Page 22 - Biotechnology newsletter 2023-24

Lecture Series on "Life Sciences and Nature" at St. Xavier’s College,
Mapusa-Goa

In celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa-Goa, a Lecture
Series on "Life Sciences and Nature" was organized under the DBT Star College Scheme of
the Government of India. The series featured three insightful sessions covering diverse
topics within the realm of biological sciences. The event, organized by the departments of
Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Sciences, marked the Diamond Jubilee
of the college and the Ruby Jubilee of the Microbiology Department.
On October 11, 2022, Mr. Miguel Braganza, a Consultant at the Botanical Society of
Goa, took the stage for the second session “Fungi: The Good & Not Always Good” . He
kicked off the session by familiarizing the audience with the fungi known as ‘Burso’ in our
native mother tongue. Mr. Braganza explored the diverse aspects of fungi, discussing their
positive and negative roles. He provided insights into the business of growing various
fungi, their agricultural uses as fungicides, and the health benefits of specific fungi like
Ganoderma sp.. The session, attended by 102 students, contributed to creating awareness
about the different varieties of fungi. The vote of thanks was given by Mr. Vishal
Mardolkar, Assistant Professor of Biotechnology.
Dr. Varada Damare, Assistant Professor from the Department of Marine
Microbiology at Goa University, was the resource person for the session “Microbiology &
Marine Environment” on October 15, 2022. Dr. Varada Damare's engaging talk delved into
the significance of oceans, microorganisms in marine environments, marine snow, and
carbon sequestration. The session, attended by 187 students and faculty, provided valuable
insights into the fascinating world of marine microbiology. It was concluded with a vote of
thanks by Mrs. Anabelle Alphonso, Course Coordinator of Biotechnology Department.
The third session focused on “Seaweed Holobionts: Bioprospecting and their
Regulation” and featured Dr. Sanjeev Ghadi, a Professor in Biotechnology from the School
of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology at Goa University on October 19, 2022. He began
the talk by introducing the term ‘Seaweed Holobionts’ and that it can be of two aspects wiz.
Viral and Microbial. He talked about the complex marine polysaccharides such as Alginate,
Agar, Chitin, Carrageen, Microbial EPS etc., which are difficult to degrade as they are
heavily substituted. He discussed about how the symbiotic association between the bacteria
and seaweed occur, it is due to the cell wall of algae forming a micro-econiche which
attracts microorganisms forming a biofilm consisting of the polysaccharide degrading
microorganisms.
He gave an insight on his work, he isolated a bacterium Microbulbifer strain CMC-5
from decomposing seaweeds, a multiple drug resistant strain, it can be used for DNA
recovery from agarose gel after gel-electrophoresis. Dr. Ghadi's talk explored the symbiotic
association between seaweed and bacteria, highlighting the importance of seaweeds in
marine ecosystems. He discussed the challenges facing marine microbiota due to climate
change and emphasized the unique econiche of Goa for seaweed-associated bacteria and the
need to save seaweeds. The session, attended by 170 beneficiaries, concluded with a vote of
thanks by Ms. Anjelica Matias, Assistant Professor of Biotechnology. The topics covered in
the Lecture Series were diverse, showcasing the rich tapestry of life sciences and nature
explored by St. Xavier’s College in its milestone jubilee celebrations.

~ Ruth Aguiar and Shawna Castelino
S.Y.B.Sc Biotechnology

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