ISSN 2736-1756
Perspective
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2004
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2004 International Scholars Journals
Perspective
Plant gene technology: Social considerations
Berhanu Abraha Tsegay
Bahir Dar University, Department of Biology, Ethiopia. P. O. Box 79, Fax: +251 8 202025; E-mail: [email protected].
Accepted 30 December 2003
Abstract
The genetic modification of plants by gene technology is of immense potential benefits, but there may be possible risks. The advantages and social concerns of plant gene technology are discussed.
Key words: Gene technology, genetically modified plant, agriculture.
Berhanu Abraha Tsegay
Page: 1 - 10
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2004
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2004 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Comparative genetics of alcoholism in the Kenyan populations
KORIR Elena Doudoladova1*, OCHIENG David2, NDIRITU Douglas3
1Biochemistry Department, Kenyatta University, Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
3Botany Department, Kenyatta University, Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
2Mank + Tank College, Box 12374-00400, Nairobi, Kenya.
Abstract
Hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase are major enzymes in the metabolism of exogenous ethanol. These enzymes are polymorphic and are involved in alcohol drinking and risk of alcoholism in some world populations. Three hundred and seventy one samples of hair root lyzates from five Kenyan communities were screened for ADH 2, ADH 3 and ALDH 2 polymorphisms via isoelectric focusing. Additional information on alcohol drinking behaviour, alcohol intake, frequency of alcohol drinking, preference of alcoholic drinks, and alcohol dependence was collected via interview and questionnaire. SAS JPIN statistical program was used to analyze obtained data using chi-square, Anova and t-tests. The results showed that ADH 2*2, ADH 3*1 and ALDH 2*2 alleles do not have protective properties against risk of alcoholism in the selected Kenyan populations. Other factors than ADH and ALDH polymorphisms interfered in the protective mechanism of the latter alleles against excessive alcohol drinking.
Key words: Alcohol, ADH, ALDH, polymorphism, alcohol drinking, alcoholism.
KORIR Elena Doudoladova*, OCHIENG David, NDIRITU Douglas
Page: 1 - 10
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2004
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2004 International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Estimates of outcrossing rates in Moringa oleifera using Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)
Muluvi GM1*, Sprent JI2, Odee D3, Powell W4
1Biochemistry Department, Kenyatta University, P.O.Box 43844, Nairobi, Kenya.
2Department of Biological Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 4HN, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
3Farm Forestry Programme, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, P.O.Box 20412, Nairobi, Kenya.
4Dupont Agricultural Biotechnology, Delaware Technology Park, Suit Zoo, 1 innovation Way, P.O.Box 6104, Newark, DE19714-6104, USA.
Abstract
The mating system in plant populations is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Proper estimates of the outcrosing rates are often required for planning breeding programmes, conservation and management of tropical trees. However, although Moringa oleifera is adapted to a mixed mating system, the proportion of selfing has not been previously estimated. The current work therefore, shows the use of AFLP markers in a mating system study of M. oleifera seed orchard. Data revealed a mixed mating system with a multilocus outcrossing rate (tm) of 0.74. It further demonstrated that AFLP markers, though dominant with a lower information content than co-dominant markers are adequate for the study of the mating system in plant populations. The 26% selfing observed in M. oleifera can lead to overestimation of the proportion of additive genetic variance and appropriate adjustments are therefore required. However, the presence of selfing as well as early sexual maturity (6 months to 1 year) in M. oleifera provides an opportunity for developing inbred lines and hybridisation. Additionally, in designing M. oleifera seed orchards, randomisation and minimum distance between related individuals need to be worked out to maximise cross-fertilisation among unrelated clones and minimise selfing or mating among related ramets.
Key words: Moringa oleifera, mating system, outcrossing rates, amplified fragment length polymorphism.
Odee D and Powell W, Muluvi GM*, Sprent JI
Page: 1 - 10
Review
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2004
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2004 International Scholars Journals
Review
Plant genetic resources: Advancing conservation and use through biotechnology
N. Kameswara Rao
Germplasm Conservation Scientist, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Regional Office for Sub-Saharan Africa, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya. E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract
Conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources is essential to meet the demand for future food security. Advances in biotechnology have generated new opportunities for genetic resources conservation and utilization. Techniques like in vitro culture and cryopreservation have made it easy to collect and conserve genetic resources, especially of species that are difficult to conserve as seeds. While technologies like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have provided tools that are more sensitive and pathogen specific for seed health testing, tissue culture methods are now widely applied for elimination of systemic diseases such as viruses for safe exchange of germplasm. Molecular markers are increasingly used for screening of germplasm to study genetic diversity, identify redundancies in the collections, test accession stability and integrity, and resolve taxonomic relationships. The technology is also expanding the scope of genetic resources utilization.
Key words: Biotechnology, conservation, plant genetic resources.
N. Kameswara Rao
Page: 1 - 10
Review
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2004
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2004 International Scholars Journals
© 2004 International Scholars Journals
Review
Agricultural genomics and sustainable development: Perspectives and prospects for Africa
Jesse Machuka
Centre for Complimentary Medicine and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844, Nairobi, Kenya. E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract
The genomes of various organisms have now been fully sequenced, including human and representative microbial, insect, animal and plant genomes. The research challenge in the post-genome era is to establish how genes and proteins function to bring about changes in phenotype. Some of these phenotypes, and products obtainable through modern biotechnology, are of crucial importance within the context of sustainable development of African economies. The greatest ultimate impact will be in agricultural genomics, especially for marker assisted selection and breeding programs in crop and animal agriculture, development of animal disease diagnostics and vaccines, crop genetic engineering to overcome abiotic and biotic stresses and for improvement of the nutritional quality of major food staples. It is imperative that African countries become key players in the “gene revolution” since the cost of leaving them behind may be higher than the cost of empowering them to become players in mastering and benefiting from biotechnology. This paper highlights the potential impact of the latest advances in modern biotechnology, including genomics and bioinformatics, on sustainable development, in line with the goals of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). These include acceleration of economic growth, eradication of widespread and severe poverty and efforts to halt the marginalization of Africa in the globalization process.
Key words: Genomics, modern biotechnology, agriculture, sustainable development, Africa.
Jesse Machuka
Page: 1 - 10
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2004
Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr
© 2004 International Scholars Journals
Perspective
Research communications in the 21st century
Nyerhovwo J. Tonukari
Editor, African Journal of Biotechnology (http://www.academicjournals.org/AJB), E-mail: [email protected], [email protected].
Abstract
Scientific inquiry thrives only in a society that fosters the free flow of ideas and information. The power of online (internet) publication in democratizing science and incorporating scientists from developing countries into the scientific community is profound. The desired and obvious properties of scientific publishing such as accessibility, economy, quality, innovation, and retrieval can be more readily achieved with electronic methods. Online publication is much cheaper and faster, and that is major reason Africa should embrace the open access model for research communication. An open access African journal (the African Journal of Biotechnology) is evaluated.
Key words: Open access, African Journal of Biotechnology, research communications.
Nyerhovwo J. Tonukari
Page: 1 - 10