Clonal propagation ofBougainvillea glabra ‘Magnifica’ through shoot apex culture

Shoot apices ofBougainvillea glabra ‘Magnifica’ were induced to regenerate an average of ten shoots from their bases in response to BAP (0.5 mg/l) plus IAA (1.5 mg/l). All the isolated shoots from such cultures were rooted in a medium containing 0.1 mg/l each of IBA and 2,4,5-T and lacking BAP. Plantlets were then successfully grown in potted soil where they flowered normally. NBRI, research publication no. 32/80.     

A versatile tool in controlling aggregation and Ag nanoparticles assisted in vitro folding of thermally denatured zDHFR

BackgroundProteins have tendency to form inactive aggregates at higher temperatures due to thermal instability. Maintenance of thermal stability is essential to gain the protein in sufficient quantity and biologically active form during their commercial production.MethodsBL21-DE3 Rosetta E. coli cells which contains plasmid pET43.1a vector was used for producing zDHFR protein commercially. The purification of N-terminal Histidine tagged zDHFR was performed by Immobilized Metal Ion chromatography (IMAC). Investigations were performed in existence and non existence of Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The inactivation kinetics of zDHFR in existence and non existence of AgNPs were monitored over a range of 40–80 °C as monitored by UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy.ResultsThe protein completely lost its activity at 55 °C. Kinetics of inactivated zDHFR follows first order model in presence and absence of AgNPs. Decrease in rate constant (k) values at respective temperatures depicts that AgNPs contribute in the thermostability of the protein. AgNPs also assists in regaining the activity of zDHFR protein.ConclusionsAgNPs helps in maintaining thermostability and reducing the aggregation propensity of zDHFR protein.General significanceResult explains that AgNPs are recommended as a valuable system in enhancing the industrial production of biologically active zDHFR protein which is an important component in folate cycle and essential for survival of cells and prevents the protein from being aggregated.     

The influence of cumin seed exudates on fungal spore germination

Summary Effect of cumin seed exudates on spore germination of Curvularia lunata, Alternaria solani and Colletotrichum capsici was studied in the laboratory. Three-hour exudate obtained for first 3-hour favoured initial protrusion but inhibited subsequent growth of the germ tubes. Two-hour exudate obtained between 5 and 7 hours after soaking was suggested to have no effect on initial protrusion but was found to have promotive effect on subsequent growth of germ tube. Short treatment with inhibitor for 45 minutes followed by a treatment with promotor ensured high germination and uniform germ tube growth. Modifying effects on the spermatosphere and adaptive significance of sequential exudation are discussed. re]19730125     

The Ess1 prolyl isomerase is required for growth and morphogenetic switching in Candida albicans.

Prolyl-isomerases (PPIases) are found in all organisms and are important for the folding and activity of many proteins. Of the 13 PPIases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae only Ess1, a parvulin-class PPIase, is essential for growth. Ess1 is required to complete mitosis, and Ess1 and its mammalian homolog, Pin1, interact directly with RNA polymerase II. Here, we isolate the ESS1 gene from the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans and show that it is functionally homologous to the S. cerevisiae ESS1. We generate conditional-lethal (ts) alleles of C. albicans ESS1 and use these mutations to demonstrate that ESS1 is essential for growth in C. albicans. We also show that reducing the dosage or activity of ESS1 blocks morphogenetic switching from the yeast to the hyphal and pseudohyphal forms under certain conditions. Analysis of double mutants of ESS1 and TUP1 or CPH1, two genes known to be involved in morphogenetic switching, suggests that ESS1 functions in the same pathway as CPH1 and upstream of or in parallel to TUP1. Given that switching is important for virulence of C. albicans, inhibitors of Ess1 might be useful as antifungal agents.