Similar Banding Patterns Research Articles

Assessment of genetic diversity among Ixora genotypes through morphological and RAPD molecular marker analysis

Ixora a genus in the Rubiaceae family commonly known as jungle geranium, was the focus of the study. However, classifying Ixora species has been challenging due to environmental influences on phenotypic traits. This study explores the genetic diversity and morphological traits of 11 Ixora genotypes from various regions in India using 15 RAPD markers and morphological assessments. A total of 210 bands were generated, Unweighted Pair Group Method for Arithmetic Average (UPGMA) Cluster analysis revealed significant genetic relationships among the genotypes. Notably, Genotypes 9, 10 and 11 shared similar banding patterns with marker OPF 02, while Genotypes 4 and 7, despite differing growth habits, showed close genetic ties and shared RAPD markers OPA03 and OPE04. A unique marker (OPA03 - 340 bp) was identified exclusively in Genotype 4. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that 2 principal components explained 77.074 % of the total variance, highlighting plant height and leaf number as significant traits. Heat map clustering further illustrated phenotypic variability, grouping genotypes based on morphological similarities. This study demonstrates the utility of RAPD markers in distinguishing Ixora genotypes and provides valuable insights into morphological traits, guiding future breeding programs and genetic research.

Biofilm formation, antibiotic-resistance and clonal relatedness among clinical isolates of Acinetobacterbaumannii

In this work, the antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation capability, and clonal relatedness of 50 A. baumannii isolates collected from three hospitals in Ardabil city, Iran, were evaluated. Antibiotic sensitivity and biofilm formation of isolates were determined by disk diffusion and microtiter-plate methods, respectively. Molecular typing of isolates was also performed using repetitive sequence-based PCR (REP-PCR). The majority of isolates were resistant to cephems, aminoglycosides, and carbapenems, with 80 % classified as multi-drug resistant (MDR). While, only isolates collected from blood and tracheal were resistant to colistin. Additionally, 42 isolates (84 %) had biofilm formation capability. According to rep-PCR results, 34 isolates showed similar banding patterns, while 16 isolates had unique banding patterns. Finally, based on the molecular analysis, there was a direct relationship between biofilm formation and the antibiotic resistance of isolates. In other words, MDR isolates had a higher ability to form biofilm.

Relative Protein Profile of Philippine Cinnamomum (Schaeffer) Using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate- Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)

Philippine Cinnamomum are trees with aromatic leaves and bark. It has several economic and medicinal uses, but concerns about protein profile are limited. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the relative protein component of the species by Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate- Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). A total of 27 cinnamon species were run in Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate - Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-Page) with LSB (Laemli Sample Buffer) and Tris HCI (1:1) as sample buffer. Determining protein profiles is a tool for the systematic classification of the species. Results showed that Philippine Cinnamomum leaf samples have the same component proteins. The SDS-PAGE provided a similar protein banding pattern, although the same bands' intensity varies. Pronounced protein bands were observed corresponding to 50 to 75 kDa and 25 kDa, with additional minor bands indicating a higher protein content. The results in SDS-PAGE showed that the component proteins of Cinnamomum leaves were comparable regardless of geographical source and different stages of growth of the samples. However, the concentration of some component proteins may vary, as indicated by the difference in intensity of protein bands. Sodium dodecyl sulphate Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) is a tool in the biochemical method of determining the relative protein profile of Cinnamomum species. It can be used to classify plants up to the species level. Based on the study results, Philippine Cinnamomum has a higher protein content that can be used in culinary, medicinal, and pharmaceuticals.

Meta-Topolin enhanced direct shoot organogenesis and regeneration from leaf explants of Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq

A novel and effective direct shoot regeneration technique from stomatal complexes was developed for a highly sought after medicinal plant Coleus forskohlii. Meta-Topolin was more efficient than 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) in promoting direct organogenesis from leaf surface. Highest direct organogenesis was achieved from in vitro leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with meta-Topolin at the concentration of 2.0 mg/L. The regenerated leaves were fixed at weekly intervals and sectioned longitudinally to evaluate the anatomical developments. The results of light microscopic analysis suggested that the in vitro developed stomatal complexes showed new altered cell divisions, after a week of incubation, and the rapid periclinal divisions resulted in the formation of a meristematic dome. Distinct regions of meristematic activity were visible in the second week characterized by promeristems with small and densely stained parenchymatous cells. Promeristems lead to the development of a distinct tunica layer, which grew into shoot-like protuberances converting into adventitious shoots after 4 weeks of incubation. A clear three phases of shoot organogenesis viz. induction (7 days), initiation and organization (14 days), and shoot formation (28 days onwards) were identified. The shoots were proliferated (21.8 shoots/ single leaf explant) and elongated (5.0 cm length) using half-MS medium fortified with 0.5 mg/L mT and indole-3 acetic acid (IAA) at 0.1 mg/L. Notable rhizogenesis of the elongated shoots was achieved when cultured on half-MS medium containing indole-3 butyric acid (IBA) at the concentration of 1.5 mg/L. About 92.0% of the plantlets survived upon field transfer. Start Codon Target (SCoT) markers were employed to examine the regenerated plants’ genetic uniformity with the mother plant, similar banding patterns confirming the genetic uniformity. Hence, the developed protocol of direct in vitro regeneration of C. forskohlii using mT can be used for the commercial production.

Spectroscopic Characterization of the Divalent Metal Docking Motif to Isolated Cyanobenzoate: Direct Observation of Tridentate Binding to ortho-Cyanobenzoate and Implications for the CN Response

Cryogenic ion vibrational spectra of D2-tagged cyanobenzoate (CBA) derivatives are obtained and analyzed to characterize the intrinsic spectroscopic responses of the -CO2- headgroup to its location on the ring in both the isolated anions and the cationic complexes with divalent metal ions, M2+ (M = Mg, Ca, Sr). The benzonitrile functionality establishes the different ring isomers (para, meta, ortho) according to the location of the carboxylate and provides an additional reporter on the molecular response to the proximal charge center. The aromatic carboxylates display shifts slightly smaller than those observed for a related aliphatic system upon metal ion complexation. Although the CBA anions display very similar band patterns for all three ring positions, upon complexation with metal ions, the ortho isomer yields dramatically different spectral responses in both the -CO2- moiety and the CN group. This behavior is traced to the emergence of a tridentate binding motif unique to the ortho isomer in which the metal ions bind to both the oxygen atoms of the carboxylate group and the N atom of the cyano group. In that configuration, the -CO2- moiety is oriented perpendicular to the phenyl ring, and the CN stretching fundamental is both strong and red-shifted relative to its behavior in the isolated neutral. The behaviors of the metal-bound ortho complexes occur in contrast to the usual blue shifts associated with "Lewis" type binding of metal ions end-on to -CN. The origins of these spectroscopic features are analyzed with the aid of electronic structure calculations, which also explore differences expected for complexation of monovalent cations to the ortho carboxylate. The resulting insights have implications for understanding the balance between electrostatic and steric interactions at metal binding sites in chemical and biological systems.

Biochemical characterization of alkaline phosphatase in midgut of Cry2Ab dosed, pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders)

Aim: The holistic management of pink bollworm is possible only after uncovering the underlying mechanism/s of pink bollworm resistance. The present study was carried out for investigating the effect of Cry2Ab toxin on alkaline phosphatase activity and expression of its isoforms in midgut of Pectinophora gossypiella. Methodology: Resistant and susceptible pink bollworm larval populations were subjected to Cry2Ab bioassays using F1 larvae in a 21 days diet-incorporation method. The total midgut protein was estimated by Bradford method. Alkaline phosphatase activity was estimated in midgut homogenates, Non-denaturing SDS-PAGE and Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed by the following standard procedures. Results: The study showed increased alkaline phosphatase activity in pink bollworm midgut is correlated with insect resistance in response to Cry2Ab. The non-denaturing SDS-PAGE analysis of pink bollworm midgut alkaline phosphatase isozymes had differential banding patterns in resistant and susceptible populations. Yavatmal (R1), Hingoli (R4) and Parbhani (R5) showed similar banding patterns ranging from 65-95 kDa; Guntur (R2) and Hingoli (R3) showed near similar banding patterns ranging from 70-95 kDa; whereas susceptible population showed banding pattern in the range of 50-70 kDa. Interpretation: The expression profiles of alkaline phosphatase isomers in resistant and susceptible populations can be utilized as a biomarker to aid for the screening of PBW infected Bt -cotton fields and development of pink bollworm management strategies. Key words: Alkaline Phosphatase, Cry2Ab, Insect resistance, Pectinophora gossypiella, SDS-PAGE

Genotyping of dermatophyte fungal species by AP-PCR technique

Dermatophytes fungi are causative agents of dermatophytosis. Surface skin fungi are called dermatophytes after the anatomical localization of the lesions. A total of 164 specimens were collected from patients with dermatophytosis (ring worm) distributed into 89/164(54.26%) specimens from male and 75/164(45.73%) specimens from female. The DTM culture medium was prepared by adding 0.2g of phenol red dye to 1 litter of PDA culture medium, utilized the short oligonucleotide (GACA)4 as a primer for identification of the tested dermatophyte isolates by AP-PCR. AP-PCR products for T. verrucosum isolates consisted of three bands at 150 and 300 bp and faint band in 600 bp. For the T. mentagrophytes isolates consists of four bright bands approximately at 200, 400,500 and 1500 bp. All T. rubrum isolates produced nearly similar band pattern, which consisted of five bright bands (approximately 100, 250, 320,500 bp) and one faint band at 2500 bp. M. canis strains revealed the most complex profiles, with up to 7 bands, ranging from 150 bp to 800 bp in size. These results indicated of the current that the AP-PCR technique is simple, reliable, accurate and easy to performed method for the identification dermatophytes fungi to the species level.

The emergence of a new sex-system (XX/XY1Y2) suggests a species complex in the “monotypic” rodent Oecomys auyantepui (Rodentia, Sigmodontinae)

X-autosome translocation (XY1Y2) has been reported in distinct groups of vertebrates suggesting that the rise of a multiple sex system within a species may act as a reproductive barrier and lead to speciation. The viability of this system has been linked with repetitive sequences located between sex and autosomal portions of the translocation. Herein, we investigate Oecomys auyantepui, using chromosome banding and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization with telomeric and Hylaeamys megacephalus whole-chromosome probes, and phylogenetic reconstruction using mtDNA and nuDNA sequences. We describe an amended karyotype for O. auyantepui (2n = 64♀65♂/FNa = 84) and report for the first time a multiple sex system (XX/XY1Y2) in Oryzomyini rodents. Molecular data recovered O. auyantepui as a monophyletic taxon with high support and cytogenetic data indicate that O. auyantepui may exist in two lineages recognized by distinct sex systems. The Neo-X exhibits repetitive sequences located between sex and autosomal portions, which would act as a boundary between these two segments. The G-banding comparisons of the Neo-X chromosomes of other Sigmodontinae taxa revealed a similar banding pattern, suggesting that the autosomal segment in the Neo-X can be shared among the Sigmodontinae lineages with a XY1Y2 sex system.

Metabolite Profiling and Antimicrobial Activity of Aloe greatheadii var. Davyana against Bacterial Illness

The aim of the study was to profile the metabolite content of Aloe greatheadii and investigate their antibacterial potential against illness causing bacteria. The metabolite profile of A. greatheadii was determined and the antibacterial activity tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The metabolite profile resolved on TLC plates indicated an almost similar pattern of bands for majority of the separated compounds. The results on the maximum absorption wavelength of extracts from all locations ranged between 240 and 320 nm. The most susceptible bacteria for the treatment by samples from all the provinces was the Gram-positive E. faecalis with MIC values ranging from 0.54 to 0.067 mg/mL. It was interesting to note that susceptibility of the tested bacteria to treatment by the plant extracts was not specific to either Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria.

Sorghum Protein Extract Protects RBC from Sodium Nitrite-Induced Oxidative Stress and Exhibits Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Activity

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the progression of diabetes, arthritis, cancer, eryptosis, cardiovascular disease, and thrombosis. Currently, antioxidants from natural sources are in high demand due to their beneficial role in the management of said diseases. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the protective effect of sorghum protein buffer extract (SBE) on sodium nitrite-induced oxidative stress and thrombosis. Protein characterization of SBE was done using SDS-PAGE. Oxidative stress in RBC was induced using sodium nitrite (NaNO2) and the key stress markers such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl content (PCC), and the level of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) were measured. The anticoagulant effect of SBE was identified by employing in-vitro plasma recalcification time, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and in-vivo mouse tail bleeding time. SBE antiplatelet activity was examined using agonist adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation. Non-toxic property of SBE was identified using in-vitro direct haemolytic, haemorrhagic, and edema forming activities using experimental mice. SBE revealed similar protein banding pattern under both reduced and non-reduced conditions on SDS-PAGE. Interestingly, SBE normalized the level of LPO, PCC, SOD, and CAT in stress-inducedRBCs. Furthermore, SBE showed anticoagulant effect in platelet rich plasma by enhancing the clotting time from the control 250 s to 610 s and bleeding time from the control 200 s to more than 500 s (p<0.01) in a dose dependent manner. In addition, SBE prolonged the clot formation process of only APTT but not PT. SBE inhibited the agonists ADP and epinephrine induced platelet aggregation. SBE did not hydrolyze RBC cells, devoid of edema and haemorrhage properties. This study demonstrates for the first time the anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and antioxidant properties of SBE. Thus, the observed results validate consumption of sorghum as good for health and well-being.

Cytokinin-Based Tissue Cultures for Stable Medicinal Plant Production: Regeneration and Phytochemical Profiling of Salvia bulleyana Shoots.

Salvia bulleyana is a rare Chinese medicinal plant that due to the presence of polyphenols lowers the risk of some chronic diseases especially those related to the cardiovascular system. The present study examines the organogenic competence of various combinations and concentrations of plant growth regulators to develop an efficient protocol for in vitro regeneration of S. bulleyana via leaf explants, maintaining the high production of active constituents. The purpose of the study was also to assess the possibilities of using a cytokinin-based regeneration to effectively produce therapeutic compounds. The adventitious shoot formation was observed through direct organogenesis on media with purine derivatives (meta-topolin, mT and benzylaminopurine, BAP), and through indirect organogenesis on media with urea derivatives (tidiazuron, TDZ and forchlorfenuron, CPPU). The highest regeneration frequency (95%) with 5.2 shoots per explant was obtained on leaves cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 0.1 mg/L naphthalene-1-acetic acid (NAA) and 2 mg/L BAP. Following inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker-based profiling, the obtained organogenic shoot lines revealed a similar banding pattern to the mother line, with total variability of 4.2–13.7%, indicating high level of genetic stability. The similar genetic profile of the studied lines translated into similar growth parameters. Moreover, HPLC analysis revealed no qualitative differences in the profile of bioactive metabolites; also, the total polyphenol content was similar for different lines, with the exception of the shoots obtained in the presence of CPPU that produced higher level of bioactive compounds. This is the first report of an effective and rapid in vitro organogenesis protocol for S. bulleyana, which can be efficiently employed for obtaining stable cultures rich in bioactive metabolites.

Analysis of microflora in dentinal tubule by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

This study was performed to apply denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to microbiological examination of endodontic infections. The method was used to assess the bacterial communities in dentinal tubules. Samples were collected using #15, #35, and #60 K-type files from five infected root canals during treatment. Deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) was extracted from the samples, and 16S ribosomal DNA was amplified by PCR using universal primers. The polymerase chain reaction(PCR) products were separated in the denaturing gel and band patterns were compared between the deep (#60 file) and superficial layers (#15 file) of the dentin. The major bands were then excised and DNA fragments in the gel were cloned and sequenced. The sequence data were subjected to BLAST search in the GenBank database for determination of bacterial species or closest relatives. In three root canals, similar band patterns were observed in both superficial and deep layers of the dentin, while several specific bands remained in the deep layer in two roots. The bacteria isolated from the deep layers were Porphyromonas gingivalis, Olsenella profuse, Atopobium rimae, and Prevotella, Flexistipes, Firmicutes, Peptostreptococcus, Dialister, and Eubacterium spp. Unlike previous studies, gram-negative anaerobic rods were isolated from the deep layers. Clone library analysis was simultaneously performed and similar results were obtained. The method utilized here will be useful for microbiological examination of endodontic infections. In addition, although it is still unknown whether they were viable, this study demonstrated the presence of gram-negative rods in dentinal tubules.

Determination of Echinococcus granulosus Antigen B Polymorphism in Human and Animal Isolates From Alborz Province by PCR-SSCP

Background: Echinococcus granulosus is one of the most important pathogens in medicine. This parasite is able to cause a hydatid cyst in humans, which causes various human and financial losses annually. Objective: This study focused on determining the polymorphism of antigen B (AgB) of E. granulosus in the human and animal samples of Alborz province. Materials and Methods: In this study, 50 samples of the hydatid cyst fluid (HCF), 10 human samples, and 40 sheep samples were collected, then the DNA was extracted from the samples. During the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process, the corresponding fragment was replicated in the AgB gene. Subsequently, PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) was performed to investigate genetic diversity. Results: All 50 isolates used in this study showed the AgB in 350 bp after conducting PCR. In addition, all isolates demonstrated similar band patterns after the PCR-SSCP assay. Conclusion: In 50 isolates, one banding pattern was observed after PCR-SSCP, while no polymorphism was detected in any of the isolates.

Morphological and molecular characterization of recombinant inbred lines for dormancy related traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The study was carried out to assess the genetic relatedness of 119 recombinant inbred lines along with their parents BPT 2231and MTU 1001 based on morphological and molecular characterization. Data recorded for 10 morphological characters was used for grouping genotypes into different clusters by using Tocher’s and UPGMA dendrogram methods. Under D2analysis, the genotypes were grouped into 6 clusters and out of 10 characters studied, free amino acids contributed maximum divergence followed by days to 50% flowering and test weight. The genotypes grouped in cluster III recorded strong dormancy both at 5 days and 10 days after harvesting whereas the genotypes of cluster IV recorded maximum grain yield/plant. Four polymorphic markers were used for genotyping of the RIL population and the lines viz.,SD 3, SD 12, SD 15, SD 68, SD 72, SD 87 and SD 113 which were categorized as strongly dormant upto 10 days after harvesting also exhibited similar banding pattern with the dormant parent MTU 1001 when amplified with more than two markers. Among the 119 RIL population studied, SD 12 manifested banding pattern as that of the dormant parent MTU 1001 with all the four polymorphic markers viz., RM346, RM22565, RM7051 and RM10793 under study and also exhibited &lt;10% germination at 10 days after harvesting. The number of alleles detected for each of the 4 polymorphic markers ranged from 2 to 4 per loci with mean value of 2.75 alleles per locus. The dendrogram analysis divided the entire population into two distinct clusters at the distance of 2.25. The RILs viz., SD11, SD12, SD15, SD27, SD30, SD63, SD65, SD68, SD74, SD75, SD80 along with the dormant parent MTU 1001(SD 121) which recorded less than 50% germination and categorized as strongly dormant under phenotyping were grouped in cluster IB2 in molecular analysis thus revealing the similarity between the two methods.

Characterization of Green Pigment from Sauropus androgynus Shoot Cultures

The dark green leaves of Sauropus androgynus (Euphorbiaceae) have various nutritive values and are commonly used for human consumption as food, medicine, and natural dye substance in South-east Asia. Shoot cultures of this plant were established by adding various concentrations of kinetin (Kn) and benzyl adenine (BA) using nodal explants. The best results were recorded when Kn 0.1 mg/L was used with BA 1 mg/L (BA1Kn0.1). Spectrophotometric analysis showed two peaks of green pigment in shoot cultures, A pigment (λmax = 663.6 - 663.8 nm, absorbance 0.1111) and B pigment (λmax= 611.3 - 613.9 nm, absorbance 0.0390). Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis showed two green spots (Rf Y = 0.31 and Rf Z = 0.25) of shoot cultures on medium supplemented with BA1Kn0.1 for 10 days. Pigment profiles of shoot culltures were similar to their corresponding mother plants. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used as a preliminary technique to evaluate the genetic similarity of the shoot cultures and their corresponding mother plants. It showed four similar DNA banding patterns to their leaves, ranging from 271-765 bp.

AXENIC CULTURE OF PHILONOTIS FALCATA (HOOK.) MITT., AN ALTERNATIVE TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF LARGE-SCALE COLLECTION FROM NATIVE HABITAT

Axenic culture of Philonotis falcata, collected from Idukki district of Kerala was established. Spores were surface sterilized in sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) and inoculated into half strength Hoagland’s Basal media of pH 6.0. The inoculated tubes were incubated at 25°C at 18h light, 6h dark cycle for 30 days. The protonema developed were transferred to 30 ml fresh half strength media in conical flasks with different pH and kinetin concentrations and incubated for 45 days. Gametophyte proliferation, growth pattern and photosynthetic pigment content were estimated. Among the various media composition, pH5.0 with 0.5 mg/L kinetin supported maximum bud proliferation and growth. Pigment production was higher at pH 6.0, 0.5 mg/L kinetin. There seem to have interaction between pH and kinetin in growth, biomass production and pigment production. TLC plate analysis revealed similar banding pattern between wild and in vitro plant metabolites, indicating the possibility of using axenic plants in extraction of bioactive compounds thereby reducing the impact of collection from native habitat

Prl and B4GALT-1 gene polymorphism and their association with milk production traits in crossbred cattle of Kerala

The main objective of present study was to explore the genetic variation in exon 3 of PRL (185 bp) and exon-2 of B4GALT-1 (256 bp) locus and analyze their associations with milk production traits. The study was conducted on 200 crossbred cattle distributed in different farms under Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and field centres of ICAR-FPT scheme, Mannuthy. Polymorphism of both the genes was detected by Single Strand Confirmation Polymorphism (PCR-SSCP). Similar banding pattern were noticed in exon-3 region of PRL, population was found to be monomorphic, indicating conserved nature of this fragment in the screened crossbred cattle population of Kerala. Two unique band patterns were detected in 256 bp fragment of B4GALT-1. Sequencing revealed a nonsynonymous single nucleotide variation in c.521T&gt;C in exon 2 of B4GALT-1, resulted in an amino acid substitution of methionine to threonine due to a codon change of ATG to ACG. Different genetic variants of B4GALT-1 was significantly associated with 305 days milk yield and protein percent. The study indicates the existence of genetic variability in B4GALT-1 gene on crossbred cattle population of Kerala and suggests a scope of considering genetic variants of B4GALT-1 gene in selection of cattle for higher milk production.

Mild Phenotype of Xq Deletion and 3q Duplication Associated with der(X)t(X;3)(q21.1;q22.1) without Loss of XIST Gene

We report a 10-year-old female patient with der(X)t(X;3)(q21.1;q22.1), resulting in 3q duplication and Xq deletion. The main clinical feature was primary ovarian failure and there was no abnormal phenotype corresponding to 3q duplication syndrome. This might be explained by the XIST gene at the X-inactivation center on Xq13.2, which was not deleted in this case. The conventional karyotyping was preliminarily reported as 46,X,inv(X) (q13q26) due to the similar banding patterns of Xq13.2-q24 and 3q25.33-q29. This case highlights the value of using a chromosomal microarray as a clinical diagnostic test for individuals with developmental delay or congenital anomalies.

Application of SSR Markers for Purity Testing of Hybrid Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Exploitation of the full potential of any hybrid requires the possessing of genetically high-purity seeds. In order to avoid reduction in yield caused by using low purity seeds, development of a simple, rapid, and accurate method for hybrid purity assessment is of great essence and significance. For the identification of true hybrids, SSR markers provides authentic information that will help to the further progress of any research programme. In this study, total of 40 wheat hybrids and 14 parental lines were taken for the hybrid purity analysis with 20 SSR markers. These markers were used to find out the codominant loci in the hybrid and single dominant loci in parents. Out of 20 SSR markers, only 8 markers viz., Xwmc617, Xwmc457, Xwmc48, Xgwm153, Xbarc61, Xgwm273, Xbarc268 and Xgwm274 showed the polymorphic dominant loci in the parents and co-dominant loci midway between these parents. Therefore these SSR markers were used to confirm the forty hybrids. The range of allele size produced by SSR marker on the parental lines were 120 bp to 300 bp. The highest allel size (300 bp) was produced by marker Xbarc 268 whereas, the minimum allel size (120 bp) was produced by marker Xgwm 273. All the fourty hybrids showed similar banding pattern as parental lines, this proved the purity of hybrids in all these cross combinations. The confirmation of hybrid purity indicated that a single polymorphic marker was sufficient for detection of contaminations of these hybrids from their parents.

Impact of particle size fractions on composition, antioxidant activities, and functional properties of soybean hulls

This research investigated potential soybean hull utilization in high value products by determining the amount of proteins, dietary fiber, minerals, phenolics, antioxidant activities, as well as functional properties of soybean hull samples in five different size fractions from 20 to 140 mesh. The contents of protein, ash, soluble sugar, and most amino acids increased with decreasing sizes. This study first reported the quantities of bound phenolic contents and antioxidant activities, soluble sugars, and amino acids in soybean hulls. The statistically significant increases were found with decreasing particle sizes in the free phenolic contents (1.81 to 3.24 mg/g) and antioxidant activities (1.51 to 1.95 µmol/g). In general, free phenolic contents were slightly higher compared to bound phenolic contents, whereas the free antioxidant activities were considerably lower than bound antioxidant activities for the same fraction, which suggested that a portion of antioxidant activities were not released during neutral extraction. The extracted protein from soybean hulls showed similar banding patterns with soybean products as demonstrated by gel electrophoresis. The content of water-soluble solids increased significantly with decreasing size (15.08 to 23.71%). By contrast, water-holding capacities decreased significantly with decreasing particle sizes (666.72 to 337.47%). The final viscosity peak of soybean hulls increased as the sizes increased. The trend of final peaks from blends appeared to be related to their water-holding capacities. In addition, the correlation tests disclosed statistically significant relationships (p < 0.05) between selective properties of soybean hulls. Our results suggested that soybean hulls are a valuable source for functional foods and industrial applications.