Browsing by Author "Singh B.N."
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Item Biological species concept: the historical perspective(Indian Academy of Sciences, 2024) Singh B.N.In biology, species is a basic unit of biological classification and taxonomic rank. It is defined as a group of similar organisms showing the same essence which is based on typological or morphological species concept (essentialism). It was Ray in the seventeenth century whose description of species also contained the germ of biological species concept (BSC) because he considered the reproductive relationship to be an important species criterion. In the eighteenth century, Koelreuter also emphasized that all the individuals who can interbreed and produce fertile offspring belong to the same species. This paved the way for BSC. Darwin also gave importance to reproductive isolation and hence the BSC. Later on, in the twentieth century, Jordan, Mayr and Dobzhansky emphasized and developed the biological species concept and species is defined as a group of potentially or actually interbreeding natural populations which are reproductively isolated from other such groups. However, recently it has been criticized by molecular evolutionary biologists supporting the genic concept of species but none wholeheartedly embraced the new genic concept of species. � (2024), (Indian Academy of Sciences). All rights reserved.Item Hundred years of research on Drosophila ananassae has revealed a number of unusual features of this species(Indian Academy of Sciences, 2024) Singh B.N.Drosophila ananassae was originally described by Doleschall in 1858 from Ambon Island in Indonesia. This species came into notice when Morgan, Bridges and Sturtevant compiled data in a volume entitled �The Genetics of Drosophila� in 1925 as D. caribbea Sturtevant in the chapter �other species of Drosophila�. Kikkawa in 1935 verified D. caribbea as D. ananassae. The first mutation in this species was curved wing, an autosomal recessive gene on II chromosome reported by Sturtevant in 1921. Since then D. ananassae has been utilized extensively for different kinds of studies and results of these studies conducted during the last hundred years have clearly revealed that D. ananassae is genetically unique species and stands distinct from other species of the genus Drosophila. The important unusual features of this species are: spontaneous meiotic male recombination, presence of chiasmata in males, high mutability, optic morphology hyper mutability system, absence of genetic coadaptation, Y-4 linkage of nucleolus organizer, high frequency of pericentric inversions and translocations, population substructing, parthenogenesis, extra chromosomal inheritance, incipient sexual isolation, inversion karyotypes and mate recognition system, spontaneous genetic mosaic, segregation distortion, lack of correlation between crossing-over and chromosome distance between inversions, rare male mating advantage, trait and sex specific fluctuating asymmetry, female and male remating and sperm displacement, speciation in south Pacific populations, association with a bacterium Wolbachia, variation in resistance to environmental stress, nutrition regulated stress resistance, correlation between inversion karyotypes and mating propensity and phylogenetic relationship with its sibling D. pallidosa which is in statu nascendi. � (2024), (Indian Academy of Sciences). All rights reserved.Item Nyctanthes arbor-tristis bioactive extract ameliorates LPS-induced inflammation through the inhibition of NF-?B signalling pathway(Elsevier Ireland Ltd, 2024) Sharma V.K.; Prateeksha P.; Singh S.P.; Rao C.V.; Singh B.N.Ethnopharmacological relevance: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. is a mythical plant used in traditional Indian medicinal systems for the treatment of inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, and pain-related responses. However, its bioactive compounds and underlying mechanism of action have not been fully elucidated. Aim of the study: This investigation aimed to study the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of the bioactive extract of N. arbor-tristis (NATE), both in vitro and in vivo, elucidate the possible mechanism of action, and determine its chemicals. Materials and methods: We studied the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of NATE on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, paw-ear edema, and acetic acid-induced pain in rats and analysed its chemical components using Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometric (LC-ESI-MS). Results: NATE efficiently reduced the production of various inflammatory mediators and factors, such as free radicals, lipid peroxidation, nitrous oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF?), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1?), and IL-10, as well as their corresponding mRNA expression in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells (p < 0.001). Furthermore, NATE inhibited the activation of a key signaling pathway, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), as it caused a decrease in the degradation of inhibitor of kB alpha (IkBa). Administration of NATE significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema (p < 0.001), TPA-induced ear edema, and the production of inflammatory factors (p < 0.01). NATE revealed anti-nociceptive impacts in acetic acid-induced writhing and tail immersion experiments (p < 0.001) as well as no toxicity signs. A total of six compounds, namely iridoid glycoside (6,7-di-O-benzonylnyctanthoside), arborsides A, arborsides C, betulinic acid, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, and kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside, were characterized through the examination of their mass spectra in correlation with those documented in a database of mass spectra. Conclusions: The present study furnishes scientific corroboration of the inhibitory potency of N. arbor-tristis as a promising herbal treatment for inflammation and pain responses without toxicity, offering a scientific basis for future drug development strategies aimed at ameliorating inflammatory diseases. � 2023 Elsevier B.V.Item Seaweed extracts: enhancing plant resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses(Frontiers Media SA, 2024) Kumar G.; Nanda S.; Singh S.K.; Kumar S.; Singh D.; Singh B.N.; Mukherjee A.Seaweeds are a natural marine resource containing many bioactive compounds such as amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, phytohormones, and antimicrobial compounds. Since ancient times, seaweeds have been used in various sectors, including medicine, food, and the cosmetic industry. Currently, seaweeds are a promising alternative to reduce the application of harmful chemicals in agriculture. Seaweed and its derived products have been utilized for plant growth promotion, immunity enhancement, and the reduction of biotic and abiotic stresses. In the current global scenario, synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides are commonly used to increase agricultural crop production to meet the growing demands of the world population. However, these chemicals pose significant threats to the health of people, livestock, plants, soil, and the entire environment. In contrast, seaweed-based products are emerging as a newer option for stress mitigation and reduction, offering an alternative to synthetic chemicals. This article explains the use of seaweed extracts to increase the tolerance of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. We also address the functions of various bioactive compounds present in seaweed extracts and the mechanisms by which they promote plant growth and induce defense against different stresses. Copyright � 2024 Kumar, Nanda, Singh, Kumar, Singh, Singh and Mukherjee.Item Unearthing the power of microbes as plant microbiome for sustainable agriculture(Elsevier GmbH, 2024) Mukherjee A.; Singh B.N.; Kaur S.; Sharma M.; Ferreira de Ara�jo A.S.; Pereira A.P.D.A.; Morya R.; Puopolo G.; Melo V.M.M.; Verma J.P.In recent years, research into the complex interactions and crosstalk between plants and their associated microbiota, collectively known as the plant microbiome has revealed the pivotal role of microbial communities for promoting plant growth and health. Plants have evolved intricate relationships with a diverse array of microorganisms inhabiting their roots, leaves, and other plant tissues. This microbiota mainly includes bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoans, and viruses, forming a dynamic and interconnected network within and around the plant. Through mutualistic or cooperative interactions, these microbes contribute to various aspects of plant health and development. The direct mechanisms of the plant microbiome include the enhancement of plant growth and development through nutrient acquisition. Microbes have the ability to solubilize essential minerals, fix atmospheric nitrogen, and convert organic matter into accessible forms, thereby augmenting the nutrient pool available to the plant. Additionally, the microbiome helps plants to withstand biotic and abiotic stresses, such as pathogen attacks and adverse environmental conditions, by priming the plant's immune responses, antagonizing phytopathogens, and improving stress tolerance. Furthermore, the plant microbiome plays a vital role in phytohormone regulation, facilitating hormonal balance within the plant. This regulation influences various growth processes, including root development, flowering, and fruiting. Microbial communities can also produce secondary metabolites, which directly or indirectly promote plant growth, development, and health. Understanding the functional potential of the plant microbiome has led to innovative agricultural practices, such as microbiome-based biofertilizers and biopesticides, which harness the power of beneficial microorganisms to enhance crop yields while reducing the dependency on chemical inputs. In the present review, we discuss and highlight research gaps regarding the plant microbiome and how the plant microbiome can be used as a source of single and synthetic bioinoculants for plant growth and health. � 2024 Elsevier GmbH
