Genetic transformation of flax (Linum usitatissimum) by Agrobacterium tumefaciens: regeneration of transformed shoots via a callus phase

Genetic transformation of flax (Linum usitatissimum) has been achieved using an A. tumefaciens strain carrying a non-oncogenic Ti plasmid-derived vector containing a chimaeric npt-II gene and a wild type nopaline synthase gene. Fertile, transformed shoots were most easily obtained from Km^r callus developing on hypocotyl sections. The totipotency of the Km^r callus was dependent upon its origin. T-DNA was visualised by Southern blotting in all Km^r tissues. Efficient expression of nopaline synthase and the chimaeric npt-II gene was found in transformed Km^r callus and regenerated shoots.Abbreviations npt-II neomycin phosphotransferase II gene - NPT-II neomycin phosphotransferase II - nos nopaline synthase gene promoter - Km^r kanamycin resistant - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid - MSD4×2 medium D4×2 based on Murashige & Skoog medium (see Scott & Draper, 1987)     

Relative Embryo Growth Rates in the Annual Cicer L. Species

Early embryo growth rates were studied in the nine annual speciesof Cicer L., namely, C. arietinum L., C. bijugum Rech., C. chorassanicum(Bge.) M. Pop., C. cuneatum Rich., C. echinospermum Dav., C.judaicum Boiss, C. pinnatifidum J. and S., C. reticulatum Lad.and C. yamashitae Kit. The number of embryo cells increasedexponentially with time and was log linear in all the species.Species differed in their mean cell doubling time (MCDT). Cicerechinospermum and C. yamashitae had, respectively, the longestand the shortest MCDT which ranged from 9.67 to 16.15 h forthe nine species. Failure of successful interspecific hybridizationbetween C. arietinum and the wild annual species was only partlyexplained by differences in MCDT of the parental species. Relativegenetic closeness still plays the major role in determiningsuccess of interspecific hybridization in Cicer. Chickpea, Cicer, embryo, interspecific hybridization, suspensor     

Selection of buffalo bulls: Sexual behavior and its relationship to semen production and fertility

Forty-four buffalo bulls, used for artificial insemination, were studied to develop libido, mating ability and sexual behavior indices for selection purposes. For each index, 5 categories (i.e., excellent, very good, good, fair and poor) were established. The sexual behavior index was found to be more reliable than the libido and mating ability indices. Buffalo bulls in good to excellent categories were considered acceptable sires.

Reaction time, sexual aggressiveness, and scores of libido, mating ability and sexual behavior differed significantly among the various categories of the 3 indices. Libido significantly correlated with mating ability (r=0.89; P<0.001). Sexual behavior expressed significant relationship with age (r=0.41; P<0.01) and body weight (r=0.48; P<0.01), but was nonsignificant with the scrotal circumference (r=0.28; P>0.05) of buffalo bulls. However, these relationships were absent (P>0.05) in the acceptable sires. Semen production was correlated with sexual behavior in only the fair and poor categories of buffalo bulls (r=0.84; P<0.005). Sexual behavior had no relationship with the fertility rate of buffalo bulls (r=0.44; P>0.05). It is concluded that the sexual behavior index can be used successfully for the selection of buffalo bulls. Excellent- to good bulls should be used in an artificial breeding program if they qualify in the other selection indices.     

Size-hierarchy in a year-class and "condition" of common minnow Esomus danricus (Ham.) in relation to various ecological factors operating in the pond environment

Investigations were made on the existence of size-hierarchy in specimens of Esomus danricus (Ham.) belonging to the same year-class, and the variations in condition factor of the different size-groups. Divergence in the growth rates of individual fish resulted in the development of size-hierarchy in the population. Marked changes seemed to occur in condition factor of the different size-groups. A multitude of factors operating simultaneously in the pond environment appeared to govern the condition factor of fish.     

Synthesis,In Vitro,and In Silico Studies of N-(Substituted-Phenyl)-3-(4-Phenyl-1-Piperazinyl)propanamides as Potent Alkaline Phosphatase Inhibitors

Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry - In the present research work, a new series of N-(substituted-phenyl)-3-(4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl)propanamides were synthesized. The synthesis was initiated...     

Toxicity of cypermethrin: hsp70 as a biomarker of response in transgenic Drosophila

Heat shock protein induction is often associated with a cellular response to a harmful environment or to adverse life conditions. The main aims of our study were (1) to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of cypermethrin; and (2) to investigate the suitability of stress-induced heat shock protein Hsp70 as a biomarker for environmental pollutants in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (Hsp70-lacZ)Bg⁹. Different concentrations of cypermethrin (0.002, 0.2, 0.5 and 50.0 p.p.m.) were mixed with food. Third instar larvae of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster were allowed to feed on these mixtures for different time intervals (2, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48h). Following feeding, hsp70 induction and tissue damage were evaluated. In the highest concentration treatment group (50 p.p.m.), 100% larval mortality was recorded after 12 h exposure. Hsp70 was found to be induced even at the lowest concentration (0.002 p.p.m.) of the insecticide, while tissue damage was observed in the larvae exposed for 48 h. While an insignificant decline in hsp70 expression was observed in the larvae exposed to cypermethrin at a dietary concentration of 0.002 p.p.m. after 48 h compared with those exposed for 24 h, in the next two higher concentrations of the toxicant, a similar but significant decline in hsp70 expression was evident in the exposed larvae after 48 h. The present study reveals the cytotoxic potential of cypermethrin and further proposes that hsp70 induction in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster could be used as a sensitive biomarker in risk assessment.