Dr. Rajanish Giri, Assistant Professor, School of Basic Sciences led the team of IIT Mandi researchers which also comprised his research scholars Mr. Amit Kumar, Mr. Ankur Kumar and Mr. Prateek Kumar along with Dr. Neha Garg from Banaras Hindu University.

IIT Mandi researchers reveal the great structure

Current COVID-19 treatments simply manage symptoms while the body fights off the infection with its immune defence system, say IIT Mandi researchers.

One route to neutralising any virus is to attack its proteins; such an approach holds true for the COVID-19 virus as well and scientists across the globe are involved in studies to elucidate the structure and functions of these proteins to understand the viral disease and develop drugs that are effective against the virus, say IIT Mandi researchers.

Dr. Rajnish Giri, who led the team of IIT Mandi researchers said from a conformational or ‘shape’ point of view, several proteins contain ordered and intrinsically disordered regions.

Also read ‘NATA 2021 2nd exam is open for registration. Students aspiring to study BArch can apply for it till June 30‘

These classical conformations are in the proteins in the SARS-CoV-2 virus as well, he said.

The structure of non-structural protein 1 (NSP1) is composed of 180 amino acids.

The first 1-127 region has been experimentally shown to form an independent structure by Clrak, Green & Petit from University of Alabama, said Dr. Rajanish who led the team of IIT Mandi researchers.

However, there was no experimental proof given by any group on the 131 to 180 amino acid regions of this NSP1 protein, which plays a key role in suppressing the host immune system, he said.

This virus has sixteen non-structural proteins (NSP1–NSP16), of which, the NSP1 plays a vital role in the pathogenicity (ability to cause disease) of the virus.

The NSP1 disrupts the proteins of the host cell and suppresses its immune functions, say IIT Mandi researchers.

Its importance can be understood by the fact that it is also called the ‘host shutoff factor’.

Particularly Nenad Ban and colleagues have found that if the C-terminal region of NSP1 i.e. 131-180 residues are removed from NSP1 then NSP1 is unable to stop the translation by ribosomes.

It is therefore important to understand the molecular mechanisms, biophysical interactions, and chemistry of the interplay of the NSP1 with the host cell.

However, without experimental studies we were not sure that this 131-180 amino acid region is actually an intrinsically disordered protein region, he said.

Generally, these regions are unfolded in solution but are folded into particular conformations when binding with specific molecules or partners inside the host cells, said Dr. Rajanish Giri.

The IIT Mandi researchers have experimentally studied the structural conformations of SARS-CoV-2 NSP1 under various conditions – in an organic solvent, membrane mimetic environment, and inside liposomes.

Using analytical techniques such as circular dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations, the researchers have shown the dynamic changes in the conformation of the IDR of the NSP1, in response to its surroundings, due to hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between the protein and the environment.

Understanding the conformational structure and associated functions of key viral proteins such as the NSP1 can eventually help develop therapeutics that can target these proteins and stop the virus in its tracks, say IIT Mandi researchers.

Studies such as those conducted by Dr. Giri and his co-workers can bring this approach closer to reality, say IIT Mandi researchers.

Read More – Easiest exams in India

Both are two great academic programs that prepare students for a career related to the marine world.

While these two courses offer knowledge and skill set required to commence careers related to the marine world, but there is enough confusion among the students when it comes to choosing the courses.

Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering Eligibility

Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering eligibility is about the criteria students must fulfill to be eligible to apply for these courses. More information about Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering eligibility criteria is mentioned below:

– Marine Engineering: Pass your 10+2 examinations with a minimum of 60% marks in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

– Ocean Engineering: Pass your 10+2 examinations with a minimum of 60% marks in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with a strong foundation in biology and environmental science.

Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering differences

Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering differences is about unique points related to both of these academic programs. These points differentiate both the courses from each other and are not common between them. Details regarding Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering differences are provided below:

– Marine Engineering: Focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of ships, boats, and other marine vessels.

– Ocean Engineering: Focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of offshore platforms, pipelines, and other ocean-based infrastructure.

Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering similarities

Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering similarities is about those points that are common to both the academic programs. These points feature equally in both the courses. Details about Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering are provided below:

– Interdisciplinary Approach: Both fields require an interdisciplinary approach, combining principles from engineering, physics, mathematics, and environmental science.

– Problem-Solving Skills: Both fields require strong problem-solving skills, with an emphasis on analytical thinking, creativity, and innovation.

Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering course lessons

Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering course lessons is about the subjects that would be taught to students of these courses. The details are mentioned below for the sake of the students:

– Marine propulsion systems

– Ship stability and dynamics

– Marine electrical systems

Ocean Engineering:

– Oceanography and marine geology

– Offshore platform design and construction

– Pipeline engineering

– Coastal engineering and management

Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering admission process

Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering admission process is about the procedure to be followed by educational institutions to admit students into these courses.

Information regarding Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering admission process is mentioned below for the sake the students. The admission process involves:

– Entrance Exams: Appear for entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or state-level exams.

– Counseling: Participate in counseling sessions conducted by the respective colleges or universities.

– Seat Allocation: Secure a seat in a reputable college based on your entrance exam scores and counseling sessions.

Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering colleges

This is about the educational institutions offering the courses, these colleges are located across India and are quite popular. Details are mentioned below for the sake of the students:

Marine Engineering

South India

– Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi

– Indian Maritime University, Chennai

– HIMT College, Chennai

– CMC, Coimbatore

East India

– C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar

– MAKAUT, Kolkata

– Lovely Professional University

– Chandigarh University

West India

– Marine Engineering and Research Institute, Mumbai

– Ganpat University, Mehsana

Ocean Engineering

South India

– Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM)

– Academy of Maritime Education and Training University (AMET)

– Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)

East India

– Indian Maritime University (IMU), Kolkata

– The Neotia University

West India

– Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB)

– Ganpat University

Other Notable Colleges

– National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK)

– Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering

Fees

This is the amount to be paid while studying the course, while marine engineering may cost Rs 40,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per year, the same for ocean engineering likely stands at Rs 55,000 to Rs 2,00,000 per year.

Points to remember

Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering are two great courses, details provided above are general in nature and are meant to provide basic guidance to students when it comes to choosing the courses.

The information has been provided after approaching various sources in both online and offline platforms, there may be changes due to various reasons with regards to fees, course names, course continuity, colleges offering the courses and so on.

Students willing to know more information with regards to Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering may also refer various sources to get details.

Also Read – BSc Computer Science vs BCA: Know All About The 2 Great Courses