Philosophiae Doctor - PhD (Biotechnology): Recent submissions
Now showing items 41-60 of 99
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A forensic analysis of genetic variation in the Botswana population
(University of the Western cape, 2016)This thesis has been placed under a long term embargo. Forensic and population genetic parameters were investigated in the Botswana population using autosomal and Y-chromosome short tandem repeat markers. AmpFlSTR Profiler ... -
In-silico optimization and molecular validation of putative anti-HIV antimicrobial peptides for therapeutic purpose
(University of the Western cape, 2016)AIDS is considered a pandemic causing millions of deaths worldwide and a cure for this disease is still not available. Failure to implement early treatments due to the poor diagnostic methods and ineffective therapeutic ... -
Genomic diversity and functional analysis of the solute carrier genes within indigenous African and Cape Admixed populations
(University of the Western Cape, 2016)Solute carrier transporters belonging to the major facilitator family of membrane transporter are increasingly being recognized as a possible mechanism to explain inter-individual variation in drug efficacy and response. ... -
Development of a high throughput cell-free metagenomic screening platform
(University of the Western Cape, 2016)The estimated 5 × 10³⁰ prokaryotic cells inhabiting our planet sequester some 350–550 Petagrams (1 Pg = 1015 g) of carbon, 85–130 Pg of nitrogen, and 9–14 Pg of phosphorous, making them the largest reservoir of those ... -
Diversity of Frankia associated with Morella species of the Cape floristic region of Southern Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2016)Frankia is one of two partners in the globally distributed N2-fixing actinorhizal symbiosis between this filamentous soil-dwelling actinomycete and almost 300 species of host plants from eight diverse angiosperm families. ... -
Characterization of the role of Zea mays burp domain-containing genes in maize drought responses
(University of the Western Cape, 2016)Global climate change has resulted in altered rainfall patterns, causing annual losses in maize crop yield due to water deficit stress. Therefore, it is important to produce maize cultivars which are more drought-tolerant. ... -
Population structure and demographics in Nigerian populations utilizing Y-chromosome markers
(University of the Western Cape, 2014)Nigeria is peopled by ethnically and linguistically diverse populations of which little were known until the last few millennial. The absence of major natural geographical barrier increases the possibility of the populations ... -
Structural and functional studies of XvPrx2, a type II peroxiredoxin protein from the resurrection plant xerophyta viscosa
(University of the Western Cape, 2012)XvPrx2 is a 1-Cys-containing member of the Prx5 subfamily of peroxiredoxins isolated from the resurrection plant Xerophyta viscosa. It is reported to be up-regulated during periods of desiccation and to protect nucleic ... -
Manipulating biotic and abiotic factors to enhance the remediation of agri-industrial wastewater in pilot-scale constructed wetlands
(University of the Western Cape, 2012)As a consequence of various cellar activities the wine industry produces copious volumes of potentially hazardous wastewater each year. South Africa is one of the top ten wine-producing countries, making the successful ... -
The development of nanotechnology-based detection systems for the diagnosis of breast cancer
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)Breast cancer is one of the major causes of death in South Africa. About 1 in 29 South African women are at risk of developing this type of cancer in their lifetime. The global incidence of breast cancer also increases ... -
In silico and molecular validation of identified putative genes and functional analysis of a N K G2D ligand as a breast cancer biomarkers
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)The current diagnostic, prognostic, predictive and therapeutic monitoring methods used for breast cancer are limited. Thus, research into more specific, sensitive and effective strategies is required. Breast cancer is ... -
Genetic mapping of fruit quality traits in apple (malus x domestica borkh.)
(University of the Western Cape, 2011)Apple fruit quality is of utmost importance to apple farmers and breeders in the selection and commercialization of new cultivars. Fruit size, colour, texture, firmness and taste are all traits that affect the quality of ... -
Development of nanotechnology-based drug delivery and imaging system to the white adipose tissue vasculature using Wistar Rat Model
(University of the Western Cape, 2013)Obesity is a complex metabolic disease of excessive fat accumulation. It is a worldwide epidemic affecting billions of people and its pharmacological management is hampered by drug toxicity and undesirable side effects. ... -
Identification of miRNA's as specific biomarkers in prostate cancer diagnostics : a combined in silico and molecular approach
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)There are over 100 different types of cancer, and each of these cancers are classified by the type of cell that it initially affects. For the purpose of this research we will be focussing on prostate cancer (PC). Prostate ... -
Development of a receptor targeted nanotherapy using a proapoptotic peptide
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)The prevalence of obesity amongst South Africans is alarming, with more than 29% of men and 56% of women considered to be obese. Angiogenesis, a process for development of new blood vessels play a major role in growth and ... -
Mapping and identification of disease resistance candidate genes in three Malus populations using SSRs, DArT and Infinium SNP markers and Illumina sequencing technology
(University of the Western Cape, 2014)Apple scab, powdery mildew and woolly apple aphid are a major concern for apple breeders and producers. Control of these diseases is a significant economic and marketing priority for the South African apple industry. ... -
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 ... -
Microbial ecology of hot and cold desert edaphic communities
(University of the Western Cape, 2012)This thesis presents significant advances into the microbial ecology of hypolithic communities in two hyperarid deserts. Deserts account for one fifth of the Earths total surface area. These zones differ substantially in ... -
Tumour specific targeted in vitro theranostics application of fabricated nanostructures in a multi-drug resistant ovarian carcinoma cell line
(University of the Western Cape, 2013)Ovarian cancer is called the “Silent Killer” as it is often diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease or misdiagnosed which ends with a poor prognostic outcome for the patient. A high rate of disease relapse, a high ... -
Pharmacogenomics of solute carrier transporter genes in the Xhosa population
(University of the Western Cape, 2014)Solute carrier transporters belonging to the major facilitator family of membrane transporter are increasingly being recognized as a possible mechanism to explain inter-individual variation in drug efficacy and response. ...