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This book is a product of years of research on saffron biology. It intends to give a broad but concise overview of the various aspects of apocarotenoid biosynthesis in Crocus sativus, its regulation and pharmacology . Crocus sativus L. of family Iridaceae is an important medicinal plant. The dried stigma of C. sativus flower is considered as the world's costliest spice. Saffron is the sources of unique carotenoid derived molecules called apocarotenoids which include crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal. These molecules are synthesized in the tissue and developmental stage specific manner. Besides providing colour, aroma and flavour to the spice, these molecules have tremendous medicinal importance. The book uncovers major concepts of apocarotenoids biosynthesis and provides deeper and more complete understanding about their biotechnological and pharmacological applications. The book is divided into three sections – The first section provides a general introduction of C. sativus, its apocarotenoids, their biosynthesis, regulation and transport. Second section provides information about the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) which are the key players in apocarotenoid biosynthesis. The classification of plant CCDs, their structure, reaction mechanism, biotechnological application are thoroughly discussed. The final section deals with the major pharmacological properties of C. sativus apocarotenoids, ranging from their role as anticancer to their utility as neuroprotective molecules. This is a one of its kind book on Crocus sativus. It will be useful for the researchers working on Crocus sativus, students and also practitioners involved in extraction and bio-synthesis of the useful medical components. .

Biochemistry. --- Agriculture. --- Plant physiology. --- Pharmacology. --- Biochemistry, general. --- Plant Physiology. --- Pharmacology/Toxicology.

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The symposium, "Microbial Diversity in Time and Space," was held in the Sanjo Conference Hall, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, October 24-26, 1994. The symposium was organized under the auspices of the Japanese Society of Microbial Ecology and co-sponsored by the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS), International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS), International Committee on Microbial Ecology (ICOME), and the Japanese Society of Ecology. The aim of the symposium was to stress the importance of the global role of microorganisms in developing and maintaining biodiversity. Twenty-four speakers from seven countries presented papers in the symposium and in the workshop, "Microbial Diversity and Cycling of Bioelements," that followed the symposium. Papers presented at the symposium are published in this proceedings. Discussions of the workshop, which were energetic and enthusiastic, are also summarized in this proceedings. The symposium provided an opportunity to address the role of microorganisms in global cycles and as the basic support ofbiodiversity on the planet. Previously unrecognized as both contributing to and sustaining biodiversity, microorganisms are now considered to be primary elements of, and a driving force in, biodiversity. Financial support was provided for the symposium by the CIBA GEIGY Foundation for the Promotion of Science, Naito Foundation, and the Uchida Foundation of the Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo. Support from these foundations is gratefully acknowledged. CONTENTS Microbial Biodiversity-Global Aspects ................................. 1 Rita R. Colwell 2. Importance of Community Relationships in Biodiversity ...................

Bacterial diversity --- Microbiology --- Biochemistry. --- Microbiology. --- Biotechnology. --- Ecology. --- Botany. --- Biochemistry, general. --- Medical Microbiology. --- Plant Sciences. --- Ecology . --- Medical microbiology. --- Plant science.

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Structure and function of the components of the photosynthetic apparatus and the molecular biology of these components have become the dominant themes in advances in our understanding of the light reactions of oxygenic photosynthesis. Oxygenic Photosynthesis: The Light Reactions presents our current understanding of these reactions in thylakoid membranes. Topics covered include the photosystems, the cytochrome b6-f complex, plastocyanin, ferredoxin, FNR, light-harvesting complexes, and the coupling factor. Chapters are also devoted to the structure of thylakoid membranes, their lipid composition, and their biogenesis. Updates on the crystal structures of cytochrome f, ATP synthase and photosystem I are presented and a section on molecular biology and evolution of the photosynthetic apparatus is also included. The chapters in this book provide a comprehensive overview of photosynthetic reactions in eukaryotic thylakoids. The book is intended for a wide audience, including graduate students and researchers active in this field, as well as those individuals who have interests in plant biochemistry and molecular biology or plant physiology.

Photosynthesis. --- Plant physiology. Plant biophysics --- Life sciences. --- Biochemistry. --- Plant science. --- Botany. --- Plant physiology. --- Life Sciences. --- Plant Physiology. --- Biochemistry, general. --- Plant Sciences.

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This book presents a comprehensive overview of the roles of ᴅ-amino acids and latest research findings, to reveal their fascinating aspects and to facilitate better understanding of their important roles in physiology and diseases. It also provides useful hints for the development of drugs and functional foods. ᴅ-Amino acids were once called unnatural amino acids and were considered to be insignificant for eukaryotes especially in mammals. However, different ᴅ-amino acids have been revealed to be distributed in various mammalian tissues and to bear important physiological roles. For example, ᴅ-serine is implicated in memory formation and learning, and its abnormal concentration in tissues have been reported in neurological diseases such as schizophrenia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ᴅ-Aspartate is found in a variety of mammalian tissues, particularly in the central nervous system and the genitals. ᴅ-Aspartate facilitates the endocrine secretion of prolactin, inhibits the secretion of melatonin, and plays a peculiar role in the control of reproductive functions in mammals, including the stimulation of testosterone synthesis. Written by the leading scientists in the field, this book is a valuable source of information for researchers in biochemistry, physiology, and neuroscience, as well as in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Life sciences. --- Biochemistry. --- Life Sciences. --- Biochemistry, general. --- Amino acids. --- Amino compounds --- Organic acids --- Peptides --- Biological chemistry --- Chemical composition of organisms --- Organisms --- Physiological chemistry --- Biology --- Chemistry --- Medical sciences --- Composition

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In recent years there has been a tremendous increase in our understanding of the functioning of the cell at the molecular level. This has been achieved in the main by the invention and development of new methodology, particularly in that area generally referred to as "genetic engineering". While this revolution has been taking place in the field of nucleic acids research, the protein chemist has at the same time developed fresh methodology to keep pace with the requirements of present day molecular biology. Today's molecular biologist can no longer be content with being an expert in one particular area alone. He/she needs to be equally competent in the laboratory at handling DNA, RNA, and proteins, moving from one area to another as required by the problem he/she is trying to solve. Although many of the new techniques in molecular biology are relatively easy to master, it is often difficult for a researcher to obtain all the relevant information necessary for setting up and successfully applying a new technique. Information is of course available in the research literature, but this often lacks the depth of description that the new user requires. This requirement for in-depth practical details has become apparent by the considerable demand for places on our Molecular Biology Workshops held at Hatfield each summer.

Molecular biology --- Nucleic acids --- Molecular Biology --- Research --- Methodology --- Analysis --- methods --- Methodology. --- Biochemistry. --- Biochemistry, general. --- Biological chemistry --- Chemical composition of organisms --- Organisms --- Physiological chemistry --- Biology --- Chemistry --- Medical sciences --- Composition