Browsing Department of Biotechnology by Issue Date
Now showing items 1-20 of 345
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A study of the problems and possibilities of using the marine intertidal zone for teaching principles of ecology in senior secondary schools: A survey of biology teachers in the western cape.
(University of the Western Cape, 1994)In this study I investigate the attitudes of a group biology teachers in the Western Cape, to using the marine intertidal zone for teaching principles of ecology in senior secondary schools, by exploring the problems ... -
Molecular detection and genetic manipulation of the Black Queen Cell Virus
(University of the Western Cape, 2002)The South African isolate of the Black Queen-Cell Virus (BQCV), a honeybee virus, was previously found to have an 8550 nucleotide genome excluding the poly(A) tail. Its genome contained two ORFs, a 5'-proximal ORF encoding ... -
Characterization of two Arabidopsis thaliana genes with roles in plant homeostasis
(University of the Western Cape, 2004)Plants are continuously exposed to varying conditions in their environment, to which they have to adapt by manipulating various cellular processes. Environmental (abiotic) and pathogen (biotic) stress are challenges against ... -
Investigation into the role of DWNN in cell death
(University of the Western Cape, 2004)Many genes are activated to influence the self-destruction programme of the cell. This programme entails synchronised instigation and implementation of numerous subprograms. The arrival of gene targeting aided in the ... -
The genease activity of mung bean nuclease: fact or fiction?
(University of the Western Cape, 2004)The action of Mung Bean Nuclease (MBN) on DNA makes it possible to clone intact gene fragments from genes of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium. This “genease” activity has provided a foundation for further ... -
Microbial diversity of Antarctic Dry Valley mineral soil
(University of the Western Cape, 2004)Antarctica provides some of the most extreme environments on earth. Low temperatures, low water availability and nutrient deficiency are contributing factors to the limited colonisation of Antarctic biotopes, particularly ... -
The prevalence and survival of Campylobacter, Salmonella and Listeria species in poultry processing plant
(University of the Western Cape, 2004)The organisms in this study were chosen due to their associations with foods and their potential as food borne pathogens. Food borne diseases are an import public health problem in most countries. Bacteria of the genera ... -
Human testis angiotensin-converting enzyme: crystal structure of a glycosylation mutant and investigation of a putative hinge-mechanism by normal mode analysis
(University of the Western Cape, 2004)Human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key enzyme in the regulation of blood pressure via the renin-angiotensin and kallikrein-kinin systems. A number of orally active drugs have been developed over the years ... -
Recombinant expression of the pRb- and p53-interacting domains from the human RBBP6 protein for in vitro binding studies
(University of the Western Cape, 2004)This thesis describes the cloning and recombinant expression of domains from the human RBBP6 protein for future in vitro binding studies with pRb and p53. RBBP6 is a splicing-associated protein that is known to interact ... -
Recombinant expression of the pRb- and p53-interacting domains from the human RBBP6 protein for in vitro binding studies
(University of the Western Cape, 2004)This thesis describes the cloning and recombinant expression of domains from the human RBBP6 protein for future in vitro binding studies with pRb and p53. RBBP6 is a splicing-associated protein that is known to interact ... -
Ancient Genes in Cancer Gene Expression?
(University of the Western Cape, 2004)Backsround: The Cancer/testis (CT) antigens are a division of germ cell specific genes not expressed in somatic cells, exceptions being placental cells and 20Vo - 4OVo of cancer types. The aptitude of CT antigens to elicit ... -
The evaluation of Y-STR loci for use in forensics
(University of the Western Cape, 2005)The aim of this study was to investigate the forensic usefulness of various Y-chromosome short tandem repeat loci among South African sub-populations. Three different sets of Y-chromosome short tandem repeat loci were ... -
Identification and characterisation of a novel gene, DWNN, isolated from promoter-trapped Chinese hamster ovary cells
(University of the Western Cape, 2005)The process of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) killing involves the recognition and destruction of foreign antigens by cytotoxic T cells and is of crucial importance to the defence of the organism against viral infections. ... -
Microbiology of fly ash-acid mine drainage co-disposal processes
(University of the Western Cape, 2005)The waste products acid mine drainage formed during coal mining and fly ash from coal burning power generation, pose substantial environmental and economic problems for South Africa. Eskom has developed a remediation system ... -
Recombinant expression and full backbone assignment of the human DWNN using heteronuclear NMR
(University of the Western Cape, 2005)The cellular levels of a number of proteins have been found to be regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In this pathway, proteins are covalently tagged (“ubiquitinated”) by ubiquitin, which acts as a signal for ... -
Structure, enzymology and genetic engineering of Bacillus sp. RAPc8 nitrile hydratase
(University of the Western Cape, 2005)Microbial nitrile hydratases (NHases) are important industrial enzymes that catalyse the conversion of nitriles to the corresponding amides. A thermostable, cobalt-type Bacillus sp. RAPc8 NHase was previously cloned and ... -
Developing a generic hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) system for the wheat milling industry
(University of the Western Cape, 2005)In South Africa there is a need within the milling industry for controlling food safety especially due to customer's demands and government's regulations. The best way to ensure food safety is with the implementation of a ... -
Exploring diversity and ecology of nonarchaea in hydrothermal biotopes
(University of the Western Cape, 2005)The Nanoarchaeota were proposed as the fourth archaeal sub-division in 2002, and the only fully characterized nanoarchaeon was found to exist in a symbiotic association with the crenarchaeote, Ignicoccus sp. This nanoarchaeote, ... -
The microbial composition of a natural methanogenic consortium
(University of the Western Cape, 2005)Wetlands account for approximately 20% of annual global methane emissions. Many wetlands receive inputs of organic matter, nutrients, metals and various toxic compounds from adjacent agricultural and industrial areas. The ... -
Physiological and cellular characterization of a plant natriuretic peptide
(University of the Western Cape, 2005)Plants in the field are exposed to multiple stresses and their response to these various stresses determines their capacity to survive. Plants can use multiple signaling pathways and signals to mediate their response; for ...