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BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES:INNOVATIONS & DYNAMICS

Rajeshwar P. Sinha, Richa, Rajesh Prasad Rastogi
  • Country of Origin:

  • Imprint:

    NIPA

  • eISBN:

    9789389547412

  • Binding:

    EBook

  • Number Of Pages:

    334

  • Language:

    English

Individual Price: 3,950.00 INR 3,555.00 INR + Tax

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The objective of this book is to provide state-of-the-art knowledge, and highlight the current developments taking place in biological sciences. The book encompasses topics on prokaryotic cyanobacteria to higher plants, distributed in fourteen s for the benefit of graduate and post-graduate students as well as young researchers and scientists. Subjects covered include molecular and biochemical diversity of microbes, stress biology, cyanotoxins, antimicrobial activity of drugs originated from plants, natural bioactive compounds of microbial origin, detection approaches for genetically modified crops, genomics and proteomics. The book provides an insight for future perspectives in particular field with extensive bibliographies at the end of each . With all these, this book becomes highly useful and must-read for students, researchers and professionals in botany, biotechnology, bioinformatics, environmental sciences, agriculture, molecular biology and other streams of biological sciences.

0 Start Pages

Preface   Biological science is concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, taxonomy and metabolism. All living organisms undergo metabolism, maintain homeostasis, have capacity to grow, respond to stimuli, communicate through various means, reproduce and adapt to their environment through natural selection. The organisms that photosynthesize are the primary producers and represent the life support system from aesthetics to food to medicine. As a result, they are in the center of the attraction of man from the very beginning. The book encompasses topics on molecular biology, biotechnology, microbiology, stress biology, genomics and proteomics of lower to higher organisms. Continual advancements in technology, instrumentation and knowledge base has led to the emergence of new disciplines with narrow specialization. The requirement of food, medicines, natural products, quest to resolve and develop better understanding of life and other biological processes, need to conserve genes, plants and ecosystem, and the apprehension of land, water and environment have led to the strengthening of traditional disciplines as well as emergence of diverse disciplines such as stress biology, molecular biology, biotechnology and bioinformatics. Contributions in this book impart the state-of-the-art knowledge and the changing trends in the approach of biological sciences. In addition, this book provides newer techniques and use of these tools in achieving the potential of biotechnology to understand some of the basic problems in biological sciences. We have great pleasure in bringing forward this book, and express our sincere gratitude to all the contributors. Finally, it is a profound pleasure to thank the staff of New India Publishing Agency (NIPA), New Delhi, India, for taking up the publication of this book.

 
1 Exploring the Morpho-taxonomic, Biochemical and Molecular Diversity in the Genus Anabaena
Vishal Gupta, Saswati Nayak and Radha Prasanna

Abstract Cyanobacteria have gained a lot of attention in recent years because of their novel applications in biotechnology, besides their well recognized role as inoculants for rice crop. They represent favourite model organisms for a deeper understanding of several plant and microbial metabolic processes and efficient systems for the production of recombinant compounds of pharmaceutical and commercial value. They have been identified as a rich source of biologically active compounds with antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities, which illustrate their potential as biocontrol agents. The genus Anabaena assumes significance not only as a diazotroph, but also as a rich source of pharmacologically active and structurally interesting secondary metabolites with diverse applications in agriculture and industry. The present compilation aims to present an overview of the literature available globally, and studies undertaken in India illustrating the diversity and potential of Anabaena strains, besides their significance in biology and evolution.

1 - 34 (34 Pages)
INR283.00 INR255.00 + Tax
 
2 Long-term Stability of Mycosporine-like Amino Acid-producing Cyanobacteria Isolated in Syria
Jaoudat Faddoul, Shailendra P. Singh, Azizullah Azizullah, Adeel Nasir, Roland Richter, Peter R. Richter, Donat-P. Häder and Michael Lebert

Abstract Twelve different cyanobacteria strains from different locations in Syria were collected and analyzed. They were identified as strains from Anabaena, Nostoc, Phormidium and Chroococcus. All strains produce mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) as UV-screens upon UV-radiation. Composition of the MAAs and amount of UV-induced MAA production differ between the strains. In order to evaluate the long-term stability of completely encapsulated cyanobacteria aliquots were transferred into hermetically closed vessels. The survival was non-invasively determined by means of pulse-amplitude modulated fluorescence and by delayed fluorescence detection. It was found that 4 strains (one Chroococcus, two Anabaena and one Nostoc species) show photosynthetic performance after 4 years of encapsulation. In addition, many cyanobacteria are desiccation tolerant and are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen. They may play an important role in biological life support systems e.g. in space research.

35 - 46 (12 Pages)
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3 Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Applications in Algal Biochemistry
Olimpio Montero and Marta Velasco

Abstract Present implementation of mass spectrometers has allowed developing new approaches in algal research. Soft ionization techniques like atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), electrospray ionization (ESI), and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) extend the analytical possibilities of mass spectrometry (MS) beyond classical fatty acid analysis by gas chromatography (GC) with electron impact ionization (EI). New MS-based analytical methods have been developed over the last two decades for algal molecule research including membrane lipids, carotenoids, mycosporine-like amino acids and peptides.   MS-based Metabololomics approaches have also been used to gain insights into algal biochemistry and physiology. This review aims at highlighting the achievements in algal research gained by using these recent research tools and their future prospects.

47 - 78 (32 Pages)
INR283.00 INR255.00 + Tax
 
4 UV-induced Oxidative Stress in Cyanobacteria
Rajesh P. Rastogi, Rajeshwar P. Sinha and Aran Incharoensakdi

Abstract Being an obligate photoautotroph, cyanobacteria must cope with a wide range of fluctuating environmental factors, including high light and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that may lead to oxidative stress by upsetting the cellular redox status. Photo-induced oxidative stress by means of oxidizing agent such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) may damage several biological processes. In response to several adverse effects of solar UVR, cyanobacteria have developed different strategies such as heat dissipation mechanisms, synthesis of UV- absorbing/screening compounds and antioxidant systems to overcome the detrimental effects of intracellular oxidant molecules. This review deals with UV-induced oxidative stress and their counteracting mechanisms operating in cyanobacteria.

79 - 104 (26 Pages)
INR283.00 INR255.00 + Tax
 
5 UV-absorbing Compounds in Cyanobacteria
Richa, Minu Kesheri, Vinod K. Kannaujiya and Rajeshwar P. Sinha

Abstract The substantial loss in the shielding ozone layer has resulted in an increase in the solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the Earth’s surface, which is detrimental for all living organisms ranging from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, including humans. This has augmented the scientific concern and interest in searching for the photoprotective compounds from diverse organisms. Cyanobacteria, the primitive O2-evolving photosynthetic prokaryotes are solely dependent upon the solar radiation for their energy requirement and thereby have to always face the UV-B stress. UVR affects cyanobacteria either directly or indirectly by inducing oxidative stress. In response, they have evolved the capacity to synthesize, accumulate and metabolize a variety of UV-absorbing compounds such as, mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), scytonemin, carotenoids, biopterin glucoside, as a strategy to reduce the direct and indirect damaging effects of UVR.

105 - 140 (36 Pages)
INR283.00 INR255.00 + Tax
 
6 Genomics and Structural Analysis of Cyanobacterial Phycobiliproteins
Vinod K. Kannaujiya, Richa and Rajeshwar P. Sinha

Abstract Synonymous and non-synonymous substitution result in isomerization and deformity in protein structure. Both play more or less important role in evolution. Interestingly, cyanobacterial phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are composed of proteins which are coded by codons by mRNA translation. These proteins are categorized into three groups e.g., C-PC, C-PE and C-APC having a and b subunits. The skeleton and arrangement of amino acids in subunits can provide structural and functional integrity of PBPs as well as GC3 associated substitution of synonymous and non-synonymous codons.

141 - 156 (16 Pages)
INR283.00 INR255.00 + Tax
 
7 A Review on Toxicology, Biosynthesis and Detection of Cyanobacterial Toxins
Shweta Yadav and Rajeshwar P. Sinha

Abstract Cyanobacteria, the Gram-negative photosynthetic prokaryotes are able to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites. Some of these metabolites are of general concern due to their toxicity and known as cyanobacterial toxins. These cyanotoxins are reported widely due to human and animal health hazard. On the basis of their toxicological target, these cyanotoxins can be classified into five different groups: hepatotoxins, neurotoxins, cytotoxins, dermatotoxins and irritant toxins (lipopolysaccharides). Hepatotoxins constitute a family of cyclic peptide variants and are classified as microcystins and nodularins. These hepatotoxic peptides possess a high degree of cellular specificity to the hepatocytes with similar mode of action and act as potent inhibitors of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A (PP1 and PP2A).

157 - 182 (26 Pages)
INR283.00 INR255.00 + Tax
 
8 Recent Advances in Antimicrobial Potentials of Himalayan Plants
Gaurav Raj Dwivedi, Vigyasa Singh, Mahendra Pandurang Darokar and Rakesh Pandey

Abstract The extensive use of antibiotics has raised serious health concern throughout the world due to development of resistance in microbes towards many classes of antibiotics. The emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in microbes and lack of novel classes of antimicrobial agents have raised an immediate need to identify new agents with novel mode of action. In addition to novel agents, inhibitors of efflux pumps are being now viewed as one of the most viable management strategy for treating MDR infections. In this concern, plants have always been a source of inspiration for novel drugs.

183 - 208 (26 Pages)
INR283.00 INR255.00 + Tax
 
9 DNA and Protein-based Detection Approaches for Genetically Modified Crops/Produce
Rajesh Kumar, Kamlesh K Mishra and Rajeshwar P. Sinha

Abstract Despite several controversies surrounding the genetically modified (GM) crops or their produce, the production of such crops is constantly increasing, especially in developing countries. To regulate the GM produce in the market, several countries have set very strict regulatory procedures for the approval to grow, import or utilize these GM crops as food or food ingredients. Hence, for regulatory compliance on GM labeling and identification of genetic traits, the development of reliable, sensitive and precise detection assays have become essential. The detection of GM produce is carried out by detecting either the inserted foreign DNA or the novel transgenic protein specifically expressed in GM crops. This article broadly focuses on some DNA and protein-based detection methods employed for GM produce and significant current advances in such detection technologies.

209 - 236 (28 Pages)
INR283.00 INR255.00 + Tax
 
10 Diverse Functions and Applications of Novel Cyanobacterial Sheath
Pigment, Scytonemin, Jainendra Pathak, Rajneesh, Richa, Vinod K. Kannaujiya, Arun S. Sonker and Rajeshwar P. Sinha

Abstract Cyanobacteria were first oxygen evolving photosynthetic organisms on Earth, which not only survived under harsh conditions of primitive Earth but are also dominant and efficient photosynthesizers and N2 fixers of present time which significantly contribute to fertility of paddy fields as natural biofertilizers. Cyanobacteria require solar radiation to carry out photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation. The stratospheric ozone depletion which has resulted in an increase in ultraviolet-B (UV-B; 280 - 315 nm) radiation on the Earth’s surface has been reported to inhibit a number of photochemical and photobiological processes in cyanobacteria. However, they have evolved mechanisms such as synthesis of photoprotective compound scytonemin and their derivatives to counteract the damaging effects of UV-B. In addition to Photoprotection, scytonemin has biotechnological potentials and several applications in biology and allied sciences.

237 - 262 (26 Pages)
INR283.00 INR255.00 + Tax
 
11 Screening of Photosynthetic Pigments as an Indicator of Heavy Metal Stress in Euglena gracilis
Hoda Ahmed, Donat-Peter Häder and Peter Richter

Abstract This study was conducted to examine the response of photosynthetic pigments to heavy metal stress in a short-term toxicity test using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HPLC pigment analysis of Euglena has resulted in 5 separated pigments: chlorophylls a, b and three carotenoids, which are 9-cis-neoxanthin, diadinoxanthin and b-carotene.

263 - 278 (16 Pages)
INR283.00 INR255.00 + Tax
 
12 Computational Methods and Strategies for Protein Structure Prediction
Minu Kesheri, Swarna Kanchan, Richa and Rajeshwar P. Sinha

Abstract In order to fill the gap between the protein sequences and their 3D structures available in the public databases, the computational prediction of protein structure has become the need of the hour. Therefore, the present chapter aims to highlight various methods and strategies for computational protein structure prediction by established ab initio, threading and homology modeling methods. Ab initio, threading and homology modeling methods are mainly based on the low sequence similarity, similarity between 25-30% and similarity more than 30% with the template structure respectively. Hybrid methods are preferred which club together a number of features such as structural alignments, solvent accessibility and secondary structure informations.

279 - 292 (14 Pages)
INR283.00 INR255.00 + Tax
 
13 Water Parameters of the Chubut River and Andes Lakes (Patagonia, Argentina)
Donat P. Häder, Virginia E. Villafañe, Peter Richter and E.Walter Helbling

Abstract A transect was performed along the Chubut River (Patagonia) from the Atlantic towards the Andes measuring major water parameters of this drainage area. Samples were taken at different locations of the Chubut River, and also brooks several Andes lakes in the Chubut and Río Negro Provinces as well as from several Andes rivers and mountain creeks. For comparison, the Laguna Cacique Chiquichano in Trelew (Chubut) was investigated. Several physico-chemical parameters were determined (pH, oxygen, nitrogen compounds, conductivity, redox potential, water hardness and spectral transmission), as well as photosynthesis by means of PAM fluorimetry. Water toxicity was assessed with a bioassay based on toxicity-induced changes of the movement behavior of a flagellate.

293 - 310 (18 Pages)
INR283.00 INR255.00 + Tax
 
14 Oxidative Stress: Challenges and its Mitigation Mechanisms in Cyanobacteria
Minu Kesheri, Swarna Kanchan, Richa and Rajeshwar P. Sinha

Abstract Cyanobacteria  evolved during  the  Precambrian  era and are believed to be the first  one  to  introduce oxygen  into  the  initially  reducing  atmosphere  by  oxygenic  photosynthesis. Thus being the main primary producers of organic matter at that time and thereby contributed to a major global transformation leading to the development of aerobic metabolism and the subsequent rise of higher plants and animal forms. Reactive  oxygen  species  (ROS)  in  cyanobacteria  are  commonly  generated during  normal  growth  and  development.  However  abiotic  and  biotic stresses  enhance  the  level  of   ROS  which  in  turn  pose  the  danger  of oxidative  stress.  Ability  to  perceive  ROS  and  to  rapidly  initiate  antioxidant defenses  is  crucial  for  their  survival.  Therefore cyanobacteria evolved four lines of defense mechanisms to combat the damages caused by oxidative stress. Inretrospect  to  their  ecological  adaptivity, ubiquitous  presence  and  efficient  source  of   compounds  of biotechnological  significance, this chapter aims to elucidate various mechanisms adopted by cyanobacteria to combat oxidative stress.

311 - 324 (14 Pages)
INR283.00 INR255.00 + Tax
 
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