http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/17 2026-04-07T09:52:04Z http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7771 Structural and Functional Diversity of Noncoding RNA Yadav, V. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression, genome organization, and cellular homeostasis, challenging the earlier view of noncoding regions as "junk DNA." This chapter provides a systematic overview of the classification, biogenesis, structural features, and functional roles of ncRNAs, focusing on plants. ncRNAs are mainly categorized into small (less than 200 nt) and long (greater than 200 nt) classes, including microRNAs, small interfering RNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs, and others. Particular emphasis focuses on the roles of ncRNAs in transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation, epigenetic modification, genome stability, nuclear architecture, development, and stress responses. Structural motifs, evolutionary conservation, and posttranscriptional modifications are highlighted as key determinants of ncRNA function. Through specific examples, this chapter underscores the regulatory versatility and evolutionary significance of ncRNAs in shaping the complexity of eukaryotic genomes. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7725 Saltpan Bacillus licheniformis for development of a fermented cowpea powder Naik, V.; Kerkar, S. Saltpans are a reservoir to microorganisms with proven biotechnological applications. Bacillus licheniformis has been reported in food fermentation and this bacterial isolate from Goan saltpan, fulfilling safety and probiotic attributes was used as a starter culture to develop a fermented powder using a cowpea cultivar var Goa Cowpea (GC3) with enhanced nutritional properties. The potential probiotic was tested negative for enterotoxin genesand endotoxins, thus confirming its safety. This study was conducted to assess the fermentation ability of B. licheniformis PQ098138 in GC3 and to assess its effect on protein content, anti-nutritional factors like phytate and non-dietary polysaccharides. B. licheniformis resulted in effective fermentation of GC3 with a desirable viable count of GC3 slurry (11 log cycle), change in pH, TTA and viscosity. This fermentation resulted in an increase in the protein content from 12.06 plus-minus 0.01 percent to 25.32 plus-minus 0.01 percent at 16 h with the detection of 16 free amino acids. There was also a corresponding increase in free amino nitrogen on 16 h fermentation. The fermented GC3 slurry was developed into lyophilized powder which displayed viable count at a desirable level (greater than 7 log cfu/ g). A considerable reduction in phytate, raffinose family oligosaccharides and dietary fiber of fermented GC3 was observed. The use of starter culture facilitated controlled fermentation, eliminating the chances of contamination of powder with pathogens and spoilage organisms. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7689 Exploring the multifaceted applications of manganese dioxide nanoparticles: Antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and hemolytic activities Velho-Pereira, S.; Naik, S.R.; Naik, A.; Shekupa, R.; Palkar, V.; Shaikh, F.; Naik-Samant, S. Phase-pure alpha-manganese dioxide (MnO sub(2)) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using an environmentally benign wet chemical redox method and evaluated for their multifunctional biological activities. Antimicrobial testing revealed significant inhibition against Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris) and Gram-positive strains (Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus). Notable antifungal activity was observed against Candida and Aspergillus species. Antioxidant assays showed strong free radical scavenging: 95 percent (DPPH), 30.25 percent (ABTS), 56.85 percent (nitric oxide), and 86.17 percent (superoxide). MnO sub(2) NPs also exhibited substantial antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, comparable to conventional antibiotics. Hemolysis assays confirmed their biocompatibility, with values below the cytotoxic threshold. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive evaluation of MnO sub(2) NPs across five biological functionalities-antibacterial, antifungal, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and hemocompatibility-within a single experimental framework. This integrative approach advances our understanding of MnO sub(2) NPs as versatile candidates for biomedical and environmental applications, supporting their development as safe and multifunctional agents for infection control, oxidative stress management, and future therapeutic strategies. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7665 Seasonal shifts in microplastics: Uncovering Goa's marine pollution patterns Manerikar, V.V.; Mandrekar, V.K.; Nadkarni, V.S.; Kulkarni, M.S.; Ghadi, S.C. This study systematically examines the spatiotemporal distribution of microplastic particles across Goa's 160 km coastal ecosystem during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons. It delivers the first dataset on pollution levels and indices in Goa's coastal and estuarine areas across these three seasons, addressing a critical knowledge gap in understanding seasonal variations in the region. Estuaries and coastal areas were subjected to both quantitative and qualitative assessments of microplastic particles, focusing on the foraging of microplastics by Mugil cephalus and Rastrelliger kangurta. Microplastic concentrations varied between 25 plus-minus 4.76 and 273.5 plus-minus 11.26 per liter or kilogram of the water and sediment samples. During the monsoon season, the microplastics were found higher in estuarine and coastal water compared to sediment, likely due to increased turbulence. In contrast, post-monsoon sediment in coastal areas had a higher count than water, suggesting settling after turbulent periods. Analysis showed that fibers were the most prevalent, followed by fragments, pellets, and microbeads, with the Coefficient of Microplastic Impact values reaching 0.7 in estuaries like Chapora and Sal water during the post-monsoon season. During this season, the Pollution Hazard Index indicated high risk (Category 4) at coastal areas such as Baga, Colva, and estuaries like Mandovi, and Sal. The Pollution Load Index ranged from 1.00 in Sal water post-monsoon to 3.30 in Mandovi sediment. Dark-colored particles, mainly black, blue, and green nylon fiber, constituted the majority of microplastic particles in the gut contents of Rastrelliger kangurta and Mugil cephalus. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy identified essential polymers, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon. Initiated during the COVID-19 lockdown, this study holds a unique significance in assessing microplastic prevalence in the marine ecosystem of Goa. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z