NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJBT Vol.10(1) [January 2011]

Low copy number DNA typing of touched evidence by miniSTRs—A case study

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Low copy number DNA typing of touched evidence by miniSTRs—A case study

Authors: Aditya, Sangeeta; Kalpana, D; Bhattacherjee, Sumita; Sharma, A K

Abstract: Low copy number (LCN) DNA typing is an improvised technique to obtain genetic profile from sub-optimal quantity of DNA recovered from the biological evidence samples. Minute quantity of DNA available from the touched materials sometimes fail to generate DNA profile employing conventional STR multiplexes. STRs with reduced amplicon size are a better tool for generating profile from the samples with sub-optimal quantity of DNA or environmentally challenged. In the present case study, DNA profiling of touched evidence materials is reported employing a combination of LCN typing and miniSTRs. The technology is highly valuable for increasing the scope of DNA profiling to a large number of touched evidence materials.

Page(s): 147-149

Qualitative detection of GM maize (Bt11) in food and feed sold commercially in Turkey by PCR based methods

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Qualitative detection of GM maize (Bt11) in food and feed sold commercially in Turkey by PCR based methods

Authors: Gürakan, Güzin Candan; Aydin, Gamze; Yilmaz, and Remziye

Abstract: To regulate the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in crops, foods and food ingredients, the development of reliable and sensitive methods for their detection is necessary. In the present study, products derived from GM maize in the Turkish market were monitored using methods to detect the presence of CaMV 35S promoter, nos terminator and Bt11 maize. The results demonstrated, for the first time, the presence of GM maize in Turkish food and feed products qualitatively.

Page(s): 143-146

Assessment of genetic variation in closely related seahorse species (Genus: Hippocampus) using mtDNA marker

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Assessment of genetic variation in closely related seahorse species (Genus: Hippocampus) using mtDNA marker

Authors: Thangaraj, M; Lipton, A P

Abstract: Phylogenetic relationships among two species of seahorses (Hippocampus kuda & H. trimaculatus) and one species of pipe fish (Syngnathoides biaculeatus) from Gulf of Mannar were analysed using cytochrome b gene (cyt b) sequence data (Acc. No. EF 189158 & EF 189167). The genetic distance value between H. kuda and H. trimaculatus was found to be 0.155; while between H. kuda and S. biaculeatus, it was 0.256, and between H. trimaculatus and S. biaculeatus, 0.290. The percentage of identical pairs between H. kuda and H. trimaculatus was 85.90, and between H. kuda and S. biaculeatus, 79.19. The percentage of transition and transversion between two seahorse species (H. kuda & H. trimaculatus) was lesser than between seahorse and pipe fish (S. biaculeatus). The results suggested that further phylogenetic studies are required to determine the genetic relationship in all Indian seahorse species.

Page(s): 140-142

Specific and non-specific responses of Hyacinth bean (Dolichos lablab) to drought stress

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Specific and non-specific responses of Hyacinth bean (Dolichos lablab) to drought stress

Authors: D’souza, Myrene R; Devaraj, V R

Abstract: Drought and salinity stress are the major causes of historic and modern agricultural productivity losses throughout the world. The availability of irrigation water is a challenge for many countries that have scarce water resources, yet are highly dependent on agriculture as a means of revenue. Effect of drought on Hyacinth bean, Dolichos lablab (HA-4 cultivar) was evaluated in 10-d-old seedlings for 8 d after withholding water. The stress reduced dry and fresh weight, leaf number, surface area, root and shoot length, total chlorophyll and relative water content. Oxidative stress markers, H₂O₂, glutathione, malondialdehyde, proline, ascorbic acid, total phenols, and total soluble sugars were significantly elevated. Drought enhanced antioxidant enzymes, peroxidase and glutathione reductase, and reduced catalase in a time dependent manner in the leaves. POX and CAT in roots showed inverse relationship with the duration of stress, whereas GR exhibited increased activity. The metabolic activitiy of enzymes, β-amylase and acid phosphatase, increased temporally in leaves and roots. Intensity of isozymes correlated with in vitro levels under stress. The plant showed ability to rehydrate and grow upon re-watering, and levels of antioxidant components correlated with drought tolerance of the plant

Page(s): 130-139