Trends in Current Biology

Covid-19’s rampage in the human body

Shreya Sen — 2024-04-01

The Covid-19 (or Coronavirus Disease-19) was first detected in Wuhan, in the Hubei Province of China. Its causative agent got named as SARS-CoV-2 (or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus- 2) in 11 February, 2020 by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). This virus is observed to infect the respiratory system in most patients. In this review, the aim was to discuss the potential of SARS-CoV-2 of affecting almost all the major organ systems of the body and to highlight the importance of interaction between spike glycoprotein of the virus and ACE2 receptor on a host cell. An analysis was made on the gfindings of the different kinds of manifestations of Covid-19 and 42 resources, including: scientific articles and websites, were used for writing this review. The resources were searched on the internet based on a set of keywords. In this review, first the pathophysiology and manifestations of the virus, based on target organ, are discussed. Later, the underlying mechanisms of infection for these organs are compared and a conclusion is drawn. Finally, few of the research works in progress were listed, which help highlight the importance of spike-ACE2 interactions. The result found was that: SARS-CoV-2 is capable of severely affecting: Central nervous system, Respiratory System, Skin, Eyes, Excretory system, Gastrointestinal system, Liver, Circulatory system and Reproductive system. The common mechanism of cellular entry of the virus has been observed to be: Interaction between spike glycoprotein with the ACE-2 receptor. While, many groups are currently conducting research based on this topic, hardly a hand few drugs have been approved for use. Thus, the conclusion is that: research should be focused on developing an approved, potent drug or therapy to inhibit the spike glycoprotein-ACE2 receptor interaction in order to tackle the raging pandemic.

Arbascular Mycorrhiza and sustainable agriculture: A green approach

Swapan Chowdhury — 2024-04-30

Agriculture is new paradigm, sustainable intensification, focuses back on beneficial soil microorganisms for their role in reducing chemical fertilizer and pesticide input and improving plant nutritional and health.More research has been done on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) because they form symbiotic relationships with the root systems of most land plants and make it easier for plants to absorb nutrients by creating extraradical networks of hyphae that spread out from colonized roots into the soil and serve as supplemental absorbents.Plants are protected from abiotic and biotic factors by AMF, and they also contribute in modulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes and secondary metabolites (phytochemicals), including polyphenols, anthocyanins, phytoestrogens and carotenoids.The employment of AMF symbionts to enhance the nutritional and medicinal value of active food items has come under more and more scrutiny in studies.Despite the wide physiological and genetic diversity of plant species, only a few AMFs have been used, thus limiting their full exploitation.This review study concentrates on the results of AMF on plant secondary substance biosynthesis that can improve health, as well as the standards for choosing the best symbionts to be utilized as sustainable biotechnological instruments to create food that is healthy and safe.The main objectives of the articlewas to examine the role AMF plays in improving soil's physical, biological and chemical properties. Regarding the information gaps found in this review, a discussion of potential future research is given. This will improve our understanding of AMF, encourage additional study, and aid in maintaining soil fertility.

Typification and a new synonym of Beilschmiedia wightii (Lauraceae)

Tapas Chakrabarty — 2024-04-01

Beilschmiedia zeylanica (Thwaites) Trimen is combined with B. wightii (Nees) Benth. ex Hook.f. A lectotype is designated for Dehaasia wightii Nees, the basionym of B. wightii. The present research was carried out during the course of revision of the family Lauraceae under the Flora of India Project, currently under preparation in Botanical Survey of India.

High Quality and Purified DNA Extraction Protocol from Transplastomic Potato Lines by Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB)-Based Method

Dr. Md. Jakir Hossain — 2024-04-08

For the advanced molecular techniques high quality and pure DNA is important requirement where a quick and cost-effective extraction method is a crucial factor. Commonly, prolong incubation period, multiple precipitations, and highly expensive commercial kits are remaining basic barrier to introduce swift and easiest method of DNA extraction from transgenic plants. Non-cellulose components present in the leaf and elevated level of starch content as well as protein content also makes this extraction procedure challenging and difficult. Present study was conducted to establish a unique DNA isolation method with some modification of existing CTAB method to ensure high-quality and purified genomic DNA from the potato plants. Through the implementation of solution based and selective DNA precipitation method, 100 mg of potato leaves from every transplastomic potato lines was applied to extract genomic DNA. Ethanol (70%) was used as elution buffer where maximum DNA yield was 3415.500 ng/µl and the ranges of DNA purity (A260/A280 nm) was recorded as 1.954-2.048, respectively. Compared to existing methods, this modified CTAB mediated procedure is swift (at least one hour can be saved ) and proficient enough for high quality DNA yield, free from the selective precipitation, regents and laboratory equipment’s are cost-effective and non-toxic to human health.