DNA Finger-Printing: Current Scenario and Future

Linearly arranged chemical structure in chromosome is known as DNA. It is a double helix made up of two strands of genetic material spiraled around each other. Each strand has a sequence of bases. There are four types of basis namely adenine, guanine, cytosine and thiamine which are very unique to each individual just like their actual fingerprint. The nitrogen base adenine always binds with thymine and cytosine also always binds with guanine. Thus the DNA profiling unique to each individual is collectively known as DNA fingerprinting. DNA determines individuality or uniqueness of the each human being except in uniovular twins. The chances of complete similarity are one in 30 billion to 300 billion i.e. half the population of world. The technique of DNA fingerprinting was first developed by Dr. Alec Jeffery’s from Britain in 1984. He discovered a minisatellite region close to the human myoglobin gene. He isolated this sequence and used it as a probe to investigate human DNA. He found that the minisatellite probe result was a complex band pattern for each individual. In India, initially it was done at CCMB, Hyderabad by Dr. Lalji Singh. Now there are various centers where DNA fingerprinting is carried out. In Maharashtra it is carried out at Sate Forensic Science Laboratory, Vidya Nagar, Kalina, Mumbai – 400 098 (Phone 022–26670755). Using this technique FBI formally concluded the participation of Mr. Bill Clinton in Monica Lewyninskey case. In India more than 79 cases have been solved by using this technique including important case of Dhanu and Shivarasan alleged assailant of Late Priminister Shr. Rajiv Gandhi, Tandori case, Madhumati murder case etc.

Assessment of genetic purity in rice using polymorphic SSR markers

Genetic purity is conventionally performed through Grow-Out-Test (GOT) with morphological characters. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are independent of G X E interaction. Herewith, 16 high yielding varieties of rice were analyzed using 55 SSR markers for DNA fingerprinting and identification of genetic impurities: 14 were found to be polypmorphic and amplified 48 alleles with an average of 3.43 alleles per each primer pair. The number of alleles amplified ranged from 2 to 6 and the size of the PCR products amplified from these 14 primer pairs ranged from 80–450 bp with polymorphic information content (PIC) from 0.14 (RM 346) to 0.99 (RM 5900). PICs at 0.5 or higher are highly informative SSR markers for genetic studies, DNA fingerprinting and scoring polymorphism rate of SSR markers pertinent to specific locus. The 14 polymorphic SSR markers can be used for DUS testing, genetic purity and DNA finger printing of rice varieties.

PERFORMANCE OF TORIA (BRASSICA COMPESTRIS SYN. RAPA L.) VARIETY: RAJ VIJAY TORIA-2 IN CENTRAL, EASTERN AND NORTH-EASTERN STATES OF INDIA UNDER RAINFED CONDITION

Performance of developed genotype RMT 08-2 was evaluated in central, eastern and north-eastern states of India under rain-fed condition for quantitative and qualitative traits. It gave highest seed yield over checks in zone III and V. Morphologically plants were erect, medium spreading in nature and primary branches with dichotomous habit. Plants height ranged from 107124 (cm) which matured in 82-112 days. Mature seeds were round in shape and blackish brown in colour. No significant difference between RVT-2 and checks were observed for test weight trait. An average oil yield 485 (kg/h) was recorded over 7 places which was 10% higher than both checks i.e. 14.12% and 11.24% under AICRP trials. Maximum seed yield was obtained on farmers field during 2013-14 and 2014-15 which was 1500 (kg/h) and 1215 (kg/h) that is 33.42% and 26.30% respectively over farmers own seeds. At Morena center, highest seed yield (1753 kg/h) over Bhawani (1512 kg/h) was 15.94% higher than check whereas RVT-2 gave 2245 (kg/h) against Bhawani (1975 kg/h) which was 13.67% higher. DNA finger printing indicated that primers PUT-19, PUT-96, PUT-149, PUT-169, PUT-181 and PUT-271 are useful in generating unique profile of RVT-2 containing 27 bands for its discrimination from other varieties.