Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NR)
 
Udupi, Mar 4: For the first time, by utilizing genetic and biochemical means an "export" system of "arginine" in the bacterium "Escherichia coli" (E.Coli) has been discovered by the Centre, informed J Gowrishankar, director of the Centre for DNA Finger Printing and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad in Manipal here on Monday March 3.

He disclosed this information while addressing a distinguished gathering at the "J V Bhat Endowment Lecture-2008", organized by Manipal Life Sciences Centre (MLSC) of the Manipal University. Dr Gowrishankar elaborating on the topic went on to reveal that arginine is a nutrient and amino acid, and it is indeed a paradox that living cells actively excreted such a nutrient, he stated astonishingly.

Further he said "The centre has found that the export system is very tightly regulated and it probably functions as a safety valve to prevent arginine from accumulating toxic-levels within the cells. Recently, similar export systems for other nutrients have been identified in bacteria," he added.

According to Dr Gowrishankar this discovery of arginine export system is of great significance, as now the CDFD was able to make use of the said arginine export system to create a process for increased arginine production by bacterial fermentation. This in turn is of immense importance as it is "industrially useful," and hence could be used as a nutrient for human beings and livestock, he added.

The function was presided over by vice-chancellor of Manipal University Rajasekharan Warrier,  while the welcome address was delivered by senior scientist of MLSC P M Gopinath.