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KU results: DNA mango sequences discovery
Karachi University announced MEd results
Karachi, Feb 12, 2008: The examination department,
University of Karachi on Monday announced the results of the first and second
year MEd (evening programme) annual examination 2007. According to the results
of first year, a total of 38 candidates appeared in the examination, of which 19
passed by making overall percentage at 50 per cent. Meanwhile, a total of out of
46 candidates taking part in the examination of second year, 14 passed in A
grade and 18 in B grade. The overall percentage remained at 69.56 per cent.
Meanwhile, the university has extended the BCS admission date at its affiliated
colleges for the session 2007 to 2008 up to February 14.
KU discovers DNA mango sequences
Karachi: A group of scientists of the International Centre for
Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, led by Dr
Kamran Azim, has discovered more than 20,000 base pairs of mango DNA
sequences.
Pakistan has acquired the foremost position in the field all
over the globe after this discovery related to the molecular biology of the
mango tree, an ICCBS release said on Monday. This research will help enhance the
production of mangoes in the country, however the obtained genetic data, the
blueprint of living organisms, has been submitted to the international GenBank
in Washington, US.
The breakthrough came after the team spent two years
researching the molecular genetics of mangoes.
The mango is native to
eastern India and was gradually spread to other parts of the world. In Pakistan,
the cultivation of the fruit dates back to the Indus Valley civilization and
according to United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO), Pakistan
stands fifth amongst mango growing countries.
According to Dr Azim, the
mango tree suffers several kinds of diseases like powdery mildew, midge, etc.
"These mango crop diseases are of great economic importance as they cause heavy
losses in mango production. This is partly due to the lack of information
regarding the molecular biology of the mango tree. This advancement has opened
new avenues for enhancement of mango production and the development of novel
herbicides and pesticides for mango crops," he said.
Higher Education
Commission Chairman Prof. Dr Atta-ur-Rahman, Karachi University Vice Chancellor
Prof. Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui and ICCBS Acting Director Prof. Dr M Iqbal
Choudhary congratulated Dr Azim and his team on their remarkable achievement and
expressed hope for further discoveries in the field. ppi/uok.edu.pk
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