Editor(s)
Dr. Gul Ozcan
Professor, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of  Istanbul, Turkey.


ISBN 978-93-5547-428-5 (Print)
ISBN 978-93-5547-435-3 (eBook)
DOI: 10.9734/bpi/rabs/v3

This book covers key areas of Biological Science. The contributions by the authors include Biological control, daily oviposition, mortality rate, papaya mealybug, 16S rRNA sequence,   PCR primers, malathion, neem oil, histopathology, biochemical, toxicity, Bioremediation, phytoremediation, biodegradation, environmental pollution, rhyzodegradation, dechlorination, contaminated soil, Intake, carrots, elephant grass, diversity, abundance, dominance, biomass, density, protozoa, rotifer, reservoir, zooplankton, penes and pleopods, morphology, histology, Pulmonary alveoli, CD1 mouse, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease , alveolar morphometric, Peptide, visualization, COVID-19, Mollusks, Molecular Biomarkers, biomonitoring, Genetic variation, papaya genotypes, plant population, Allometry, length-weight relationships, reef fish, and bobo fish traps. This book contains various materials suitable for students, researchers and academicians in the field of Biological Science.

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Chapters


Some Biological Parameters of Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and Its Natural Enemy Acerophagus papayae Noyes et Schauff (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

Seth Wolali Nyamador, Yawavi Eyram Gnomou, Komina Amevoin, Obinna Ajuonu, Georg Goergen, Isabelle Adolé Glitho

Research Aspects in Biological Science Vol. 3, 1 June 2022, Page 1-12
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rabs/v3/15958D

The papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara De Willink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an invasive insect species attacking diverse host plants causing enormous damage to crops including those of very high economic importance. Biological control of this mealybug is achieved through the field release of its natural enemy, Acerophagus papayae Noyes and Schauff (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). The study aims to determine the developmental time and mortality rate of the different stages of P. marginatus; daily fecundity and pre- oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition times of a female P. marginatus and the total average number of emerging individuals of the hosts parasitized in 24 hours by a female and the total average development time of A. papayae.

This study, which was conducted in the laboratory under conditions of 28 ± 2°C, 75 ± 5% RH, 12: 12 LD, determined the average daily fecundity of a female P. marginatus and the average number of offspring of a female A. papayae per day. The results obtained showed that a female P. marginatus has three periods of reproductive activity, namely the pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods, which are on average last 7.74 ± 1.26, 6.13 ± 3.02 and 7.45 ± 4.27 days respectively. During oviposition, a female P. marginatus lays an average of 25.262 ± 11.16 eggs per day, and an average total of 224.32 ± 29.99 eggs during her lifetime, which averages 18.44 ± 3.31 days. Also, during the development of the pre-imaginal stages of P. marginatus, significant mortality rates were noted in the first and second larval stages, which are 61.40 ± 0.05 and 52.8 ± 0.025 respectively, whereas in the third stage, this rate is 35.02 ± 0.03 for the female and zero for the male. The average total development time of the pest was 25.98 ± 4.47 days for the female and 29.70 ± 5.58 days for the male. In contrast, the progeny of its natural enemy A. papayae averaged 8.22 ± 4.676 males and 10.53 ± 4.43 females per day, giving an average total of 18.75 ± 9.087 offspring per day. During its lifetime (13.02 ± 0.08 days), a female A. papayae produced an average of 205.96 ± 9.87 offspring in an average development time of 13.82 ± 0.013 days. These results obtained on the progeny of a female and the development time of A. papayae species in relation to that of its host can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the parasitoid in the management of the pest populations in Togo.

Determining the Role of Amylase Enzyme Activity in Growth of Fish

M. Abareethan, A. Amsath

Research Aspects in Biological Science Vol. 3, 1 June 2022, Page 13-20
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rabs/v3/3599E

In the present study, the genomic DNA of probiotic isolates from the gut and the gene sequence responsible for enzyme activity of Labeo rohita were analyzed. Probiotics are beneficial microbial populations that improve the growth and immunity of fish under challenging environmental conditions by modifying probiotic bacterial strain gut colonisation. The studies were carried out by mixing the strain with water and supplementing it with commercial feed for Labeo rohita development. Only two strains had better activity, according to the results. The genomic DNA of these isolated probiotic microorganisms was analysed and electrophoresed to establish their taxonomic identity using Universal 16S primers. The isolates' 16S rRNA sequences were amplified using primers and PCR. The isolated probiotic microorganism’s genomic DNA was analysed using Universa 16S     primers and electrophoresed to confirm the taxonomic identity. The 16S rRNA sequence of the isolates was amplified using primers using PCR. Blast analysis of 16S rRNA sequence was carried out with the sequences available in the NCBI database. Amylase, protease, and lipase enzymes significantly boost probiotic activity by enhancing water quality indicators, food absorption, and L. rohita growth. The effect of the found strain on fish growth was investigated, and it was suggested that it may be used to improve L. rohita fish growth.

An Analytical Study on the Influence of Neem Oil on Malathion in the Fish Oreochromis mossambicus

D. Jothigayathri , Amthul Azeez, C. M. Lubna Ghazia, F. Akthari Begum

Research Aspects in Biological Science Vol. 3, 1 June 2022, Page 21-28
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rabs/v3/15978D

The widespread distribution and toxic nature of pesticides and their constituents has a serious impact on the aquatic environment, and exert adverse effects on the associated organisms. The aim and objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of malathion and neem oil individually and also in combination on the fresh water fish, Oreochromis mossambicus to elucidate the changes in the different target organs like liver and kidney with reference to biochemical and histopathological studies. For acute toxicity (96 hours) and chronic toxicity (21 days) experiments, the median lethal concentration (LC50) of neem oil and malathion were maintained. The results revealed that the biological analysis for total protein and lipid increased in combination of neem oil and malathion which was comparatively more than that of the neem oil and malathion maintained individually. Histopathological studies in acute and chronic toxicity of fishes exposed to neem oil, the liver showed normal hepatocellular architecture, while fishes exposed to malathion only and those of malathion combined with neem oil showed hepatocellular degeneration, while the latter showed the signs of recovery. The kidney of neem oil-exposed fishes had normal renal architecture, but those exposed to malathion had epithelial cell degeneration and necrosis, and those exposed to both neem oil and malathion had mild degeneration. This study discovered that neem oil interacts with malathion and has a protective effect against the toxicant's adverse effects.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are one of the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) used worldwide between the 1930 and 1980s. Many PCBs can still be found in the environment such as in soils and sediments, even though their use has been heavily restricted. This review summarizes the most frequent remediation solutions including, phytoremediation, microbial degradation, dehalogenation by chemical reagent, and PCBs removal by activated carbon. New insights that emerged from recent studies of PCB remediation including supercritical water oxidation, ultrasonic radiation, bimetallic systems, nanoscale zero-valent iron based reductive dehalogenation and biofilm covered activated carbon, electrokinetic remediation, and nZVI particles in combination with a second metal are overviewed.  . Despite the different steps adopted to reduce its presence, the widespread distribution of this substance and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that have common chemical, toxicological, and environmental features continues to rise in the environment. This review focuses on potential trends in PCB remediation in the environment, as well as the approaches used. Plant remediation and microorganism degradation as biological detoxification agents of the chemical are also compared. This will highlight potential bioremediation enhancement techniques involving the use of plants and microorganisms, thereby filling the gap left by traditional remediation procedures, which have their own limitations and drawbacks.

Organic Matter Intake of Three Different Diets Fed to Deer (Axix axis)

. Ismartoyo, Anie Asriany, . Syahriani, . Islamiyati, . Fitrawati

Research Aspects in Biological Science Vol. 3, 1 June 2022, Page 58-63
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rabs/v3/6209F

A spotted deer breeding center can be successfully developed by providing feed with a good quality and having enough nutrient such as organic matter content in the diet. The main purpose of this study was to examine the feed organic matter intake of three different diets (carrot, feed concentrate, and elephant grass) fed to a group of 21 deer and 9 deer. Feeding of the three diets studied was carried out for three weeks with different diet each week. A group of 21 deer were given carrot (Diet-1) during the first week of the experiment, feed concentrate (Diet-2) during the second week, and elephant grass during the third week (Diet-3). Every day, the deer had free access to water. The consumption of organic matter in feed and the palatability of feed were measured 5 days per week, and the deer were given a two-day adaption period for new feed. A one-way analysis of variance was used to assess the data on feed organic matter consumption (Anova). The organic matter intake was significantly difference (p<0.05) between those of the three difference diets. Those 21 deer consumed organic matter of carrot 12kg/day, feed concentrate 13kg/day, and elephant grass 4kg/day, respectively. The deer take longer time to consume elephant grass compared to that of carrots and concentrates. It was concluded that the different of organic matter consumption of the three diets studied may be due to difference in the nutrient content and the palatability of the feedstuffs.

Variation of Density and Biomass of the Ichthyofauna Associated to Soft Bottoms of a Western Coastal Lagoon of B.C.S., Mexico: A Recent Study

Bruma R. Castillo-Rosas, Emelio Barjau-González, Juan Manuel López-Viva, José Ángel Armenta-Quintana, Javier Aguilar-Parra, Elvia E. Aispuro-Felix

Research Aspects in Biological Science Vol. 3, 1 June 2022, Page 64-82
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rabs/v3/2378B

An assessment of the variation in density and biomass of the fish communities of the lagoon of La Paz, Mexico was conducted from November 2016 to September 2017. A total of 2763 organisms were collected with a total biomass of 211,422.93 g in an area of 5022 m2, a density and biomass of 0.550 lnd/m2 and 44.091 g/m2. The site with the largest biomass was recorded in Zacatecas (11.179 g/m2) located north of the lagoon, while Grand Plaza recorded the lowest biomass (2.732 g/m2). Regarding the density, the maximum value was recorded in the site Yate Hundido, located northwest of the lagoon (0.129 lnd/m2) and the lowest was Las Palmas (0.036 lnd/m2) located north of the lagoon. Diapterus peruvianus was the most abundant species, with 683 individuals and a biomass of 37,507.57 g. The physicochemical factors revealed two seasons with significant fluctuation, with greater temperatures in the summer (average of 27.45°C.) and lower temperatures in the winter (average of 22.49°C.). The Shannon-Weaver diversity index demonstrated a difference between months (p = 0.050), with the maximum value (H' = 2.133 bits/ind) in April and the lowest value (H' = 1.041 bits/ind) in June. The general objective was to determine the biomass and density of the resident and transitory fish species of the La Paz lagoon, finding that the values of biomass and density recorded in the lagoon were found to be associated with the spatio-temporal variation of the temperature of the lagoon, as well as with the resident and transient species located in the study area.

Determining the Diversity and Density of Zooplanktons of Kolar Reservoir in India

Ruchira Chaudhary, Rachana S. Pillai

Research Aspects in Biological Science Vol. 3, 1 June 2022, Page 83-90
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rabs/v3/16049D

The goal of this study is to determine the zooplankton diversity and density in the Kolar reservoir in Bhopal, M.P. Samples were taken from three distinct reservoir sampling locations, and the density of the planktons was calculated. During the study year of 2007-2008, there were three primary groups of zooplanktons in the reservoir. Protozoa, Rotifera, and Crustacea are their names. Crustacea had the highest average density, with 950org/l. The maximum density was found in the month of June, while the lowest density was found in the month of November. The study of zooplanktons is important for any water body as they are important bioindicators of water pollution.

Callinectes amnicola is a Crustacean species found primarily in West Africa. The crab Callinectes amnicola, which is the most exploited species in Côte d'Ivoire, is on the verge of extinction due to overfishing. The management of natural stock or breeding has become essential in order to alleviate this situation. These features entail an understanding of the reproductive organs' structural organization and physiology. The goal of this research is to better understand the morphology and function of the reproductive system's external organs. The identification of organs was carried out with naked eye or with binocular magnifier. Histological techniques were used to conduct microscopic examinations. Male sexual maturity is divided into seven stages, according to macroscopic findings. The penes wall is made up of a connective tissue layer, a muscle layer, an interior columnar and ciliated epithelium, and a moderately large lumen in both juvenile and mature males. The tubular long first gonopods (G1) and the shorter second pleopods (G2) are the two forms of pleopods or gonopods seen in Callinectes amnicola. The first gonopod (G1) is made up of coxopodite XIII, a subterminal segment, and a tube-like terminal segment or telopodite. The tube or groove has apical and basal openings. Gonopods are connected by a calcified wall that surrounds bundles of striated muscle fibers and glandular regions. The coxopodite XIV, a medial part, and the apical spine make up the second gonopod (G2). It is inserted into the first pleopod's posterior foramen and drives semen and spermatophores via the first pleopod's groove. The external tract's physiology was studied. The mechanical organs of copulation are the penis and first pleopods.

Determination of the Area and Number of Pulmonary Alveoli through the Normal aging Process in CD1 Mouse

Gilberto Jaramillo-Rangel, Esthefania Gutiérrez-Arenas, Adriana Ancer-Arellano, María-de-Lourdes Chávez-Briones, Ricardo M. Cerda-Flores, Marta Ortega-Martínez

Research Aspects in Biological Science Vol. 3, 1 June 2022, Page 103-109
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rabs/v3/6211F

The aging process causes anatomical changes in the lungs, as well as a reduction in function. Some pulmonary metrics change depending on the species and strain. The mouse strain CD1 has been widely used to examine multiple aspects of the general aging process. The goal of this study was to determine the area and number of lung alveoli in CD1 mouse as they aged normally. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained paraffin-embedded sections of lungs from CD1 mice aged 2, 6, 12, 18, or 24 months were examined under a light microscope. To measure areas and count alveoli, images were taken with a camera connected to image analysis software. There was a significant difference in the alveolar area among the ages analyzed (F=87.53, Sig.=0.000). The alveolar area of the 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month-old mice was significantly greater (all p values < 0.001) than in mice at 2 months of age. Also, the alveolar number was significantly different among the ages tested (F=3.21, Sig.=0.023). When compared to 6-, 12-, and 18-month-old mice, the number of alveoli in 2 month-old mice was larger than in all other age groups, attaining statistical significance (p values of 0.044, 0.014, and 0.002, respectively). As a result of the aging process, we noticed a rise in alveolar area and a decrease in alveolar number. This knowledge could help researchers better understand the pathologic alterations that underpin aged people's susceptibility to chronic lower respiratory tract disorders.

The Peptide Visualizer and COVID-19 Protein Feature Captivation

Samuel Krem

Research Aspects in Biological Science Vol. 3, 1 June 2022, Page 110-117
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rabs/v3/2333B

The peptide visualizer was developed to capture the key features of coronavirus peptides through RGB color and geometric shapes depending on the amino acid type, molecular weight, charge, and polarity. In this way, the plots display the sequence and functional features of the peptides. It provides a distinctive view to peptide characteristics across different coronavirus species. As demonstrated in the article, the tool successfully distinguished the S protein RBD region in the four coronavirus subtypes: OC43, HKU1, MERS and SARS. The visualizer is sensitive to small changes in peptide sequences and has the potential to improve coronavirus diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The program can be used for more than just plotting coronavirus peptides. It may be used to visualize changes in peptide sequences, structures, and functions in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Molecular Markers in Molluscs as Biomonitoring Species

Ayad M. J. Almamoori, Jasim M. Salman

Research Aspects in Biological Science Vol. 3, 1 June 2022, Page 118-123
https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rabs/v3/15748D

Mollusks are one of the macrobenthos groups that has been identified as a useful bioindicator. Mollusks are invertebrates with the capacity to act as bio-indicators of water pollution due to their sensitivity to contaminants in ecosystems.

Bivalves are often used as indicators of environmental quality. Bivalves filter water through their gills, Biomonitors, such as living mussels, are frequently utilized. Scientists remove them from the water and test their tissue for trace metal levels. This allows them to determine how much metal is present in the water and the surrounding environment.

Mussels and other marine bivalves are widely used as sentinels in "mussel watch" programs to monitor levels of toxins in the coastal marine environment because of their proclivity to bioaccumulate organic or toxic compounds.

The study object is to elucidate the Role of Molecular Biomarkers identification in pollution detection and Abatement.  

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is an important tropical fruit crop globally, although it is hampered by papaya ringspot virus type P (PRSV-P).   Previous genetic research discovered a functional PRSV-P resistance marker in a mapping population of F2 plants of Vasconcellea pubescens (resistant to PRSV-P) × Vasconcellea parviflora (susceptible to PRSV-P) and showed that the marker exhibited homology to a serine threonine protein kinase (STK) gene. In this study, the susceptibility of Carica and Vasconcellea towards Papaya Ringspot Virus type P (PRSV-P) was analysed through structural differences of STK gene. Full length cDNAs of putative PRSV-P resistance genes designated CP STK from C. papaya and VP STK1 and VP STK2 from V. pubescens were cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Because of a frame-shift mutation, the two homologous sequences are transcribed and processed differentially in V. pubescens, resulting in two distinct transcripts in V. pubescens, but they are fused into a single message in C. papaya. The functional source of PRSV resistance in V. pubescens could be a peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS2) found in VP STK2 but not in the other transcripts. The STK gene in V. pubescens may have been derived by resistance-inducing alternative splicing. VP STK2, a putative resistance gene discovered in this work, could be a novel source of PRSV-P resistance for papaya genotypes.

Length-weight relationships (LWR) are an important fisheries tool used in estimating stock biomass. The b parameter from LWR establishment also gives information to the pattern of growth of the fish living in a certain area or environment. The data in LWR in turn are useful in estimating fish conditions. Thus, this study is aimed to determine LWR and condition indices of reef fishes to determine growth patterns as well as conditions of fish which are considered as important information for any given fishery. The reef fishes obtained using bobo fish traps throughout the sampling period were identified and submitted to length-weight relationship analysis as well as the construction of condition indexes. The findings revealed that bobo fish traps were related with 16 species belonging to 9 groups in the study area.  The establishment of length-weight relationship for fourteen species indicated that they all grew allometrically in which ten (10) species out of the 14 attained negative allometric growths while the remaining 4 species attained positive allometric growths indicating that most of the fish becomes less round or slender as they grow in length. The condition index (relative weight) of the 10 species studied in this study was greater than 100%, suggesting that they gained more weight than the observed population. Based on these data, it was determined that only a small number of reef fish species in the area were related with the bobo fishing approach. The negative allometric growths obtained by majority of the species indicated that the specimens are likely to encounter food scarcity. Regardless of potential threats to food resources, the results of the condition index analysis may suggest an overall healthy habitat for the fishes. Nonetheless, the perplexing result reflects the difficult-to-extrapolate, complicated interaction of fish growth with environmental changes.