Published by De Gruyter

Volume 65 Issue 3-4

Issue of Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C

Submit manuscript

Contents
Journal Overview

Open Access June 2, 2014

Current Results on Biological Activities of Lichen Secondary Metabolites: a Review

Katalin Molnár, Edit Farkas

Page range: 157-173

More Download PDF

Abstract

Lichens are symbiotic organisms of fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. Lichen-forming fungi synthesize a great variety of secondary metabolites, many of which are unique. Developments in analytical techniques and experimental methods have resulted in the identification of about 1050 lichen substances (including those found in cultures). In addition to their role in lichen chemotaxonomy and systematics, lichen secondary compounds have several possible biological roles, including photoprotection against intense radiation, as well as allelochemical, antiviral, antitumor, antibacterial, antiherbivore, and antioxidant action. These compounds are also important factors in metal homeostasis and pollution tolerance of lichen thalli. Although our knowledge of the contribution of these extracellular products to the success of the lichen symbiosis has increased significantly in the last decades, their biotic and abiotic roles have not been entirely explored.

Open Access June 2, 2014

n-Alkylresorcinol Occurrence in Mercurialis perennis L. (Euphorbiaceae)

Peter Lorenz, Matthias Knödler, Julia Bertrams, Melanie Berger, Ulrich Meyer, Florian C. Stintzing

Page range: 174-179

More Download PDF

Abstract

Investigation of the dichloromethane extracts from herbal and root parts of Mercurialis perennis L. afforded a mixture of 11 homologous n-alkylresorcinols (ARs) with saturated odd-numbered alkyl side chains (C15:0-C27:0). In addition to three predominant ARs (C19:0, C21:0 and C23:0), a number of minor ARs were identified by use of LC-MS/MS and GC-MS techniques. Among the compounds detected, four uncommon ARs with evennumbered alkyl side chain lengths were also determined. The overall AR concentration in herbal parts was 7 to 9 times higher compared to that of the roots. The results presented may open a new view on the phytochemistry and pharmacognosy of M. perennis and other members of the Euphorbiaceae family.

Open Access June 2, 2014

In vitro Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Flavonoids from Ailanthus excelsa (Roxb.) (Simaroubaceae) Leaves

Ataa Said, Rosa Tundis, Usama W. Hawas, Salah M. El-Kousy, Khaled Rashed, Federica Menichini, Marco Bonesi, Antje Huefner, Monica Rosa Loizzo

Page range: 180-186

More Download PDF

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, and the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of Ailanthus excelsa, a plant used in Egyptian traditional medicine. Chromatographic separation of a methanol extract of A. excelsa leaves yielded four fl avones, namely apigenin (1), apigenin 7-O-β-glucoside (2), luteolin (3), and luteolin 7-O-β-glucoside (4), and seven fl avonols, namely kaempferol (5), kaempferol 3-O-α-arabinoside (6), kaempferol 3-O-β-galactoside (7), quercetin (8), quercetin 3-O-α-arabinoside (9), quercetin 3-O-β- galactoside (10), and quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (11). The A. excelsa extract tested in different in vitro systems (DPPH and FRAP assays) showed significant antioxidant activity. The potential antiproliferative activity of the A. excelsa extract and isolated flavonoids against five human cancer cell lines such as ACHN, COR-L23, A375, C32, and A549 was investigated in vitro by the SRB assay in comparison with one normal cell line, 142BR. The extract exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against C32 cells with an IC 50 value of 36.5 μg ml -1 . Interesting activity against COR-L23 was found with 10 (IC 50 value of 3.2 μg ml -1 ). Compounds 1 and 3 inhibited cell growth in both amelanotic melanoma and malignant melanoma cells.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Assessment of Enzyme Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activities of Lignans from Taxus baccata L.

Nurgun Kucukboyacı, Ilkay Orhan, Bilge Şener, S. Ahmad Nawaz, M. Iqbal Choudhary

Page range: 187-194

More Download PDF

Abstract

Phytochemical investigations of Taxus baccata L. by successive chromatographic methods resulted in the isolation of the lignans lariciresinol (1), taxiresinol (2), 3´-demethylisolariciresinol- 9´-hydroxyisopropylether (3), isolariciresinol (4), and 3-demethylisolariciresinol (5) as well as taxoids. Compounds 1 - 5 were evaluated for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory activities, which play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), by in vitro spectrophotometric methods, while they were also screened for their antioxidant capacity in 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferrous ion-chelating effect, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) at 125, 250, 500, and 1000 μg ml-1. All compounds exhibited a moderate inhibition against both BChE and LOX, whereas they were inactive towards AChE. The compounds displayed a great scavenging activity against DPPH especially at 500 and 1000 μg ml -1 . Besides, they were found to exert noteworthy reducing antioxidant power on ferric ions. In particular, the FRAP of compounds 2 (3.552 ± 0.02), 4 (3.021 ± 0.71), and 5 (3.533 ± 0.01) were as high as that of the reference chlorogenic acid (3.618 ± 0.01) at 1000 μg ml -1 . None of the compounds exhibited chelating ability against ferrous ions.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Steroidal Alkaloids of Veratrum lobelianum Bernh. and Veratrum nigrum L.

Veselin Christov, Bozhanka Mikhova, Antoaneta Ivanova, Julianna Serly, Joseph Molnar, Dangaa Selenge, Amgalan Solongo, Nadezhda Kostova, Yadamsuren Gerelt-Od, Dimitar Dimitrov

Page range: 195-200

More Download PDF

Abstract

Twelve steroidal alkaloids were isolated from four populations of Veratrum lobelianum Bernh. and Veratrum nigrum L. Full NMR data for veralosinine (1), and extensive 1 H NMR data for veralosine (3) and teinemine (5) are presented here for the first time. (±)-15-O-(2- Methylbutyroyl)germine (10) is undescribed up to now. The antiproliferative activities of veranigrine, veralosinine, and neogermitrine have shown that they are a perspective for further studies.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Possible Fungistatic Implications of Betulin Presence in Betulaceae Plants and their Hymenochaetaceae Parasitic Fungi

Izabela Jasicka-Misiak, Jacek Lipok, Izabela A. Świder, Paweł Kafarski

Page range: 201-206

More Download PDF

Abstract

Betulin and its derivatives (especially betulinic acid) are known to possess very interesting prospects for their application in medicine, cosmetics and as bioactive agents in pharmaceutical industry. Usually betulin is obtained by extraction from the outer layer of a birch bark. In this work we describe a simple method of betulin isolation from bark of various species of Betulaceae trees and parasitic Hymenochaetaceae fungi associated with these trees. The composition of the extracts was studied by GC-MS, whereas the structures of the isolated compounds were confirmed by FTIR and 1 H NMR. Additionally, the significant fungistatic activity of betulin towards some fi lamentous fungi was determined. This activity was found to be strongly dependent on the formulation of this triterpene. A betulin-trimyristin emulsion, in which nutmeg fat acts as emulsifier and lipophilic carrier, inhibited the fungal growth even in micromolar concentrations - its EC 50 values were established in the range of 15 up to 50 μM depending on the sensitivity of the fungal strain. Considering the lack of fungistatic effect of betulin applied alone, the application of ultrasonic emulsification with the natural plant fat trimyristin appeared to be a new method of antifungal bioassay of water-insoluble substances, such as betulin.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Nematicidal Activity of Beauvericin Produced by the Fungus Fusarium bulbicola

Atsumi Shimada, Shozo Fujioka, Hiroyuki Koshino, Yasuo Kimura

Page range: 207-210

More Download PDF

Abstract

A nematicide, beauvericin (1), was isolated from cultures of the fungus Fusarium bulbicola, and its structure was identified by spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 showed nematicidal activities against the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and the freeliving nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Genotoxic Effect of Epirubicin in Mouse Bone Marrow in vivo

Asuman K. Sen, Emin Karakas, Rahmi Bilaloglu

Page range: 211-217

More Download PDF

Abstract

The genotoxic effect of epirubicin, a semisynthetic anthracycline antibiotic which has been used as an anticancer drug, was investigated in vivo on bone marrow cells of Swiss albino mice using the micronucleus test. To determine the incidence of micronuclei, mice were injected intraperitoneally with the drug at single doses of 4, 6, 8, and 10 mg/kg body weight. Then, bone marrow was sampled 18, 24, 36, and 48 h after the treatment. Polychromatic and normochromatic erythrocytes were examined for the presence of micronuclei. Epirubicin significantly increased the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) for all treatment periods compared with the negative control (P < 0.001). The frequency of MNPCEs increased with the dose, but at the highest dose used (which is considered to be quite toxic), the frequency of MNPCEs was rather lower. Epirubicin also decreased the ratio of polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocytes (PCE/NCE) for all sampling intervals, which is indicative of bone marrow cytotoxicity. It can be concluded from the present study that the anticancer drug epirubicin has genotoxic effects on mouse bone marrow cells.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Amylolytic Lactobacillus Strains from Bulgarian Fermented Beverage Boza

Penka Petrova, Milena Emanuilova, Kaloyan Petrov

Page range: 218-224

More Download PDF

Abstract

The lactic acid fermentation is a worldwide method for cereal processing. Great diversity of fermented foods and drinks is produced with the participation of amylolytic lactic acid bacteria (ALAB). In the present study the ALAB content of the Bulgarian cereal beverage “boza” was investigated. Two strains, Bom 816 and N3, were found to possess significant amylolytic activity. The strains’ identification was based on genetic criteria, namely amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) and sequencing of the 16S rDNA. The strain Bom 816 belongs to the species Lactobacillus plantarum and N3 to Lactobacillus pentosus, being the first amylolytic representative of this species. Optimization of the media composition with starch as a sole carbon source was done. The starch hydrolysis was most efficient in medium containing 4 g/l yeast and 8 g/l meat extracts. Thus, L. plantarum Bom 816 consumed 14 g/l starch, while L. pentosus N3 consumed 17 g/l. The highest values of lactic acid reached were 9.5 g/l produced by Bom 816 and 5.5 g/l produced by N3. In the presence of yeast extract L. pentosus N3 formed 0.8 - 1 g/l succinic acid. Both strains produced mainly cell-bound enzymes with amylase activity, at a pH optimum of 5.5, ranging from 3 - 4 to 21 U/ml for L. pentosus N3 and from 0.5 to 11.5 U/ml for L. plantarum Bom 816, in dependence of the assay conditions

Open Access June 2, 2014

Isolation and Identification of Poplar Isoplastocyanins

Mitko I. Dimitrov, Anthony A. Donchev, Alexandra C. Shosheva, Vladimir I. Getov, Nedyalka P. Terezova, Svetozar D. Stoichev

Page range: 225-230

More Download PDF

Abstract

An improved four-stage isolation and purification procedure for preparing poplar isoplastocyanins is described in detail. Absorbance (UV-VIS) spectroscopy and isoelectric focusing (IEF) are used to determine the protein purity and identity. The present procedure increases twice the total plastocyanin (PC) yield. Four PC isoform fractions are consecutively isolated at the third chromatographic step: oxidized PCa(II) and PCb(II) and reduced PCb(I) and PCa(I). PCa(II) and PCb(II) obtained at the fourth chromatographic step are highly purified PC isoforms which show the purity index (p.i.) A 278 /A 597 ≤ 0.85. Isoelectric points (pI values) of the PC isoforms are found to be at pH 3.92 ± 0.04 for PCa and at pH 3.85 ± 0.02 for PCb. The results of appropriate biological experiments that include the highly purified poplar PC isoforms could give answers to the questions about the physiological significance of PC dimorphism for photosynthesis.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Physicochemical Characteristics of a Thermostable Gellan Lyase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus 98

Anna Derekova, Miroslava Atanassova, Petya Christova, Bojidar Tchorbanov, Alexandra Shosheva, Rossitsa Mandeva, Patricia Rodríguez-Alonso, Jose I. Garabal, Margarita Kambourova

Page range: 231-238

More Download PDF

Abstract

A purified thermostable gellan lyase, produced by a thermophilic bacterium, Geobacillus stearothermophilus 98, was characterized in relation to its physicochemical properties. The gellan lyase was established to have a molecular weight of 216 kDa, defined by capillary gel electrophoresis. Amino acid analysis revealed high quantities of Lys, His, Ala, Val, Ile, Glx, and Pro residues. The circular dichroism revealed 45% β-structure and practically lack of α-spiral domains. Kinetic studies showed high affinity of the enzyme to gellan as a substrate (K m = 0.21 μM). The thermal denaturation investigated by cicular dichroism showed a highly cooperative transition with a midpoint (Tm) at about 75 °C. A single product was identified after enzyme action on gellan. Large exothermic aggregation near T m was observed by differential scanning calorimetry. Two types of gellan lyase crystals were reproducibly isolated.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Progesterone and β-Estradiol Stimulate Seed Germination in Chickpea by Causing Important Changes in Biochemical Parameters

Serkan Erdal, Rahmi Dumlupinar

Page range: 239-244

More Download PDF

Abstract

Effects of progesterone and β-estradiol on morphologic (germination velocity, root and shoot length) and biochemical (activities of α-amylase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase, H 2 O 2 content, lipid peroxidation) parameters during germination and post-germination stages of chickpea seeds were studied. The seeds germinated at various hormone concentrations (10 - 4 , 10 - 6 , 10 - 9 , 10 - 12 , 10 - 15 M) were harvested at the end of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th day. With comparison to the control, these hormones caused an increment in the number of germinating seeds at the end of days 1 and 3 by accelerating the seed germination. Root and shoot lengths were augmented by both hormones at all hormone concentrations tested. The highest elongation was recorded in 10 - 6 M progesterone and 10 - 9 - 10 - 12 M β-estradiol. Similarly, activities of α-amylase and superoxide dismutase were increased by all concentrations of both hormones, and maximum increases were obtained with 10 - 6 M progesterone and 10 - 9 -10 - 12 M β-estradiol. In the case of superoxide dismutase activity, not only the H2O2 content but also the peroxidase and catalase activities increased. Lipid peroxidation decreased depending on an increase in the antioxidant enzyme activities. In the present study, it was demonstrated that progesterone and β-estradiol even at low concentrations increase the germination velocity and resistance to stress conditions by changing the activities of some biochemical pathways.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Expression for Caffeine Biosynthesis and Related Enzymes in Camellia sinensis

Misako Kato, Naoko Kitao, Mariko Ishida, Hanayo Morimoto, Fumi Irino, Kouichi Mizuno

Page range: 245-256

More Download PDF

Abstract

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a purine alkaloid that is present in high concentrations in the tea plant Camellia sinensis. Caffeine synthase (CS, EC 2.1.1.160) catalyzes the S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent N-3- and N-1-methylation of the purine base to form caffeine, the last step in the purine alkaloid biosynthetic pathway. We studied the expression profile of the tea caffeine synthase (TCS) gene in developing leaves and flowers by means of northern blot analysis, and compared it with those of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5), chalcone synthase (CHS, EC 2.3.1.74), and S-adenosyl-L-methionine synthase (SAMS, EC 2.5.1.6). The amount of TCS transcripts was highest in young leaves and declined markedly during leaf development, whereas it remained constant throughout the development of the flower. Environmental stresses other than heavy metal stress and plant hormone treatments had no effect on the expression of TCS genes, unlike the other three genes. Drought stress suppressed TCS gene expression in leaves, and the expression pattern mirrored that of the dehydrin gene. The amounts of TCS transcripts increased slightly on supply of a nitrogen source. We discuss the regulation of TCS gene expression

Open Access June 2, 2014

Essential Region for 3-N Methylation in N-Methyltransferases Involved in Caffeine Biosynthesis

Kouichi Mizuno, Shin-ichi Kurosawa, Yuko Yoshizawa, Misako Kato

Page range: 257-265

More Download PDF

Abstract

The caffeine biosynthetic pathway is composed of three methylation steps, and N-methyltransferase catalyzing each step has high substrate specificity. Since the amino acid sequences among coffee 7-methylxanthosine synthase (CmXRS1), theobromine synthase, and caffeine synthase are highly homologous to each other, these substrate specificities seem to be determined in a very restricted region. The analysis of site-directed mutants for CmXRS1 that naturally acts at the initial step, i.e. 7-N methylation of xanthosine, revealed that the activity of 3-N methylation needs a histidine residue at corresponding position 161 in the CmXRS1 sequence. We succeeded in producing the mutant enzyme which can catalyze the first and second methylation steps in caffeine biosynthesis.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Isolation of Quality Total RNA from the Aromatic Plant Origanum onites

Īsmail Poyraz, Emel Sözen, Muhittin Arslanyolu

Page range: 266-270

More Download PDF

Abstract

We successfully used the guanidine isothiocyanate method for isolation of total RNA from leaf, stem, and root tissues of the aromatic plant Origanum onites. The RNA was extracted with TRI Reagent® at room temperature and was recovered by isopropanol precipitation. The isolated RNA was capable of reverse transcription. The extraction method described here does not require ultracentrifugation, and it is fast, simple, and effective. The procedure can be completed within 3 hours and may be applicable to other aromatic medicinal plants containing high amounts of phenolic compounds.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Differential Expression of Thaumatin-Like Proteins in Sorghum Infested with Greenbugs

Juan Chou, Yinghua Huang

Page range: 271-276

More Download PDF

Abstract

This study was designed to quantitatively analyze the expression of thaumatin-like protein (TLP) at the transcriptional level in different sorghum lines when they were infested with greenbugs. Three sorghum lines, Tx7000, PI550607, and PI550610, were used. RNAs were isolated from the different sorghum lines that were infested with greenbugs at different infestation times. The resultant mRNA was reverse transcribed into cDNA, and the RT-PCR products were separated by agarose gel. Then, real-time PCR data of the TLP gene expression were analyzed in comparison with the β-actin gene as a reference. The expression levels of the TLP gene were also compared between samples. The results showed that the transcripts of the TLP were induced by greenbug feeding and the increased levels were time-dependent. In the susceptible line, the TLP’s transcripts increased several thousand-fold at 120 hours post infestation, while for the two resistant sorghum lines the TLP expression level increased less than one hundred-fold compared to the controls. This is the first demonstration that thaumatin-like proteins are involved in plant defense response against insects.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Molecular Cloning, Expression and Characterization of BmIDGF Gene from Bombyx mori

Ye Pan, Keping Chen, Hengchuan Xia, Qin Yao, Lu Gao, Peng Lü, Huojuan, Yuanqing He, Lin Wang

Page range: 277-283

More Download PDF

Abstract

Imaginal disc growth factors (IDGF) play a key role in insect development, but their mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we cloned a novel IDGF gene in Bombyx mori and designated it as BmIDGF. We found that the BmIDGF gene contains eight exons and seven introns, encoding a peptide of 434 amino-acid residues. The protein was predicted to contain one conserved motif of the glycosyl hydrolases family 18 and fall into group V chitinases. Sequence alignment showed that BmIDGF shares extensive homology with other invertebrate IDGF. RT-PCR analysis showed that BmIDGF is expressed in all developmental stages of silkworm larvae and various larvae tissues, which was further confirmed by Western blot analysis. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that BmIDGF is located in the extracellular space. We also successfully expressed it in E. coli and further characterized it by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. Taken together, our data suggests that BmIDGF is a chitinase-like extracellular protein, and provides an excellent platform for subsequent studies on its enzyme activity and role in B. mori development

Open Access June 2, 2014

Polymorphism of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Gene among Chicken Breeds in Egypt

Eman M. Gouda, Gamal S. Essawy

Page range: 284-288

More Download PDF

Abstract

The insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) regulates growth, protein synthesis, and cell proliferation and differentiation in vertebrates. Polymorphisms of IGF-I gene transcripts of three breeds of chicken were assessed. The associations of these polymorphisms with the growth rate of the studied breeds were also evaluated. Total RNA was isolated from chicken livers, and the IGF-I gene was amplified from each breed RNA by RT-PCR using specific primers flanking a certain region of the gene. The amplified RT-PCR products were formed to identify the transcripts and to correlate them to the phenotype of growth, by performing single stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis for genotype identification. In this report, we describe how SSCP analysis of RT-PCR products can be used to evaluate the transcript expression pattern of avian IGF-I polymorphism, and their effect on the growth traits of chickens.

Open Access June 2, 2014

Immune Responses in Mice after Immunization with Antigens from Different Stages of the Parasite Schistosoma mansoni

Hanaa M. Gaber, Amany S. Maghraby, Mohamed Bastawy Ahmed, Andreas Ruppel, Mahmoud M. Bahgat

Page range: 289-302

More Download PDF

Abstract

Mice responses to immunization with Schistosoma mansoni antigens were investigated. Priming with cercarial antigen preparation (CAP) induced significant (P < 0.05) IgM, IgG, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgA increases, while booster caused a significant IgG1 increase. A soluble worm antigen preparation (SWAP) caused significant IgG elevation. Priming with soluble egg antigen (SEA) caused significant IgM and IgG2a increases, while booster induced significant IgM, IgG and IgA increases. CAP-immunized mice sera (IMS) recognized CAP peptides ranging from 23 - 78 kDa. SWAP-IMS recognized SWAP peptides ranging from 40 - 75 kDa. SEA-IMS recognized SEA peptides ranging from 33 - 101 kDa. The cross-reactive peptides among the 3 antigens were identified. CAP caused significant increases in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) CD 4,8 + , B lymphocytes, CD 8 + thymocytes, CD 4 + T and B splenocytes. SWAP priming caused significant increases in MLNs CD 4,8 + thymocytes and B splenocytes. SWAP booster caused significant increases in MLNs CD 8 + T and B lymphocytes, CD 4,8 + thymocytes and CD 4 + T and B splenocytes. SEA caused significant increase in CD 4 + T cells.

Open Access June 2, 2014

In vitro Effects of Chlorpyrifos on the Acetylcholinesterase Activity of Euryhaline Fish, Oreochromis mossambicus

Janapala Venkateswara Rao, Pathakoti Kavitha

Page range: 303-306

More Download PDF

Abstract

The in vitro effect of a widely used organophosphorus insecticide, chlorpyrifos (CPP), on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was studied in vitro. The kinetic constants K m and V max and the bimolecular constant ki were determined in vitro. The in vitro AChE study indicated that CPP is neurotoxic and that it alters the apparent K m values widely in a concentration-dependent manner, resulting in a competitive type of inhibition. Based on the ki values, the sensitivity of AChE in brain is greater than that in gill tissue, at 7.3 · 10 - 5 M and 11.92 · 10 - 5 M, respectively. The study points to the importance of kinetic studies and the results suggest that in biomonitoring programmes brain AChE activity can be a good diagnostic tool for CPP toxicity.

Open Access June 2, 2014

On the Disruption of Cell Multiplication by Oscillating Electric Fields

Friedwardt Winterberg

Page range: 307-308

More Download PDF

Abstract

This communication is a theoretical consideration explaining the benefits to reduce tumour growth in situ by interaction of ultrasound and strong magnetic fields. No documentation is presented.

About this journal

Objective

A Journal of Biosciences: Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C (ZNC) is an international scientific journal and a community resource for the emerging field of natural and natural-like products.

The journal publishes original research on the isolation (including structure elucidation), bio-chemical synthesis and bioactivities of natural products, their biochemistry, pharmacology, biotechnology, and their biological activity and innovative developed computational methods for predicting the structure and/or function of natural products.

A Journal of Biosciences: Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C (ZNC) welcomes research papers in fields on the chemistry-biology boundary which address scientific ideas and approaches to generate and understand natural compounds on a molecular level and/or use them to stimulate and manipulate biological processes.

Topics

Bio-chemical synthesis and bioactivities of natural products
Isolation (including structure elucidation)
Biochemistry
Biotechnology
Pharmacology
Chemistry
Biology

Article formats

Original research articles, research notes, letters and review articles

Please have a look at the call for papers for two upcoming Special Issues:

Special Issue on CAZymes

Special Issue on Chitin Structures and Pathways as Targets for Biopesticides and Drugs