Foundational immunology lecture covering innate (non-specific, physical barriers, phagocytes, NK cells) versus acquired/adaptive immunity (specific, memory-based, B/T cells), types of immunity (naturally/artificially acquired active/passive), species/racial/individual immunity variations, antigen characteristics (immunogenicity, epitopes), haptens, adjuvants, and factors influencing immune response.
Detailed comparison of innate and adaptive immune responses to bacterial versus viral infections, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs/PAMPs/TLRs), phagocytosis, interferons, cell-mediated immunity, host-pathogen interaction mechanisms including bacterial/viral recognition and entry processes (zipper/trigger mechanisms, endocytosis, fusion), and plant pathogen interactions including ETI/PTI pathways.
Laboratory manual covering rhizobia isolation from root nodules, plant trap method for nodulation, surface sterilization protocols, YEMA culture techniques, confirmatory tests (Congo Red, Peptone-Glucose, Gram reaction), cultural characteristics, physiological tolerance tests (temperature, salt, pH), and phosphorous solubilization efficiency for strain authentication.
Extensive coverage of fermentation technology for biofertilizer/biopesticide production including submerged (SmF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF), bioreactor design, mass cultivation processes (Rhizobium, Azotobacter, PSB), quality control (CFU testing), PGPR mechanisms, marine biotechnology, environmental applications (bioremediation, wastewater treatment), and single-cell protein (SCP) production.
Parasexuality in Fungi
Describes the parasexual cycle in fungi, detailing stages such as heterokaryosis, karyogamy, mitotic crossing over, and haploidization, emphasizing its role in generating genetic variation in imperfect fungi and its applications in industry and pathogenesis.