The voltage-sensing domains in voltage-gated K(+) channels each contain four transmembrane (TM) segments, termed S1 to S4. Previous scanning mutagenesis studies suggest that S1 and S2 are amphipathic membrane spanning alpha-helices that interface directly with the lipid membrane. In contrast, the secondary structure of and/or the environments surrounding S3 and S4 are more complex. For S3, alth...

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) is one of the most important cut flowers in the world. This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of pre-harvest application of some amino acids and organic acids on enzymatic traits and longevity of carnation flowers (Dianthus caryophyllus cv. Tessino) based on completely randomized design with 13 treatments and three...

The low average grain yield (0.7 ton ha(-1)) of tef in Ethiopia is mainly attributed to low soil fertility, and inappropriate tillage and weeds control practices. Despite this, limited scientific information has been documented so far on their interaction effects on tef crop productivity in northern Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess the separate and interaction effects of till...

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation directly regulates a multitude of herbivore life processes, in addition to indirectly affecting insect success via changes in plant chemistry and morphogenesis. Here we looked at plant and insect (aphid and whitefly) exposure to supplemental UV-A radiation in the glasshouse environment and investigated effects on insect population growth. Glasshouse grown peppers and ...

BACKGROUND A family of secreted cathepsin L proteases with differential activities is essential for host colonization and survival in the parasitic flatworm Fasciola hepatica. While the blood feeding adult secretes predominantly FheCL1, an enzyme with a strong preference for Leu at the S2 pocket of the active site, the infective stage produces FheCL3, a unique enzyme with collagenolytic activit...

The regulatory role of ethylene in leaf senescence was studied with excised tobacco leaf discs which were allowed to senesce in darkness. Exogenous ethylene, applied during the first 24 hours of senescence, enhanced chlorophyll loss without accelerating the climacteric-like pattern of rise in both ethylene and CO(2), which occurred in the advanced stage of leaf senescence. Rates of both ethylen...

BACKGROUND: Organic farming has emerged as important priority area globally in view of growing demand for safe and healthy food and long term sustainability and concerns on environmental pollution associated with indiscriminate use of agrochemicals. Nano fertilizers can be easily absorbed by crops and may exhibit a prolonged effective duration of nutrient supply in soil/crop co...

ABSTRACT The use of coconut coir dust is a low-cost cultivation practice. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect proportion on foliar secondary metabolite biosynthesis and growth Passiflora alata Curtis (sweet passion fruit). This species possess pharmaceutical relevance organic-based substrates may promote production bioactive compounds in phytomass. An experiment greenhouse was set up...