Abstract: Molecular techniques refers to methods used in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and biophysics which involve manipulation and analysis of DNA and RNA. Molecular techniques can also be used in biology to study genetic diversity and variation. Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. It shows similarity and variation that exist between breeds of the same species. Genetic diversity serves as a way for populations to adapt to changing environment. An increase loss of genetic diversity has been observed in most of agricultural species and particularly chicken genetic resources are considered to be the most threatened. Selective breeding by humans have led to the creation of many breeds characterized by high productivity, leading to the displacement of local breeds and posing a threat to the survival of many native breeds. Genetic resources are the building blocks for chicken development. The relevance of genetic diversity conservation in chicken production cannot be overemphasized because genes play a great role in formation of breeds and species. With recent advances in molecular technology, a number of techniques for in-depth genome analysis and evaluation of genetic variation in different breeds of chicken have been developed.Abstract: Molecular techniques refers to methods used in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and biophysics which involve manipulation and analysis of DNA and RNA. Molecular techniques can also be used in biology to study genetic diversity and variation. Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a ...Show More
Abstract: The increase in global population and advances in technology have made plastic materials to have wide applications in every aspect of life. However, the non-biodegradability of these petrochemical-based materials, and their increasing accumulation in the environment has been a threat to the planet and has been a source of environmental concerns and hence, the driving force in the search for ‘green’ alternatives for which agricultural waste remains the front liner. Sorghum husk, an agricultural waste with potentials as raw material in production of bioplastic was used in this research to prepared bioplastic using sulphuric acid catalyzed acetylation process. The prepared bioplastic were characterized by X-ray diffraction and FT-IR. The FTIR spectra of the product displayed the presence of OH, C-H, C=O and C-O absorption peaks which confirmed the formation of bioplastic. The new bioplastic obtained was biodegradable and was affected by acid, salt and alkali to a lesser extent, and this indicated that the produced bioplastic were much closed or has the same chemical resistance test with traditional plastic hence the prepared bioplastic can replaced the traditional plastic. Therefore, this revealed the new bioplastics with better environmental and sustainable properties can be produced from agricultural waste which may have application in many industries.Abstract: The increase in global population and advances in technology have made plastic materials to have wide applications in every aspect of life. However, the non-biodegradability of these petrochemical-based materials, and their increasing accumulation in the environment has been a threat to the planet and has been a source of environmental concerns and...Show More