Pramod Kumar Pandey

DNA barcoding and genetic diversity analyses of fishes of Kaladan River of Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot

Abstract Species are considered as a fundamental unit of biodiversity. Therefore, the prerequisite for biodiversity management and conservation is to know the number of species one is dealing with. Consequently, the need of the present study was conceptualized, which dealt with the comprehensive molecular appraisal of Kaladan’s Fish fauna. A total of 291 specimens representing 49 species, 28 genera, 11 families, and 4 orders, were collected from 11 sampling stations situated along the main Kaladan River and its four major tributaries, i.e. Tiau, Tuipui, Mat, and Tuichang, flowing in Mizoram state of India (part of Indo–Myanmar biodiversity hotspot) and COI sequences of all the 291 samples were generated. All the analyses conducted in the present study, i.e. K2P genetic divergence, bPTP and Neighbour-Joining suggest that DNA Barcoding is an efficient and reliable tool for species identification and deciding the species boundary. Most of the species of Kaladan showed the clear existence of barcode gap. However, the presence of intra-specific and inter-specific genetic distance overlap in two species revealed the existence of putative sibling species or hidden taxa. This study also revealed the presence of two cryptic species and putative previously unknown species of genus Garra and Schistura. The COI barcode database of Kaladan’s fish fauna, established in the present study, may serve as a reference library for accurate identification of fishes and will help ichthyologist, researcher, students, biodiversity managers and policy makers in proper planning with regard to conservation and management of the resources.

DNA Barcoding of Freshwater Fishes of Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot

To develop an effective conservation and management strategy, it is required to assess the biodiversity status of an ecosystem, especially when we deal with Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot. Importance of this reaches to an entirely different level as the hotspot represents the area of high endemism which is under continuous threat. Therefore, the need of the present study was conceptualized, dealing with molecular assessment of the fish fauna of Indo-Myanmar region, which covers the Indian states namely, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland. A total of 363 specimens, representing 109 species were collected and barcoded from the different rivers and their tributaries of the region. The analyses performed in the present study, i.e. Kimura 2-Parameter genetic divergence, Neighbor-Joining, Automated Barcode Gap Discovery and Bayesian Poisson Tree Processes suggest that DNA barcoding is an efficient and reliable tool for species identification. Most of the species were clearly delineated. However, presence of intra-specific and inter-specific genetic distance overlap in few species, revealed the existence of putative cryptic species. A reliable DNA barcode reference library, established in our study provides an adequate knowledge base to the groups of non-taxonomists, researchers, biodiversity managers and policy makers in sketching effective conservation measures for this ecosystem.

Immobilization Increases the Stability and Reusability of Pigeon Pea NADP + Linked Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase

Immobilization of enzymes is valuably important as it improves the stability and hence increases the reusability of enzymes. The present investigation is an attempt for immobilization of purified glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from pigeon pea on different matrix. Maximum immobilization was achieved when alginate was used as immobilization matrix. As compared to soluble enzyme the alginate immobilized enzyme exhibited enhanced optimum pH and temperature. The alginate immobilized enzyme displayed more than 80% activity up to 7 continuous reactions and more than 50% activity up to 11 continuous reactions.

Complete mitochondrial genome of near threatened fish species Osteobrama belangeri (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of Osteobrama belangeri was obtained, using Illumina high-throughput NextSeq 500 with 2 × 150 bp sequencing of mitochondrial DNA. The mitochondrial genome of O. belangeri was 16,602 bp in length (GenBank Accession No. KY887473), comprised of 13 protein coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and a control region, i.e. D-loop. In present mitogenome, 11 short sequence repeats were identified and validated in silico. The arrangement of genes was found identical to other Cypriniformes fish mitogenomes, available in NCBI database. Phylogenetic relationship established in the present study also supported that genus Osteobrama is member of subfamily Cyprininae (tribe: smiliogastrini) not Cultrinae, which provide useful insights into taxonomic status of the genus.

Complete mitochondrial genome of near threatened butter Catfish Ompok bimaculatus (Siluriformes: Siluridae)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of Ompok bimaculatus was obtained, using illumina high-throughput NextSeq 500 with 2 × 150 bp sequencing of mitochondrial DNA. The genome of O. bimaculatus was 16,482 bp in length (GenBank Accession No. KY887474) comprised of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and a control region i.e. D-loop. In present mitogenome, 9 SSR were identified and validated in silico and secondary structures of all the 22 tRNA were predicted. The arrangement of genes was found identical to other siluriformes fish mitogenomes available in NCBI database. Phylogenetic relationship with closely related species were established which provide useful insights into taxonomic status of the species.

Cuscuta: A Freeloading Weed, their Dilemma and Property

Cuscuta (Dodder) a total stem parasite depends completely on their host for their life processes. It is treated as a noxious weed which causes loss of several major crops in the agricultural field by their root like haustorial adaptation. But apart from their weed nature, they have medicinal, pharmacological and industrial importance. They have been used for treatment of diseases like jaundice, headache, rheumatism, liver diseases. They were also found to possess antibacterial, antiviral, anti-HIV, anti-inflammator and anticancerous properties. This review deals with positive prospects and associated problems of Cuscuta which can be helpful in future exploration of their hidden aspects.