Niken Satuti Nur Handayani

Study of Genetic Marker of Cuscuses (Marsupialia: Phalangeridae) from Maluku and Papua Based on Cytochrome b Gene Sequences

Cuscuses is marsupials animal (Phalangeridae) which has limited spread in eastern Indonesia (Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua and Timor islands), Australia and Papua New Guinea. The ex-situ and in-situ conservation of cuscuses under captivating condition is an alternative solution to protect from extinction. This study aimed to determine nucleotide sequences and genetic marker on cyt b gene with sequencing method of each species on two provinces. Whole genome DNA was extracted from 22 samples of cuscuses obtained from different habitats, Maluku (13 individuals) and Papua (8 individuals) according to the protocol of Qiamp DNA Blood Mini Kit (Qiagen) and then it was used as template for amplification of cyt b gene by using PCR method. The PCR product were then purified using column chromatography and were used as template for sequencing reaction. Results sequencing of cyt b gene were analyzed using MEGA program versions 6.0. The PCR product gives results nucleotides of 982 bp according to database GeneBank and sequencing product gives results nucleotides of 771 bp. Nucleotides alignment of Phalanger members was found 24 nucleotides distinguishing and Spilocuscus members was found 11 nucleotides distinguishing, which can be used as genetic marker between Phalanger and Spilocuscus members from Papua and Maluku.

The snapping shrimp dactyl plunger: a thermomechanical damage-tolerant sandwich composite

The dactyl plunger of Alpheus sp. was found to be a layered composite, with mineral-rich outer and inner layers and a chitin-rich middle layer of high porosity. The chitin-rich middle layer is itself composed of several porous chitin laminae. Modelling heat conduction through the plunger cross-section revealed that the chitin-rich layer is able to insulate heat and retard its progress through the material. Heat accumulates in the plunger after a series of successive snaps and as such, its thermally resistant design can be considered most useful under the conditions of successive snapping. The plunger has a concurrent mechanical damage-tolerant design with biogenic mineral layers, viscous (chitin-mineral) interfaces, energy-dissipating porous chitin, and sidewalls composed of ordered, layered aragonite. The snapping shrimp plunger has a design that may protect it and internal soft tissues from thermomechanical damage during plunger-socket compression prior to cavitation bubble release.

Combined effects of copper and cadmium on Chlorella pyrenoidosa H.Chick: subcellular accumulation, distribution, and growth inhibition

ABSTRACT Disposal of waste into aquatic ecosystems may cause microalgae to be exposed to various metals, e.g. copper and cadmium. The effects caused by combinations of metals may be more serious. Evaluations of subcellular fate, bioaccumulation, and biological effects of metals on aquatic organisms are generally derived from experiments with individual metals. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of exposure of Chlorella pyrenoidosa to copper and cadmium in combination on subcellular accumulation, distribution, and growth. The algae were exposed for 72 h to copper at concentrations of 13 – 25 µmol L−1, cadmium at about 6 µmol L−1, and combinations thereof. The levels of copper and cadmium in subcellular organelles, heat-denaturated protein, metal-rich granules, and heat-stable protein were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Exposure of C. pyrenoidosa to copper and cadmium in combination inhibited growth more strongly than copper and cadmium individually. Highest accumulation was observed in metal-rich granules and heat-stable proteins. Administration of both metals in combination affected their subcellular distribution: copper was mainly distributed into the metal-rich granules (70%–80%) and heat-stable proteins (9%–24%), cadmium in the metal-rich granules (88%–98%).

α-globin Alteration in α-thalassemia Disorder: Prediction and Interaction Defect

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The α-thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder affecting quality and quantity of hemoglobin. It caused mostly by deletion of one or two α-globin genes and characterized by deficient production of α-globin chain in hemoglobin leading from mild anemia to lethal. The α-globin gene with partial deletion could reduce chain production or produce abnormal chain. Its effect depends on mechanism of chain production affected. This study aimed to analyze the effect of partial deletion in α-globin gene influencing the mechanisms to produce functional α-globin chain in α-thalassemia cases. MATERIALS AND METHOD The three mutant genes from genebank were selected and processed. The analysis performed in deleted sequences determination, mRNA sequences, protein structures and protein chains interaction to form hemoglobin by SWISS MODEL, CHIMERA and SABLE Polyview 2D. RESULTS The result showed 76 amino acids deleted in one mutant α-globin gene (V00516.1). The mutation gave effect in every mechanism of the α-globin chain conformation and production. It affected protein conformation by losing over half the helical chains. It reduced the function completely, in which, disturb hemoglobin A (HbA) production with emergence of β-sheets conformation. CONCLUSION The analysis concluded that the protein produced by the α-globin gene with partial deletion lost its function and unable to form hemoglobin.

Assessment of sequence variation from SIT1 gene on diatom (Bacillariophyceae) using in silico PCR

Diatoms are widely known as brown microalgae generating silicified cell-wall called frustule. The unique frustule ornamentations form occlusion and perforation. An interesting study of frustule formation led us to understand further the variation of thegene of interest (Silicic Acid Transporter/ SIT1) on Bacillariophyceae. The SIT1 gene indicating the frustule formation on diatomhas been studied. As a preliminary study, we used in silico Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis to know the gene variation of SIT1. The analysis was conducted using data available from Genebank followed by primer design, comparison of sequence alignment, and in silico PCR. Fourteen extracted SIT1 sequences were aligned and analyzed usingFastPCR program with in silico PCR feature. Our result suggested the primer 7C could be implemented as degenerate primers resulting the in silico amplification of 426-435 bp PCR products. MUSCLE algorithm was furthermore used to align the regions resulted from in silico PCR. A moderate percent...