Quinones as plant growth regulators

The effects of benzoquinone, naphthaquinone and anthraquinone on the growth of tomato callus, whole plants of tomato and on rooting of mungbean cuttings were studied. Naphthaquinone effects on some oxidases and on the isozyme patterns of peroxidases in all the three systems were also observed. Quinones increased callus growth, the number of roots initiated in mungbean cuttings and the growth of tomato plants, significant increases being obtained with 10^–5 M naphthaquinone. Naththaquinone also decreased the activities of IAA oxidase, ascorbic acid oxidase and polyphenol oxidase, and led to the disappearance of one of the isozyme of peroxidase in all systems.     

Molecular analysis of gut microbiota in obesity among Indian individuals

Obesity is a consequence of a complex interplay between the host genome and the prevalent obesogenic factors among the modern communities. The role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of the disorder was recently discovered; however, 16S-rRNA-based surveys revealed compelling but community-specific data. Considering this, despite unique diets, dietary habits and an uprising trend in obesity, the Indian counterparts are poorly studied. Here, we report a comparative analysis and quantification of dominant gut microbiota of lean, normal, obese and surgically treated obese individuals of Indian origin. Representative gut microbial diversity was assessed by sequencing fecal 16S rRNA libraries for each group (n=5) with a total of over 3000 sequences. We detected no evident trend in the distribution of the predominant bacterial phyla, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. At the genus level, the bacteria of genus Bacteroides were prominent among the obese individuals, which was further confirmed by qPCR (P less than 0.05). In addition, a remarkably high archaeal density with elevated fecal SCFA levels was also noted in the obese group. On the contrary, the treated-obese individuals exhibited comparatively reduced Bacteroides and archaeal counts along with reduced fecal SCFAs. In conclusion, the study successfully identified a representative microbial diversity in the Indian subjects and demonstrated the prominence of certain bacterial groups in obese individuals; nevertheless, further studies are essential to understand their role in obesity.     

Analysis of diversity amongst widely distributed and endemic Atalantia (family Rutaceae) species from Western Ghats of India

The genus Atalantia Correa is represented in India with four species and two varieties. The infra — generic classification and the species limits in Atalantia are, however, not well defined, due to the occurrence of intermediate forms. Two species, A. racemosa Wight and A. monophylla (L.) DC., are widely distributed, while the third species, A. wightii Tanaka is endemic in the Western Ghats, a well-known biodiversity hotspot. PCR-based methods have been commonly used for the assessment of genetic diversity in plants. We report for the first time the genetic diversity within and between populations of the above three species using two Single Primer Amplification Reaction (SPAR) methods. AMOVA analysis clearly indicates the lesser diversity among the species than within them. The UPGMA tree included all of the doubtful species in one single sub-cluster within the major cluster of A. racemosa and A. wightii, suggesting that these are probably hybrids derived from these two species. At the population level, all A. monophylla populations grouped together in a cluster that was clearly separated from all other species and populations.Key words: AMOVA, Atalantia, diversity, PCA, Rutaceae, SPAR methods, Western Ghats     

Coordinating proliferation and tissue specification to promote regional identity in the Drosophila head

The Decapentaplegic and Notch signaling pathways are thought to direct regional specification in the Drosophila eye-antennal epithelium by controlling the expression of selector genes for the eye (Eyeless/Pax6, Eyes absent) and/or antenna (Distal-less). Here, we investigate the function of these signaling pathways in this process. We find that organ primordia formation is indeed controlled at the level of Decapentaplegic expression but critical steps in regional specification occur earlier than previously proposed. Contrary to previous findings, Notch does not specify eye field identity by promoting Eyeless expression but it influences eye primordium formation through its control of proliferation. Our analysis of Notch function reveals an important connection between proliferation, field size, and regional specification. We propose that field size modulates the interaction between the Decapentaplegic and Wingless pathways, thereby linking proliferation and patterning in eye primordium development.     

Rapid population declines of Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) in India

Since the early 1990s, large and rapid population declines of three species of vulture ( Gyps spp.) endemic to south Asia have occurred on the Indian subcontinent and have led to these species being listed by IUCN as critically endangered. Evidence of rates of population decline, cause of death and toxicity is consistent with these declines being caused by poisoning of vultures through the ingestion of tissues from livestock treated with the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac. In this paper, analysis of repeated surveys in and near protected areas widely spread across India shows that populations of two other vulture species, Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus and red-headed vulture Sarcogyps calvus , have also declined markedly and rapidly, but probably with a later onset than Gyps vultures in the same region. The declines continued at least up to 2003. It is recommended that these two species are considered for inclusion in the IUCN Red List and for urgent remedial conservation measures. Research is needed to determine whether or not the principal cause of these declines is diclofenac poisoning and to establish population trends in other scavenging birds in the Indian subcontinent.     

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Saccharum officinarum L. (sugarcane) during its growth for sucrose content

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was employed to monitor changes in image intensities in stems of sugarcane which reflect on the increase in sucrose concentration. Contrast in images originates in the increase of sucrose concentration in the aqueous phase of the predominant parenchyma cells and physiological changes. In matured stems mixed MR intensity patterns were observed in transverse planes. We associate this due to the reflection of vascular bundles in ground parenchyma cells which constitute 80% sucrose storage.