001332   Arun Pradhan;Chauhan V S;Tuteja R (Malaria Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi) : 'DEAD-box' helicase from Plasmodium falciparum is active at wide pH and is schizont stage-specific. J Vector Borne Dis 2007, 44(1), 12-22.

DNA helicases catalyse unwinding of duplex DNA in an ATP-dependent manner and are involved in all the basic genetic processes. In order to study these important enzymes in the human malaria parasite we have recently cloned the first full-length 'DEAD-box' helicase gene from Plasmodium falciparum (3D7). Report some of the important activities of the encoded protein. Authors have expressed the P. falciparum helicase in Escherichia coli and characterised the encoded biochemically active helicase protein. The characterisation of the protein was carried out using radioactively labeled substrate and the standard strand displacement assay. The localisation of the enzyme was studied using immunofluorescence assay. P. falciparum helicase gene is 1551 bp in length and encodes for a protein consisting of 516 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 59.8 kDa. The protein is designated as Plasmodium falciparum DEAD-box helicase 60 kDa in size (PfDH60). Purified PfDH60 showed ATP and Mg²⁺ dependent DNA unwinding, ssDNA-dependent ATPase and ATP-binding activities. Interestingly, this is a unique helicase because it works at a wide pH range (from 5.0-10.0). The peak expression of PfDH60 is mainly in schizont stages of the development of P. falciparum, where DNA replication is active. The cell-cycle dependent expression suggests that PfDH60 may be involved in the process of DNA replication and distinct cellular processes in the parasite and this study should make an important contribution in our better understanding of DNA metabolic pathways in the parasite.

5 illus, 1 table, 45 ref

001331   Ahmad A;Ahmad S;Baig M A (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Science, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi-110 062) : Purification and characterization of sulfite oxidase from goat liver. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2008, 45(6), 379-86.

Sulfite oxidase (EC 1.8.3.1) catalyzes the physiologically vital oxidation of sulfite to sulfate, the terminal reaction in the degradation of sulfur containing amino acids. Genetic deficiency related to human sulfite oxidase is associated with the severe clinical abnormalities with no effective therapies known, making the enzyme of immense biomedical importance. In the present study, sulfite oxidase was been purified from the goat tissues, a hitherto unexplored source, in particular from the liver, and its physico and biochemical properties were characterized. The liver was chosen as it showed the highest activity, compared to kidney and muscle. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity by salting out, gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. It was a dimer (113 kDa) having two identical subunits (56 kDa) and did not contain free sulfhydryl groups. Its spectral analysis showed the presence of heme and molybdenum. circular dichroism (CD) spectra in near and far-UV regions showed the presence of significant amounts of secondary structures (45% α helix, 9% β structure and 26% β turn and remaining random coil) in the native molecule. The kinetic and hydrodynamic properties of the enzyme were also determined. Results also showed that ferricyanide was 8-times more effective electron acceptor than its physiological acceptor cytochrome c. The limited N-terminal analysis of the enzyme revealed the sequence up to six amino acids Trp-Glu-Pro-Ser-Gly-Ala. Together, these results suggested the liver was a major source of sulfite oxidase in goat and most of its physico-chemical, except secondary structure and amino acid sequence from N-terminal and biological properties were fairly similar to the sulfite oxidase isolated from other mammalian species/organs.

000491   Wang H Q;Wu Z B;Zhang S H;Cheng S P;He F; Liang W (NO, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China, Email: wuzb@ihb.ac.cn) : Relationship between the allelopathic activity and molecular structure of hydroxyl derivatives of benzoic acid and their effect on cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 205-11.

Antialgal activities of benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (salicylic acid), 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid (gallic acid) were studied on the growth of two strains of Microcystis aeruginosa (toxic FACHB 942 and non-toxic 469). The results showed that the sequence of 50% growth inhibition concentration (E_rC₅₀) of 6- compounds for both strains of M. aeruginosa followed the same order: gallic acid > 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid > 4-hydroxybenzoic acid > salicylic acid > 3-hydroxybenzoic acid > benzoic acid. The position and the numbers of hydroxy groups between the hydroxy group and carboxyl influenced the antialgal effects of phenolic acids. Also investigated the joint effects of benzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid on the growth of M. aeruginosa ( toxic FACHB 942). The mixture of phenolic allelochemicals showed the synergistic effects.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

000490   Vineesh V R;Jelly C L;Fijesh P V;Jaimsha V K; Padikkala* J (Plant Biotechnology Dep, Amala Cencer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur-680 555, Email: jpadikkala@rediffmail.com) : Effect of N<. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(5), 405-9.

In vitro production of camptothecin (CPT) was achieved by the establishment of multiple shoot and root cultures of Ophiorrhiza rugosa Wall. var. decumbens (Gardn. ex Thw.) Deb & Mondal. The maximum multiple shoots were obtained in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 5mg/l N⁶-benzyl amino purine (BA) along with 0.5mg/l naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Optimal root generation was observed in Murashige and Skoog medium with 2mg/l NAA and 0.05mg/l BA. However, CPT content found to be elevated in shoot and root cultures where growth hormones imposed growth inhibition. The maximum amount of CPT in multiple shoots was 0.039% while shoots of plant grown in the field showed 0.002 per cent. In root cultures, CPT content was 0.065% whereas roots of intact plant showed only 0.024%.

1 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

000489   Tripathi R;Kamat J P (Biotechnology Dep, V B S Purvanchal Univ, Jaunpur-222 001, Email: jkamat@barc.gov.in) : Free radical induced damages to rat liver subcellular organelles: inhibition by Andrographis paniculata extract. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(11), 959-67.

Aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata was examined for antioxidant activity using rat liver subcellular organelles as model systems. The study deals with two important biological oxidative agents, ascorbate-Fe⁺² and AAPH generating hydroxyl and peroxyl radical, respectively. Oxidative damage was examined against the inhibition of membrane peroxidation, protein oxidation and restoration in decreased SOD and catalase activity. The antimutagenic activity of Ap was examined following inhibition in AAPH induced strand breaks in plasmid pBR322 DNA. Extract was a potent scavenger of DPPH, ABTS radicals, exemplified by ESR signals, O^-₂, OH and H₂O₂, displayed excellent reducing power, FRAP potentials to reduce Fe (III)→Fe (II) and had considerable amount of phenolics/flavonoids contents, an effective antioxidant index. The observed antioxidant effect might be primarily due to its high scavenging ability for ROS. Effect was confirmed ex vivo following inhibition in peroxidation, restoration in SOD enzyme, SOD band intensity and protein degradation in Ap fed liver homogenate. Based on these results, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata might emerge as a potent antiradical agent against various pathophysiological oxidants.

7 illus, 1 table, 43 ref

000488   Tongden C;Chakraborty U (Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Botany Dep, North Bengal Univ, Raja Rammohunpur, Siliguri-734 013, Email: chakrabortyusha@hotmail.com) : Induction of thermoprotection by salicylic acid in seedlings and callus cultures of chickpea. J Pl Biol 2007, 34(3), 213-19.

Thermoprotection provided by salicylic acid (SA) was tested in 20-day-old seedlings and callus cultures of thermotolerant (ICC C37) and heat susceptible (ICC 7344) genotypes of chickpea (Cicer arietlnum L.). Heat stress was imposed by directly exposing the seedlings and callus cultures separately to lethal temperatures of 46°C and 40°C respectively for 2 h duration. In comparison to seedlings subjected to high temperature, those treated with SA prior to temperature treatment, exhibited higher tolerance index, membrane stability and accumulation of proline as well as lower accumulation of malondialdehyde. Activities of antioxidant enzymes like peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase increased remarkably in pre-treated seedlings in comparison to untreated samples. Catalase activity in contrast showed a sharp decline in activity following pre-treatment in both tolerant and susceptible genotypes. Exposure of calli grown in unamended MS medium to lethal temperature led to rapid browning of calli followed by a drastic decline in growth rate (weight) and death of calli. However, calli grown in MS medium supplemented with 10^-5 and 10^-6 M SA and subjected to temperature stress showed remarkable improvement in thermotoler-ance as evidenced by lesser browning and increase in fresh weights in both tolerant and susceptible genotypes following exposure to lethal temperature.

^ssc2 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

000487   Swati M;Karthikenyan O P;Joseph K;Nagendran R (Center for Evironmental Studies, Anna Univ, Chnnai-600 025, Email: swati_eid@yahoo.co.in) : Landfill bioreator: a biotechnological solution for waste mangement. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(8), 670-4.

Presents a pilot-scale investigation on landfill reactors (diam 1.3 m. height 3 m) loaded with municipal solid waste (MSW). The reactors were operated with and without leachate recirculation to simulate bioreactor (ill and conventional open fill, respectively. Strong leachates with high COD (98 g/1). BOD (33 g/1), DOC (35 g/1) and TVA (34 g/l) were encountered during the first week of operation. Reduction in organic contents. BOD, COD (88%) and DOC (88%), and solids were evident in the leachates from bioreactor as against the leachates from conventional open fill. Thus, landfill bioreactor technology is a viable approach to treat organically rich MSW generated in Indian cities.

3 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

000486   Srivastava N;Lakhan R;Mittal B (Physiology Dep, K G Medical Univ, Lucknow-226 003, Email: drneenasrivstava@hotmail.com) : Pathophysiology and genetics of obesity. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(11), 929-36.

Obesity, a global problem, is a multifactorial disorder. The factors are environmental, metabolic and genetic and their interaction with each other regulates the body weight. Imbalance in either of the factors may be responsible for weight gain. With advancement of research techniques in the last decade, genetic studies have been undertaken for several different causative mutations involving obesity loci on different chromosomes. Monogenic and polygenic obesity has been observed however, polygenic forms are more common. So far more than 200 genes in mouse and more than 100 genes in humans have been identified which result in phenotypes that affect body weight regulation. In spite of this knowledge, the field of obesity has still not been explored extensively. There remain a lot of lacuna regarding causes and treatment of obesity. Challenges are still there to identify the exact cause of weight gain and the use of current knowledge for development of anti-obesity drugs targeted for body weight regulation. In this review, we have explained neuropathophysiologic regulation of feeding behaviour and some aspects of obesity-genetics especially with single nucleotide polymorphism of selected candidate genes and their functional aspects mainly in monogenic obesity.

^iia1 illus, 51 ref

000485   Salony;Mishra S;Bisaria V S (Boichemical Engineering and Biotechology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Naw Delhi-110 016, Email: address:saroj98@hotmail.com) : Decolorization and detoxification of textile dyes and black liquor by laccase of Cyathus bulleri. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(8), 684-8.

A number of direct, vat. basic and other (Ranomill yellow and Texacid fast red A) dyes have been decolorized using concentrated culture filtrate and purified laccase of white-rot fungus Cyathus bitlleri. Decolorization (>50%) was achieved in 2-9 days using culture filtrate and this time was significantly reduced with purified laccase of high specific activity (4022 U/mg protein). Addition of ABTS {2. 2'-azinobis (3-ethylthiazoline-6-sulfonate)}, a known mediator of laccase, resulted in further reduction of time to a few hours with decolorization rates from 260 rng l^-1 day^-1 to 665 mg l^-1 day^-1. Spectral analysis indicated decrease in dye concentration with no accumulation of light absorbing aromatic materials. Decolorization was accompanied by detoxification, as shown in growth inhibition experiments with Bacillus subtilis. Addition of fungal mycelium to suitably diluted black liquor resulted in significant (60-80%) reduction in color in 3-4 days indicating suitability of this fungus for treatment of paper mill wastes.

2 illus, 1 tables, 14 ref

000484   Sahoo S;Mishra S R;Nayak A;Ellaiah P (University Dep of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utkal Univ, Vani Vihar) : Bioprocess intensification by nutritional optimisation for production of hyaluronidase by Streptococcus mitis MTCC *2695 species. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(1), 29-37.

Studies on process and nutritional parameters for the production of extracellular enzyme Hyalu-ronidase employing Streptococcus mitis MTCC *2695, was carried out under submerged fermentation and assayed for enzymatic activity. The effects of initial pH, time course profiles of pH, cell mass and hyalu-ronidase activity were studied. Different nutritional parameters including growth factors such as effect of vitamins, amino acids, growth hormones, various nutrient medium as source of complex nitrogen, trace elements, surfactants, chelators, solvents and antibiotics were investigated for enzymatic activity. The maximum enzymatic activity was obtained with initial pH at 5.8, incubation time for 48 h. Results of nutritional parameters showed that thiamin, 1-arginine, kinetin, sodium molybdate and N, N, N', N'-Tetraacetyl ethylene diamine showed best activity among vitamins, amino acids, growth hormones, trace elements and chelators respectively in the production medium containing hyaluronic acid (substrate), casein enzymatic hydrolysate as organic nitrogen source, magnesium sulphate salts, and carbohydrate sugars with initial and final pH (5.8 and 6.2) respectively. Sodium dodecyl sulphate, cadmium chloride, dimethyl formamide (20%) and clarithromycin showed strong inhibitory effect on hyaluronidase production among surfactant, trace elements, solvents and antibiotics respectively.

5 illus, 16 ref

000483   Ravindra Kumar;Singh P J;Nagpure N S;Kushwaha B;Srivastava S K;Lakra W S (National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, , Canal Ring Road, P.O. Dilkusha, Lucknow-226 002, Email: ravindrakumar@scientist.com) : A non-invasive technique for rapid extraction of DNA from fish scales. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(11), 992-7.

DNA markers are being increasingly used in studies related to population genetics and conservation biology of endangered species. DNA isolation for such studies requires a source of biological material that is easy to collect, non-bulky and reliable. Further, the sampling strategies based on non-invasive procedures are desirable, especially for the endangered fish species. In view of above, a rapid DNA extraction method from fish scales has been developed with the use of a modified lysis buffer that require about 2 hr duration. This methodology is non-invasive, less expensive and reproducible with high efficiency of DNA recovery. The DNA extracted by this technique, have been found suitable for performing restriction enzyme digestion and PCR amplification. Therefore, the present DNA extraction procedure can be used as an alternative technique in population genetic studies pertaining to endangered fish species. The technique was also found equally effective for DNA isolation from fresh, dried and ethanol preserved scales.

4 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

000482   Ramakrishnan S;Kulandaivelu G (Plant Science Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Government Arts College, New Mahe-673 311, Email: gkplant1@sify.com) : Induction of UV-B resistance in rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. ADT 43) through adaptive mutagenesis. I: optimization of tissue culture and UV-irradiation conditions. J Pl Biol 2007, 34(3), 205-12.

Depletion of stratospheric ozone layer by pollution created because of human activities substantially increased the level of UV-B radiation impinging on the earth surface. UV-B radiation affects numerous crop plants in various ways and rice is one among them. Rice is one of the world's most important food crops and grown mostly in tropical and subtropical countries. There is a need for developing methods to produce UV-B resistant plants for the better yield and survival of the human beings. In this study we have attempted to induce callus tissue from mature rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. ADT 43) seeds on MS medium supplemented with 2 mg l^- of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacctic acid (2,4-D) and 0.5 mg l^-1 of benzylamino purine (BAP) in vitro. Calli were inoculated on medium containing 5 mg l^{-1 BAP and screened for regeneration in response to different doses of UV-B irradiation which was given for 30 days and formation of UV-B selected shoots. It was found that UV-B irradiation for 10 min day-1 for 30 days induced maximum frequency of shoot regeneration from calli. UV-B selected shoots were rooted on 1 mg l-1 indole-3-butyric acid medium. Plantlets have been hardened in vermiculite and under shade for specified period. Then the somaclones planted on pots filled with garden soil to observe their growth.}

3 illus, 4 tables, 28 ref

000481   Pathipati Usha Rani (Biology and Biotechnology Div, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Taranaka, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: purani@iict.res.in) : Allelochemical stress induced biochemical changes in the leaves and plant growth regulation in Ricinus communis L.. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 79-92.

In laboratory experiments the application of Piper betle (L.) leaf extract and eugenol on the castor leaves induced biochemical changes ( in protein, phenol compounds, sugars and oxidative enzymes) in the leaves. The plants treated with P. betle leaf extract and eugenol at 20%, 40% and 60% (w/v in acetone) increased the biochemical changes but decreased the enzyme (superoxide dismutase) activity and growth. The allelochemicals application increased the phenolic compounds, protein and sugars contents in treated plants; indicating the changes in metabolism. The allelochemicals at 20, 40 and 60 mg/ml/20 seeds showed considerable impact on shoot growth, which ameliorated with the increasing concentrations.

4 illus, 39 ref

000480   Mishra A K;Mishra A;Tripathi S;Tripathi N N (Bacteriology and Natural Pesticide Lab, Botany Dep, DDU Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur-273 009) : Suceptibility of Enterococcus faecalis to the plant volatile oils. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(1), 108-12.

Essential oils from coriander, cubebs and lemon were evaluated separately for their antibacterial property against Enterococcus faecalis (clinical isolate) causing urinary tract infection, infective endocarditis, pyogenic infection and bacteremia; using agar dilution assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Citrus limon (1.0 μl/ml) was found to be lowest amongst these oils. Lemon oil was bacteriocidal at 2.0 μl/ml, while coriander and cubebs oils were found to be bacteriostatic in nature at higher concentration. The efficacy of these oils was compared with some commercial antibiotics, viz. amoxycillin, ciprofloxacin and kanamycin. The lemon oil was found to be better than the most effective antibiotic, i.e., kanamycin.

^ssc2 tables, 16 ref

000479   Millakarjuna Rao N;Padmanabha Udupa E G (Biochemistry Dep, Katuri Medical College, Guntur-522 019) : Angiotensin converting enzyme from sheep mammary, lingual and other tissues. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(11), 1003-6.

Occurrence of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in mammary gland and tongue taste epithelium was demonstrated for the first time. Six times higher ACE activity in lactating mammary gland, than non-lactating mammary gland, suggested pregnancy and lactation hormonal dependent expression of ACE in female mammals. ACE activity was highest in choroid plexus, less in spinal cord and moderate in cerebrum, medulla, cerebellum and pons. Distribution of ACE in different regions of skin, kidney and among other tissues was different. Presence of ACE in adrenal glands, pancreas, bone marrow and thyroid gland indicated functions other than blood pressure homeostasis for this enzyme.

^ssc3 tables, 30 ref

000478   Mandal S M;Mondal K C;Satyahari Dey;Pati B R (Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Biotechnology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur-721 302, Email: sm_crf@yahoo.com) : Arsenic biosorption by mucilaginous seeds of Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. J scient ind Res 2007, 66(7), 577-81.

Hyptis suaveolens seeds could serve as natural immobilized source of agriculturally based polysaccharide. Maximum adsorption capacity (6 gl^-1) of the seeds for arsenic adsorption has been found at pH 3.5 - 4.5. Among the tested interfering common metal ions, Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺ and Cl decreased adsorption rate about 48%, 54% and 30% respectively, whereas Zn⁺⁺ and Co⁺⁺ ions have no significant effect. Adsorption isotherm studies revealed a better correlation with Langmuir isotherm plot.

6 illus, 25 ref

000477   Khade R G;Dasgupta D D (Microbiology and Biochemisry Dep, Institute of Science, Madam Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032) : Screening of biosurfactant / biomemulsifier producing yeasts and bacteria from petroleum contaminated sites. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(1), 71-9.

Hydrocarbon degrading bacteria and yeasts were obtained by enrichment culture technique using crude oil as a sole source of carbon. Out of 97 isolates 37 mucoid colonies were selected and screened for emulsification and surfactant (tensoactive) property. Almost 64% of the bacterial isolates and 25% of the yeasts isolates were scored positive by Drop collapse method. Amongst all the isolates, Gram negative rods showed maximum tensoactive property as 39% of them reduced the surface tension of the mineral salt medium below 50dynes/cm. The emulsification and emulsion stabilization properties of all the isolates were tested by xylene emulsification assay and all the yeasts isolates were found to be better emulsifier producers.

2 tables, 18 ref

000476   Josephrajkumar A;Chakrabarty R;Thomas G (Cardamom Research Station, Kerala Agricultural Univ, Pampadumpara-685 556, Email: entojoe2003@yahoo.co.in) : Purification of elastase-like chymotrypsin from cardamom shoot and capsule bore. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(11), 998-1002.

An elastase-like chymotrypsin was purified by aprotinin-agarose affinity chromatography from the midgut extract of cardamom shoot and capsule borer. Conogethes punctiferalis. The purified enzyme had a V_max of 687.6 ± 22.1 nmole pNA released/min/mg protein, K_m of 0.168 ± 0.012 mM with SAAPLpNA as substrate and gave a single band on SDS-PAGE with a molecular mass of 72.1 kDa. Casein zymogram revealed one clear zone of proteolytic activity, which corresponded to the band obtained with SDS-PAGE indicating that this could be a single-polypeptide enzyme.

4 illus, 19 ref

000475   Iftikhar Hussain M;Gonzalez Rodriguez L; Reigosa M J (Labpratory of Plant Ecophysiology, Faculty of Biology, Vigo Univ, Campus Lagoas-Marcosende s/n, 36310 Vigo, Spain, Email: mih76@uvigo.es) : Germination and growth response of four plant species to different allelochemicals and herbicides. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 101-10.

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to test the phytotoxicity of 6 allelochemicals (ferulic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2-benzoxazolinone, L-mimosine, juglone, trans-cinnamic acid). 6 allelochemicals mixture and 2 herbicides (pendimethalin and S-metoIachlor) on germination and seedling growth of 4 plants species (Rumex acetosa L., Lolium perenne L., Lactuca sativa L. and Dactylis glomerata L.). Data obtained were used to compare four germination indices viz., (total germination index (G_t), speed of germination index (S), accumulated speed of germination index (AS), and coefficient of rate of germination index (CRG). The allelochemicals 2-benzoxazolinone and trans-cinnamic acid inhibited the total germination index of L. perenne L. at 1 μM concentration. The L- mimosine and six allelochemicals mixture (1 μM concentration) inhibited G_t, S, AS, in L. perenne and also inhibited G_T, S, AS in D. glomerata at 1 μM and 0.1 μM concentration. L- mimosine also inhibited the CRG in R. acetosa at 0.01 μM and in D. glomerata at 0.001 μM concentration. The six allelochemicals mixture (1 μM concentration) inhibited the speed of germination (S) of D. glomerata L. while trans-cinnamic acid inhibited the S in K. acetosa at 0.001 μM concentration. All other allelochemicals at 0.1, 0.01, 0.001 μM concentrations showed non-significant behavior to S all four plant species. Juglone inhibited G_T of L. perenne at 1 μM concentration and in D. glomerata at 1 μM, 0.01 μM and CRG in R. acetosa at 0.01 μM concentration. The application of both herbicides strongly inhibited G_T, S, AS, CRG in L perenne L. and D. glomerata at concentration of 10⁴ μM. These results indicate that each index led to a different interpretation of allelochemicals effect on germination.

2 illus, 56 ref

000474   Dragoeva A P;Nanova D;Kalcheva V K (Biology Dep, Shumen Univ, Shumen 9712, str. "Universiteska" 115, Bulgaria, Email: asyadragoeva@dir.bg) : Allelopathic acitivity of micropropagated Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum and its effect on mitotic activity. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 131-42.

Determines the essential oils composition, allelopathic activity and effects on mitotic activity of four micropropagated plants of Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum (Link) letswaart. These plants were obtained from two types of explants, the stem tips and the germs of its seeds, originating from the same plant. Gas-chromatography analysis of essential oils revealed the differences between the plants, with carvacrol (48.3 - 61.5%) being the major compound. Evaluates the allelopathic activity of micropropagated oregano and its effect on mitotic activity using water infusions made from the aerial parts of the 2-years old plants under laboratory conditions, on root elongation of Cucumis sativus L. and Allium cepa L. chromosome aberration tests. The test plants exhibited different degrees of allelopathic effects. Two of the plants exerted higher inhibitory effects on the root elongation and acted as stronger spindle inhibitors in mitotic cells.

6 illus, 4 tables, 31 ref

000473   Chaturvedi H C;Jain M;Kidwai N R (Tissue Culture Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: hcc_nbri@hotmail.com) : Cloning of medicinal plants through tissue culture. Indian J expl Biol 2007, 45(11), 937-48.

In order to have standardized formulations, the chemical constituents from plants and their parts are required to be uniform both qualitatively and quantitatively. Furthermore, an ever increasing demand of uniform medicinal plants based medicines warrants their mass cloning through plant tissue culture strategy. A good number of medicinal plants have been reported to regenerate in vitro from their various parts, but a critical evaluation of such reports reveals that only a few complete medicinal plants have been regenerated and still fewer have actually been grown in soil, while their micropropagation on a mass scale has rarely been achieved, particularly in those medicinal plants where conventional propagation is inadequate, like, the mass clonal propagation of Dioscorea floribunda leading to its successful field trials. Such facts make it imperative to document the factual position of micropropagation of medicinal plants bringing out the advancements made along with the short falls, in this important area. The present review deals with the futuristic view on the said subject restricted to higher plants.

^iia7 illus, 1 table, 82 ref