• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.482-487
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• 2008

In this study, we screened and identified the bacterial strain showing high alkaline pretense inhibitor activity from marine environment. Nine bacterial strains with alkaline pretense inhibitor activity were isolated from marine sediments. Among them, strain C12 had the highest alkaline pretense inhibitor activity and was selected for further taxonomical study. On the basis of morphological and physiological characteristics, strain C12 was identified as the genus Streptomyces. A phylogenetic analysis of the 165 rDNA showed that the isolated strain was actually a member of the genus Streptomyces, because the determined sequence exhibited a higher homology with Streptomyces thermocarboxydus. Morphological characteristics showed cylindrical spore chain and smooth spore surface by scanning electron microscope. Strain C12 was grown on all media except for ISP 9 agar. This strain could be grown in the medium containing up to 9% NaCl.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.182-189
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• 2013

Halophytes are unique land plants that are capable of thriving in a high-salt environment. They are attracting public attention due to their ability to synthesize bioactive substances such as UV protectants or antioxidizing agents. To achieve unaffected growth under high salinity, halophytes may take advantage of the activities of cell growth factors such as expansins. Expansins are well-known cell wall proteins that are responsible for cell enlargement. They loosen cell walls, thereby contributing to actual plant growth. This study aimed to identify positive roles of expansins in the growth of halophytes. Three expansin cDNA clones were isolated from seedlings of Suaeda japonica. Comparing the deduced amino acid sequences of the expansin genes of S. japonica with those of other plant species suggested that the cDNA clones isolated from S. japonica belong to the EXPA (${\alpha}$-expansin) gene family. A phylogenetic tree based on the deduced amino acid sequences revealed that the expansins of S. japonica share a close evolutionary relationship with those of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) and jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), both of which are woody dicots. SjEXPAs did not show any remarkable change in the gene expression level in different NaCl concentrations, providing a clue to the unaffected seedling growth of S. japonica in a high-salt environment. In conclusion, the present study presents the first report of expansin genes from halophytes and suggests a putative role for these genes in plant growth under high salinity.

• ALGAE
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.75-99
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• 2014

A small dinoflagellate, Ansanella granifera gen. et sp. nov., was isolated from estuarine and marine waters, and examined by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the identity of the sequences (3,663-bp product) of the small subunit (SSU), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2), and D1-D3 large subunit (LSU) rDNA were determined. This newly isolated, thin-walled dinoflagellate has a type E eyespot and a single elongated apical vesicle, and it is closely related to species belonging to the family Suessiaceae. A. granifera has 10-14 horizontal rows of amphiesmal vesicles, comparable to Biecheleria spp. and Biecheleriopsis adriatica, but greater in number than in other species of the family Suessiaceae. Unlike Biecheleria spp. and B. adriatica, A. granifera has grana-like thylakoids. Further, A. granifera lacks a nuclear fibrous connective, which is present in B. adriatica. B. adriatica and A. granifera also show a morphological difference in the shape of the margin of the cingulum. In A. granifera, the cingular margin formed a zigzag line, and in B. adriatica a straight line, especially on the dorsal side of the cell. The episome is conical with a round apex, whereas the hyposome is trapezoidal. Cells growing photosynthetically are $10.0-15.0{\mu}m$ long and $8.5-12.4{\mu}m$ wide. The cingulum is descending, the two ends displaced about its own width. Cells of A. granifera contain 5-8 peripheral chloroplasts, stalked pyrenoids, and a pusule system, but lack nuclear envelope chambers, a nuclear fibrous connective, lamellar body, rhizocysts, and a peduncle. The main accessory pigment is peridinin. The SSU, ITS regions, and D1-D3 LSU rDNA sequences differ by 1.2-7.4%, >8.8%, and >2.5%, respectively, from those of the other known genera in the order Suessiales. Moreover, the SSU rDNA sequence differed by 1-2% from that of the three most closely related species, Polarella glacialis, Pelagodinium bei, and Protodinium simplex. In addition, the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA sequence differed by 16-19% from that of the three most closely related species, Gymnodinium corii, Pr. simplex, and Pel. bei, and the LSU rDNA sequence differed by 3-4% from that of the three most closely related species, Protodinium sp. CCMP419, B. adriatica, and Gymnodinium sp. CCMP425. A. granifera had a 51-base pair fragment in domain D2 of the large subunit of ribosomal DNA, which is absent in the genus Biecheleria. In the phylogenetic tree based on the SSU and LSU sequences, A. granifera is located in the large clade of the family Suessiaceae, but it forms an independent clade.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.6 s.73
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• pp.879-883
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• 2005

This study was differentiated between Korea and China arkshells using PCR-aided RFLP method which could identify the variation for inter-and intra-species of arkshell (Scapharca broughtonii Schrenck) at the level of DNA. The DNA fragment patterns were compared after digesting gene of mitochondrial 16S rDNA with 8 kinds of restriction enzymes. A 720 bp DNA fragment corresponding to 16S rDNA gene was amplified by PCR with primers ArkF-3 and ArkR-3. PCR products were cut by restriction enzymes (Pvull, BamHI, Hinfl, HaeIII, EcoRI, RsaI, Ksp221, and BstX21), and RFLP pattern was studied. A unique 275 bp DNA band was observed in the samples from Dukyang, Gamak, Namhae, Jinhae, and Taean in Korea when treated by Hinfl, but Chinese arkshell did not show. Treatment of HaeIII could discriminate the sample of Namhae and Jinhae from Dukyang/Gamak/Taean, as well as Korean and Chinese arkshell based on a 700 bp. However, PuvII, BamHI, EcoRI, RsaI, Ksp221, and BstX21 showed the same of 700 bp band in Korean and Chinese arkshell. The phylogenetic tree inferred from PCR-RFLP pattern comparsion in Korean arkshell was different that the distance between Dukyang/Gamak/Taean and Namhae/Jinhae was approximately 7. In particular, the distance between Korean and Chinese arkshell was 25. Consequently, HinfI and HaeIII played an important role in a reliable molecular tool for rapid discriminating Korean and Chinese arkshell, as well as a intra-species in Korea.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.142-153
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• 2016

The present study investigated identification of cultivars through phylogenetic analysis of 108 Citrus varieties and related cultivars using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Two hundred three SSR primer pairs were used to detect polymorphic markers among 8 Citrus cultivars consisting of 4 mandarins, 1 orange, 1 tangor, 1 tangelo, and 1 pumelo. Eighteen SSR primer pairs were reproducible and showed highly polymorphic alleles. These markers were applied to assess genetic variations of the 108 varieties. Each marker detected 5-14 alleles, with an average of 9.28. The polymorphism information content varied from 0.417 to 0.791 with an average of 0.706. Cluster analysis with SSR markers resulted in 13 major groups reflecting cultivar types and pedigree information. Twelve orange cultivars in the $I-1^{st}$ sub-cluster and 23 mandarin cultivars in the $II-1^{st}$ sub-cluster, respectively, were not discriminated using the SSR markers. This could be due to narrow genetic backgrounds originated through bud mutation or nucellars seedlings. The SSR profile database of Citrus cultivars will be useful as a tool for protection of plant breeders' intellectual property rights in addition to assessing genetic diversity in Citrus cultivars and germplasms.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.40-46
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• 2014

We have screened Bacillus strains suitable for the fermentation of soybean products with respect to the control of Bacillus cereus and the reduction of biogenic amines. Of 26 isolates, a strain named as the SCK A08 carried antimicrobial activity against B. cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, major food poisoning species in soybean products. PCR analysis revealed that the SCK A08 strain did not contain genes for Bacillus cereus toxins including nonhemolytic enterotoxin, hemolytic enterotoxin, cytotoxin K, cereulide and certrax. The SCK A08 strain could degrade histamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine by 67.41%, 76.59%, 57.32%, and 50.69%, respectively, during fermentation in cooked soybeans containing 0.5% (w/w) of each biogenic amine. The morphological and biochemical properties and phylogenetic relationships based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolate was most closely related to Bacillus licheniformis. Use of the strain SCK A08 would be a potential measure to overcome two hygienic problems that were frequently faced during manufacture of traditionally fermented soybean products.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.455-459
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• 2017

Norovirus (NoV) is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in all age groups worldwide. In this study, prevalence of asymptomatic norovirus infection was investigated in food handler being employed at food catering facilities in South Korea. A total of 2,729 fecal specimens from asymptomatic food handlers were analyzed, and 1.06% of food handlers (29/2,729) had asymptomatic NoV infection. Of these, 17.2% (5/29) were positive for NoV GI and 82.7% (24/29) were positive for NoV GII. Especially, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that GII-4 was the most prevalent genotype and a large number of asymptomatic food handlers were infested with norovirus GII-4 strains. The results of this study show that asymptomatic food handlers may be potential transmission sources for NoV infection. These results emphasize the need for training of food catering employees about norovirus prevention. Asymptomatic norovirus infection should receive more attention.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.35-43
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• 2009

This study was conducted to examine the genetic variations and intraspecific relationships between 9 individuals of Panax ginseng C.A Meyer by using RAPD (Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA) analysis. The 34 primers out of 40 random primers were amplified for all tested plants. The 48 (40%) among 244 bands derived from 34 primers shown polymorphism, and the 72 (64%) rest of bands showed similar forms. By regional groups Sangju and Andong samples located in Kyungsang buk-do showed a high similarity. However, Punggi located in Kyungsang buk-do showed higher similarity with Jinan's of Junla buk-do. In this way, it did not show that Panax ginseng from the same area has similarities. In future study we need to more specific molecular phylogenetic analysis such as AFLP technology and gene sequencing with nuclear chloroplast DNA in all samples.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.171-179
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• 2013

Arginine kinase (ArK) is known to play an important role in most invertebrates the level of ATP by phosphorylation of phosphagens in cell and immuninty in living organisms. ArK has been identified in many kinds of organisms ranging from invertebrate to vertebrate. However, no ArK gene has been cloned and investigated from N. samarangae. This leads us to identify ArK cDNA (NsArK) from the expressed sequence tag (EST) sequencing of N. samarangae. Sequence analysis indicated that the coding region of 1,065 bp contains 355 amino acid residues. Molecular phylogenetic analysis shows that NsArK had very high similarities with mollusca and arthropoda. In an attempt to investigate a potential role of NsArK in the digestive gland of N. samarangae, expression patterns were analyzed. RT-PCR analsysis shows that NsArK mRNA is induced in the rane of 1.2 fold at 6 hr by laminarin when compared with the control. The immunnologial and physiological role of NsArK remains to be further investigated in N. samarangae.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.135-142
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• 2009

Phylogeny of the family Ophioglossaceae and a phylogenetic position of Mankyua were estimated through analyses of chloroplast rbcL gene sequences and spore morphology. Sequence analysis of the rbcL gene clearly indicated that there are two major lineages in the family Ophioglossaceae: Botrychioid lineage and Ophioglossoid lineage. The Botrichioid lineage is composed of three distinct clades: Botrychium, Helminthostachys and Mankyua, where Helminthostachys and Mankyua were placed as sister groups to the Botrychium. Within the genus Botrychium, subgenera Septridium and Botrychium were monophyletic, while taxa of subgen. Botrypus branched as sister of the two, successively, thus making a non-monophyletic group. Ophioglossum formed the Ophioglossoied lineage, where the subgen. Ophioglossum is monophyletic, while subgen. Cheiroglossa and Ophoderma formed a sister relationship with subgen. Ophioglossum. In terms of external morphology and spores, Mankyua is most similar to Helminthostachys, however, patristic distance in the cladogram and trophophore characteristics of the two genera are distinct. Therefore, Mankyua is a well defined genus within the family in terms of morphology as well as molecular phylogeny which places it in basal position of the Botrychioid lineage on the gene tree.