Some quality characteristics of selected durum wheat (Triticum durum) landraces

Durum wheat (Triticum durum) is primarily used for the production of high-quality pasta products because of its certain superior characteristics. Wheat landraces are locally adapted diverse populations evolved through natural selection and are invaluable genetic resources for breeding programs. The search for new genetic resources all around the world has been underway to develop high-quality durum wheats. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the pasta quality-associated characteristics of 12 durum wheat landraces (Bağacak, Beyaziye, İskenderiye, Sorgül, Karakılçık, Beyaz Buğday, Ağ Buğdayı, Bintepe, Havrani, Çalıbasan, Hacı Halil, and Akçakale) compared to 2 wellestablished high-quality durum wheat cultivars, Kyle and Zenit. Protein content and quality, pigment content, activities of oxidative enzymes (lipoxygenase, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase), kernel size, and endosperm vitreousness were measured as the major quality parameters. The landraces had significant differences (P < 0.05) in their quality characteristics. Of the landraces, Akçakale, Havrani, and Çalıbasan were found to be quite promising for the processing of so-called al dente cooking pasta products, as judged by their elevated protein quantity and gluten quality. With respect to pigment content and oxidative enzymes that are central to the bright yellow color of pasta products, however, the landraces Havrani, Hacı Halil, and Sorgül were found to have great potential. In brief, several landraces have potential for high-quality pasta processing, while a few others can be used for breeding purposes

Optical and dielectric properties of double helix DNA thin films

WOS:000297400800001In this work, the thin film of wheat DNA was deposited by spin-coating technique onto glass substrate, and the optical and dielectric properties of the double helix DNA thin film were investigated. The optical constants such as refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric constant, dissipation factor, relaxation time, and optical conductivity were determined from the measured transmittance spectra in the wavelength range 190-1100 nm. Meanwhile, the dispersion behavior of the refractive index was studied in terms of the single oscillator Wemple-DiDomenico (W-D) model, and the physical parameters of the average oscillator strength, average oscillator wavelength, average oscillator energy, the refractive index dispersion parameter and the dispersion energy were achieved. Furthermore, the optical band gap values were calculated by W-D model and Tauc model, respectively, and the values obtained from W-D model are in agreement with those determined from the Tauc model. The analysis of the optical absorption data indicates that the optical band gap E-g was indirect transitions. These results provide some useful references for the potential application of the DNA thin films in fiber optic, solar cell and optoelectronic devices. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Characterization of some bread wheat genotypes using molecular markers for drought tolerance

WOS:000423405600014PubMed:29398847Because of its wide geographical adaptation and importance in human nutrition, wheat is one of the most important crops in the world. However, wheat yield has reduced due to drought stress posing threat to sustainability and world food security in agricultural production. The first stage of drought tolerant variety breeding occurs on the molecular and biochemical characterization and classification of wheat genotypes. The aim of the present study is characterization of widely grown bread wheat cultivars and breeding lines for drought tolerance so as to be adapted to different regions in Turkey. The genotypes were screened with molecular markers for the presence of QTLs mapped to different chromosomes. Results of the molecular studies identified and detected 15 polymorphic SSR markers which gave the clearest PCR bands among the control genotypes. At the end of the research, bread wheat genotypes which were classified for tolerance or sensitivity to drought and the genetic similarity within control varieties were determined by molecular markers. According to SSR based dendrogram, two main groups were obtained for drought tolerance. At end of the molecular screening with SSR primers, genetic similarity coefficients were obtained that ranged from 0.14 to 0.71. The ones numbered 8 and 11 were the closest genotypes to drought tolerant cultivar Gerek 79 and the furthest genotypes from this cultivar were number 16 and to drought sensitive cultivar Sultan 95. The genotypes as drought tolerance due to their SSR markers scores are expected to provide useful information for drought related molecular breeding studies.Scientific Research Commission of Karamanoglu Mehmetbey UniversityKaramanoglu Mehmetbey University [18-M-15]The authors would like to express their thanks to Savas BELEN from Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute, Eskisehir, Turkey for providing bread wheat breeding lines. Furthermore, this work was financially supported by the Scientific Research Commission of Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University under Project No. 18-M-15

A new organic dye-based staining for the detection of plant dna in agarose gels

WOS:000357650600005PubMed: 26158569Ethidium bromide (EtBr) is used to stain DNA in agarose gel electrophoresis, but this dye is mutagenic and carcinogenic. We investigated N-719, which is a visible, reliable and organic Ruthenium-based dye, and five fluorescent alternatives for staining plant DNA. For prestaining and poststaining, N-719, GelRed, and SYBR Safe stained both DNA and PCR product bands as clearly as EtBr. SYBR Green I, methylene blue, and crystal violet were effective for poststaining only. The organic dye N-719 stained DNA bands as sensitively and as clearly as EtBr. Consequently, organic dyes can be used as alternatives to EtBr in plant biotechnology studies

Buğdayda PCR’a dayalı teknikler için DNA ekstraksiyon protokollerinin karşılaştırılması

Molecular biology and genetic studies requires high quality DNA isolated from plants. Therefore, isolation of pure and high quality DNA in a short time is important. However, since different plants have different chemical composition, in even close species need specific genomic DNA isolation protocol. There are a large number of protocols for wheat. Therefore, which method is more applicable, safer and easier should be determined. For this purpose three DNA extraction protocols were used. The DNA samples extracted from these protocols were compared for their purity and concentrations. The quality and amount of DNA obtained was determined by NanoDrop Microvolume Spectrophotometer (A260/280 absorbance) and agarose gel electrophoresis. Additionally DNAs extracted were amplified by polymerase chain reactions (PCR) and the suitability of isolated DNAs for PCR reactions were also determined. The results show that with the CTAB DNA extraction methods were extracted the highest DNA concentrations in wheat (Triticum avestivum L.) compared to other protocols.Moleküler biyoloji ve genetik çalışmalar, bitkilerden izole edilmiş yüksek kaliteli DNA gerektirir. Bu nedenle, saf ve yüksek kalitede DNA'nın kısa sürede izolasyonu önemlidir. Bununla birlikte, farklı bitkiler farklı kimyasal bileşime sahip olduklarından, yakın türlerde bile spesifik genomik DNA izolasyon protokolüne ihtiyaç vardır. Buğday için çok sayıda protokol vardır. Bu nedenle, hangi yöntemin daha uygulanabilir, daha güvenli ve daha kolay olduğu belirlenmelidir. Bu amaçla üç DNA ekstraksiyonu protokolü kullanılmıştır. Bu protokollerden elde edilen DNA örneklerinin saflıkları ve konsantrasyonları karşılaştırılmıştır. Elde edilen DNA'nın kalitesi ve miktarı NanoDrop mikro-hacim spektrofotometre (A260/280 absorbans) ve agaroz jel elektroforezi ile belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, ekstrakte edilen DNA'lar polimeraz zincir reaksiyonları (PCR) ile amplifiye edilmiş ve izole edilmiş DNA'ların PCR reaksiyonları için uygunluğu da belirlenmiştir. Sonuçlar buğdayda (Triticum avestivum L.) diğer protokollere kıyasla CTAB DNA ekstraksiyon yöntemi ile en yüksek DNA konsantrasyonlarının elde edildiğini göstermiştir

Determination of genetic diversity among Karaman apple landraces

In Turkey, 2.6 milion tons apples were produced, while 75.4 milion tons apple were produced in the world. Turkey ranked fourth in the world's in total apple production. Karaman province produced 17.3% of Turkey's total apple plays major role and ranked second. Karaman province has a rich apple genetic diversity. Identification of apple landraces is important for apple breeding and production. In this study, genetic variability of 23 local and three registered cultivars collected from village and towns of Karaman were determined using 11 microsatellite markers. As a result of dendrogram analysis, apple genotypes were divided into two major groups and numerous subgroups, revealing a rich variation among the apple genotypes. Kokulu misket local cultivar formed a main branch itself whereas other apple genotypes formed the second main brunch. The results of this study confirm that SSRs can be employed successfully in genetic characterization of apple genotypes and evaluation of genetic resources

High-efficiency single-layer organic light-emitting diode based on green fluorescent protein

WOS:000303051600001We have fabricated a molecular organic light-emitting device comprising indium-tin oxide/a molecular organic layer/aluminum in which the organic layer is a green fluorescent protein. The device exhibits peak external quantum and power efficiencies of 8 +/- 0.2% and 13 +/- 0.7 lm W-1 at a current of J = 1.5 A m(-2), respectively. In addition, the turn-on voltage is 2.5V for 1 cd m(-2) and the maximum luminance achieved is 1275 cd m(-2). This good performance can be explained by the presence of singlet-excited states, leading to a high internal efficiency

Molecular and biochemical analysis of durum wheat genotypes to examine carotenoid pigment content and lipoxygenase enzyme activity

The main criterion that determines the quality of durum wheat is the degree of suitability for pasta production (pasta-processing quality). In this regard, pigment content and the quantity of oxidative enzymes of durum wheat play important roles in the quality of pasta. It is now possible to examine these features and specify their effects using recently developed genetic markers and spectrophotometric measurement techniques. In the present study, LOX enzyme activity and pigment content are determined using molecular and biochemical scanning. According to the obtained results, Gediz-75, Gdem-12, Line-19, Zenit, Line-7 and Line-20 were determined as the most suitable lines or varieties for the production of quality pasta with regard to LOX enzyme activity. As for pigment content, Kyle, Zenit, Gdem-12, Gdem-2, TMB-1 and TMB-3 showed the highest potential for the production of yellow pasta. When pigment content and LOX enzyme activity were evaluated together, the potential of the Gediz-75, Gdem-12 and Zenit durum wheat varieties and lines to produce yellow pasta products was shown to be very high

Molecular and biochemical analysis of durum wheat genotypes to examine carotenoid pigment content and lipoxygenase enzyme activity

WOS:000336492100005The main criterion that determines the quality of durum wheat is the degree of suitability for pasta production (pasta-processing quality). In this regard, pigment content and the quantity of oxidative enzymes of durum wheat play important roles in the quality of pasta. It is now possible to examine these features and specify their effects using recently developed genetic markers and spectrophotometric measurement techniques. In the present study, LOX enzyme activity and pigment content are determined using molecular and biochemical scanning. According to the obtained results, Gediz-75, Gdem-12, Line-19, Zenit, Line-7 and Line-20 were determined as the most suitable lines or varieties for the production of quality pasta with regard to LOX enzyme activity. As for pigment content, Kyle, Zenit, Gdem-12, Gdem-2, TMB-1 and TMB-3 showed the highest potential for the production of yellow pasta. When pigment content and LOX enzyme activity were evaluated together, the potential of the Gediz-75, Gdem-12 and Zenit durum wheat varieties and lines to produce yellow pasta products was shown to be very high.Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University Scientific Research ProjectsKaramanoglu Mehmetbey University [BAP-04-L-11]This research has been financially supported by Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University Scientific Research Projects (BAP-04-L-11)

Electrical characteristics of DNA-based metal-insulator-semiconductor structures

WOS:000279993900160High quality sandwich device was fabricated from wheat DNA molecular film by solution processing located between Au and n-type silicon inorganic semiconductor. We have performed the electrical characteristics of the device such as current voltage (I-V) and capacitance voltage (C-V) at room temperature. DNA-based on this structure showed an excellent rectifying behavior with a typical ideality factor of 1.22, and that DNA film increased the effective barrier height by influencing the space charge region of Si. We proposed that DNA could be an insulatorlike material with a wide optical band energy gap of 4.19 eV from its optical absorbance characteristics. Additionally, the energy distribution of interface state density, determined from the forward bias I-V characteristics by taking into account the bias dependence of the effective barrier height, decreases exponentially with bias from 7.48 x 10(15) m(-2) eV(-1) in (E(c)-0.40) eV to 8.56 x 10(14) m(-2) eV(-1) in (E(c)-0.72) eV. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3447985