Transduction and Genetic Homology Between Pseudomonas Species putida and aeruginosa

Genetic crosses occur by transduction between the species Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. putida. The frequency relative to intraspecific transfer is reduced and varies among markers, suggesting that these genomes contain discrete regions of homology and nonhomology.     

Response of lentil to VA Mycorrhizal inoculation and plant available P levels of unsterile soils

Summary Responses of lentil in unsterile soils at low, medium and high levels of plant available soil P toGlomus fasciculatum inoculation were evaluated. It was observed that growth, dry matter accumulation, nodulation, and nitrogen fixation were considerably improved in VAM inoculated plants over uninoculated control at low and medium levels of plant available soil P.     

Molecular basis of biodegradation of chloroaromatic compounds

Chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons are widely used in industry and agriculture, and comprise the bulk of environmental pollutants. Although simple aromatic compounds are biodegradable by a variety of degradative pathways, their halogenated counterparts are more resistant to bacterial attack and often necessitate evolution of novel pathways. An understanding of such evolutionary processes is essential for developing genetically improved strains capable of mineralizing highly chlorinated compounds. This article provides an overview of the genetic aspects of dissimilation of chloroaromatic compounds and discusses the potential of gene manipulation to promote enhanced evolution of the degradative pathways.     

In vitro regeneration of plants from hypocotyl segments of Amaranthus paniculatus

Hypocotyl segments, 5 to 8 mm length from 4 to 7 day old seedlings, callused on B₅ medium supplemented with Kn (0.5 ppm) and NAA (0.1 ppm). Even without transfer, shoots were formed in such cultures. About 20% of the cultures produced multiple shoots. In medium with 1 ppm each of Kn and NAA direct shoots were formed at one end of the hypocotyl segment and callusing was initiated at the other end. The plants obtained in either medium formed roots and could be transferred to soil for further growth.Abbreviations BA benzyladenine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid - GA₃ gibberellic acid - Kn Kinetin - NAA naphthalene acetic acid     

Techniques in molecular biology

Book Review

Techniques in molecular biologyJ.M. Walker and W. Gaastra (Eds.), vol. 2. London: Croom Helm, 1987. iv + 332 pages. £14.95. ISBN 0-7099-3673-7