Several fungi has been known to cause infection in humans as well as plants. Screening of natural sources for novel antifungal compounds can help to control fungal pathogens of both humans and plants. Fungi being eukaryotic organisms present special problems in chemotherapy. There has been a renewed interest in natural antimicrobial compounds which can be used in the control of mycotoxigenic fungi.This work describes plant seed extracts (prepared by microwave assisted extraction method) with antifungal and/or antibacterial activity. Further investigation on such bioactive extracts may lead to...

Scientific Study from the year 2012 in the subject Biology - Micro- and Molecular Biology, Nirma University (Institute of Science), language: English, abstract: Five halotolerant bacteria were isolated from saline soil of Gujarat. Their identification and characterization with respect to optimum pH and salt concentration, and metal tolerance was carried out. Among all isolates Virgibacillus marismortui exhibited better metal tolerance/resistance. In certain cases stimulatory effect of metal ions on growth was also observed. Such organisms can serve as a good model for study of stress response...

Scientific Study from the year 2013 in the subject Biology - Micro- and Molecular Biology, grade: A, Nirma University (Institute of Science), course: Microbiology, language: English, abstract: Extracts of Emblica officinalis seeds prepared by Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) method were evaluated for their antimicrobial property against planktonic form of certain human/plant pathogenic microbes. Additionally, seed extracts of E. officinalis, Tamarindus indica, Manilkara zapota, Phoenix sylvestris, Syzygium cumini, and selected phytocompounds were tested against multi-drug resistant...

Scientific Study from the year 2013 in the subject Biology - Micro- and Molecular Biology, grade: A, Nirma University (Institute of Science), language: English, abstract: Hydrocarbon contamination of marine ecosystems has been a major environmental concern. Hydrocarbon metabolizing capacity of four halotolerant bacteria (Bacillus atrophaeus, Halomonas shengliensis, Halomonas koreensis, and Virgibacillus salarius) isolated from saline soil of Khambhat, India was investigated. Presence of catechol metabolizing enzymes (catechol 2,3 dioxygenase, chlorocatechol 1,2 dioxygenase, and...

Scientific Study from the year 2014 in the subject Biology - Micro- and Molecular Biology, grade: A, Nirma University (Institute of Science), course: M.Sc., language: English, abstract: This study attempted at microwave mutagenesis of: (i) Lactobacillus plantarum for lactic acid overproduction, and (ii) Streptococcus mutans for reduced lactic acid production. Lactic acid is among the microbiological products with high market potential. Lactic acid is also an important virulence factor in formation of dental caries by S. mutans, as the acid produced by the bacteria leads to demineralisation of...

Scientific Study from the year 2014 in the subject Biology - Micro- and Molecular Biology, grade: A, Nirma University (Institute of Science), course: M.Sc., language: English, abstract: Objective: To investigate the effect of (i) seed extracts of Pongamia pinnata, Pyrus pyrifolia, and Manilkara hexandra, (ii) bacterial pigment prodigiosin, and (iii) three organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, and DMSO), on quorum sensing (QS) in Chromobacterium violaceum. Methods: C. violaceum was challenged with plant extracts prepared by microwave assisted extraction (MAE) method, prodigiosin, and organic...

Exam Revision from the year 2015 in the subject Biology - General, Basics, Nirma University, language: English, abstract: This is a compilation of more than 100 multiple choice questions pertaining to different areas of biological sciences. This compilation is intended to be helpful to those who are preparing for appearing in any of the competitive examinations at various levels. Questions mainly are from the fields of Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, etc. All correct answers are put in bold face for immediate reference of the reader. Teachers may...