 0.6% NH₂H₂PO₄ as nitrogen source. Partial purification of the xylanase was accomplished by ammonium sulphate precipitation, followed by further purification by anion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column. The partially purified enzyme was electrophoresed on SDS-PAGE and a single band produced corresponded to molecular weight, 32 kD. The optimum temperature and pH for maximum activity of purified xylanase were 30°C and 5.5, respectively. Both the purified xylanase and culture filtrate have shown the antifungal activity against Bipolaris sorokiniana, a causal organism of spot blotch of wheat. Purified xylanase at 100 (μg m^-1 concentration caused 100 per cent inhibition of conidia germination of B. sorokiniana, whereas the culture filtrate was able to inhibit germination up to 67.5 per cent.

1 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

001336   Karthikeyan K;Chandran C;Kulothungan S (Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory. PG and Research Dept of Botany and, A V V M Sri Pushpam College, Poondi-613 503, Email: karthikeyan19802001@yahoo.com) : Rapid regeneration of Phyllanthus niruri L. from shoot tip and nodal explants. Indian J appl pure Biol 2007, 22(2), 337-42.

A high frequency and rapid regeneration protocol was developed from shoot tip and nodal explants of Phyllanthus niruri L. on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzyl aminopurine (BAP; 1 mg/l). The highest number of shoots (28.6) was obtained on medium containing BAP. In vitro shoots were then excised from shoot clumps and transferred to rooting medium containing naphthalene acetic acid (NAA; 1 mg/l). The rooted plantlets were hardened on MS basal liquid medium and subsequently in paper cups containing sterile soil and vermiculite (1:1). Plantlets, thus, developed were successfully established and finally transferred to a green house. The plantlents showed high survival rate (90%) in the soil.

2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

001335   Jeya K R;Veerupagu M (Biotechnology Dep, Shri Sakthikailassh Women's College, Salem-636 003) : Antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants against Listeria monocytogenes. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 381-3.

Outbreaks of food borne listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes leads to sepsis and meningitis in neonates and immunocompromised patients to a non specific febrile illness in pregnant women (Michaux et. al., 1975). Transplacental infection occurs often premature labor, septic abortion and neonatal listeriosis. In the investigation aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica, Adhetoda vasica and Euphorbia heterophylla were tested against L. monocytogenes. Among the three different medicinal plants tested Azfldirachta indica inhibit L. monocylogenes at different concentrations.

3 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

001334   Ellouze O;Fattouch S;Mestiri F;Aniba M R; Marzouki M N (Biological Engineering Unit, National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (I.N.S.A.T.), BP 676,1080 Tunis Cedex, Tunisia) : Optimization of extracellular xylanase production by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum S2 using factorial design. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2008, 45(6), 404-9.

The improvement of xylanase production by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum S2 using a liquid fermentation culture was investigated. The optimized process was divided into three basic steps: (i) evaluating xylanase inducers using different agricultural residues such as wheat bran, oat bran, orange peel and barley bran at 1% final concentration, and also filter paper. Among these, wheat bran showed the maximum activity (2.5 U/ml) at 12 days post-inoculation; (ii) for optimization, we determined the optimal concentration of inducer, the effect of phosphate anion (K₂HPO₄/KH₂PO₄) and culture aeration using a rotary shaker at 100 and 180 rpm. The optimal conditions for these three factors were determined in an experimental panel using factorial data, in which a mathematical model (Minitab software) was fitted; (iii) The optimized culture medium containing a high level of wheat bran (3%) without K₂HPO₄/KH₂PO₄ and submitted to a high agitation (180 rpm/min) increased the xylanase production from 2.5 U/ml to 4 U/ml (1.6-fold).