Ed. by V. V. Demidchik. «Faculty Of

UDK 57:378.4(476-25)096

Authors: V. V. Lysak, V. V. Demidchik, N. S. Pavlova, T. I. Ditchenko, I. M. Popinachenko

Edited by V. V. Demidchik, C.Sc., D.Sc.

Recommended by the Academic Council of the Faculty of Biology September 7, 2011, protocol № 1

Faculty of Biology of Belarusian State University / V. V. Lysak [et al.] ; ed. by V. V. Demidchik. – Minsk : BSU, 2012. – 64 p. : figs. ISBN 978-985-518-756-2. This guide to international postgraduate students and visitors provides historical perspective on the development of Biological Faculty and describes the major research and pedagogical activities of this leading Belarusian higher education establishment.

UDK 57:378.4(476-25)096

ISBN 978-985-518-756-2 © BSU, 2012 INTRODUCTION

he Faculty of Biology of the Belarusian State University has been founded in 1931. It is a major biology research T and teaching establishment in the country, which includes nine Departments and nine Research Laboratories. More than eleven thousands biologists have been graduated from the Faculty since 1931. About eighty graduates have received the ‘Doctor of Sciences’ degree (highest scientifi c degree, equivalent to Habilita- tion or old style UK D.Sc.); seven hundreds graduates obtained the ‘Candidate of Sciences’ degree (equivalent to Ph.D.). A number of world-class researchers and outstanding managers of high education started their career in the Faculty. For example, Professor Leonid M. Sushchenya was graduated from the Faculty in 1953. He is widely accepted as one of the creators of modern Freshwater Biology. Leonid M. Sushchenya was an Aca- demician of both Soviet and Belarusian Academies of Sciences. In 1990s, he was a President of National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB). Another ecologist, Professor Alexander P. Ostapenya, was a Head of Hydrobiology Laboratory (largest in Europe). Professor Ekaterina I. Slobozhanina (graduated in 1967) is currently a Deputy Director of the Institute of Biophysics and Cell Engineering of the NASB. Another alumni, Professor Oleg G. Davydenko (graduated in 1973), works as a Head of Labora- tory in the Institute of Genetics and Cytology of NASB. Vitaliy P. Semenchenko (graduated in 1973) is a Deputy Director Gene- ral of NASB Scientifi c and Practical Center of Bio-resources. Professor Sergey A. Usanov (graduated in 1973) is a Head of the Institute of Bio-organic Chemistry of the NASB. These successful academics are well-known in Belarus and abroad. Since early 1990s, graduates of BSU Biological Faculty have been settling all around the world; a number of them currently work as Professors, Lecturers or Senior Research Associates in the world’s leading research universities, such as Cambridge, Heidelberg, Harvard or Oxford. Some graduates have become top managers in bio- industry (Glaxosmithkline, Pfi zer, etc.). The highest standard in biology teaching is maintained due to the strong linkage between educational process and the scientifi c research in the Faculty. Internationally recognised centers for study of hydrobiology, biochemistry, plant ion transport, microbial molecular genetics, entomology and others have been established in the Faculty since 1931. The Faculty collaborates with NASB Department of Biological Sciences forming Joint University Cen- tre between BSU and NASB. As a result a number of research students have good quality publications and win Student Biology 3 Olympiads, prizes and young scientist research grants both in Belarus and abroad. The international collaboration is another strong feature of the Faculty. The Faculty routinely organises several key international conferences, such as «Lake Ecosystems: Biological Processes, Anthropogenic Transformation, Quality of Water», «Xenobio- tics and Living Systems», etc., usually involving several hundred participants. The Faculty publishes peer-reviewed «Physiological, biochemical and molecular fundamentals of biological systems». Apart of the NASB Department of Biological Sciences, the Faculty has established collaborative links with research institu- tions of NASB Department of Medical Sciences and NASB De- partment of Agricultural Sciences. The Faculty owes one of the Europe’s most advanced Zoology Museum, which has recently been renovated to the highest international standard. It is also a home of old Fundamental Herbarium, University Botanical Gar- dens and Biological Theatre. The Faculty also owes a research base on Naroch Lake (large lake in the Northern Belarus), which is called «Vinberg’s Naroch Biological Station» and used both for teaching and research purposes. The Faculty is committed to providing students with modern and well-equipped lecture halls and research facilities to ensure a fi rst-class environment in which to study and do research. It offers excellent computer rooms, free wi-fi internet access in the Faculty buildings. The Faculty also organises students’ research conferences and paper contests, Annual Belarusian Biology Olympiad for High Education Students. Several departments in the Faculty possess a special infrastructure, which is called Student Research Laboratories. These Laboratories are aimed to provide research guidance, space and equipment for student independent research work. When preparing for exams, students are provided with all necessary handbooks (library is available on campus), free exam training using Moodle based environment and other up-to-date resources.

DEPARTMENTS OF SPECIALISATION

• Biochemistry • Botany • Genetics • General Ecology and Biology Teaching • Human and Animal Physiology • Microbiology • Molecular Biology • Plant Physiology and Biochemistry • Zoology

Note that Faculty Courses (currently about 50) are compulsory for all students while ten Departmental Courses are only taught for students specialising in individual Department.

CAREER PATH AFTER GRADUATION

• Postgraduate studies in BSU or other universities • National and international centres for fundamental and applied research (researchers) • High education establishments, colleges and schools (lecturers, teachers) • Analytical laboratories of epidemiology, food quality control, sanitary, criminology, certiﬁ cation and customer services (heads of laboratories, engineers, doctors-technicians, etc.) • Food, biofuel, pharmaceutical, chemical, medical, veterinary, sanitary and forest industries (heads of research, technolo- gists, engineers, etc.) • Biotechnological companies (heads of research, technolo- gists, engineers, etc.) • Plant nurseries, plant micropropagation and selection centres (agronomists, operators, etc.) • Governmental and private centres for ecological monitoring, environmental pollution, mineral and natural resource management, sustainable development companies (heads of laboratories, experts, engineers, etc.) • National parks, botanical and zoological gardens (researchers, engineers, etc.)

7 RESEARCH

RESEARCH LABORATORIES

• Hydroecology • Biotechnology • Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology • Physiology • Plant Cell Physiology and Biotechnology • Biochemistry of Metabolism • Applied Biochemistry • Biochemistry and Pharmacology of Bioactive Substances • Transgenic Plants

STUDENT RESEARCH LABORATORIES

• Molecular Biotechnology • Applied Plant Cell Biology and Biotechnology • Structure and Dynamics of Biodiversity

MAIN FIELDS OF RESEARCH

• Diversity and ecology of higher plants, fungi, lichens and the ways of maintaining the biodiversity of fl ora. Characterisation of new plant species • Genetic basis, mechanisms of biosynthesis and secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, factors of pathogenicity and virulence of phytopathogenic bacteria • Biological variety of Belarusian fauna, studies of individual animal species at the biocenosis level • Molecular and cellular mechanisms of plant ion transport, mineral exchange, radionuclide uptake from the soil, signaling and early events in stress response leading to plant stress resistance or programmed cell death • The physiology and biotechnology of plant cell, tissue and organ cultures • Neuronal and biochemical mechanisms of homeostasis and its maintenance under different physical and chemical conditions • Matter turnover and energy fl ow in water ecosystems, lake, river and reservoir productivity, self-purifi cation; formation of water quality • Molecular mechanisms of xenobiotics action on environment • Pharmacological compounds, compositions and extracts of plant and animal origin, exhibiting anticancer, radioprotective, photoprotective and antimutagenic activities • Molecular genetic mechanisms of microbial synthesis of 8 compounds for applications in biotechnology CURRENT PROJECTS AND RESEARCH FUNDING

Currently, there are approximately 100 funded research projects in the Fuculty. During last ﬁ ve years (since 2008), Faculty research grant income was over 25 billion Belarusian roubles (appr. 5 000 000 US dollars) of research grants and 12.5 billion Belarusian roubles (appr. 2 500 000 US dollars) of equipment awards. The Faculty takes part in the following State Programmes of Fundamental and Applied Research: (1) «Fundamental Basis of Biotechnology» (Subpro- grammes: «Molecule and Cell», «Genomics», «Novel Biotechnolo- gies»); (2) «Fundamental and Applied Medicine and Pharmacology» (Subprogrammes: «Pharmacological Technologies», «Fundamental and Applied Medicine», «Chemical Pharmacological Synthesis»); (3) «Convergence» (Subprogrammes: «Modern Natural Sciences and Future Technologies»); (4) «Energy Efﬁ ciency»; (5) «Nuclear Power, Nuclear and Radiation Technologies»; (6) «Chemical Tech- nologies and Materials» (Subprogrammes: «Novel bio-pesticides»); (7) «Electronics and Photonics»; (8) «Innovative Technologies in Agriculture»; (9) «Natural and Resource Potential» (Subpro- grammes: «Radiation, Ecology and Technosphere», «Biodiversity, Bio-Resourses and Ecological Technologies).

STRATEGIC THEMES OF FACULTY APPLIED RESEARCH

• Substances and compounds for industry; technologies for microbial and plant biosynthesis • Biotechnology (medical drugs, genetically engineered products, gamete selection, food additives, systems for biological plant defence) • Xenobiology and biosafety; bio-testing • Genome tests • Control of quality and biocompatibility of commercial medical drugs and novel pharmaceuticals; novel techniques for commercial biochemical analyses • Technologies for biosynthesis and puriﬁ cation of recombinant proteins; development of novel high efﬁ ciency pharmaceuticals and food additives • Industrial plant cloning and micropropagation; novel technologies for plant nurseries and greenhouses 9 FACULTY STRUCTURE

DEAN’S OFFICE

Address: 4, Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030, Minsk, Republic of Belarus Telephone: +375-17-209 + 5808, 5902, 5805 or 5900 Fax: +375-17-2095808 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: http://bio.bsu.by/decanat Location: Second ﬂ oor, 10, Kurchatov Street, Minsk Dean: Vladimir V. Lysak, Docent, C.Sc. Deputy Dean for Research (Head of Research): Anatoliy I. Sokolik, Docent, C.Sc. First Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs: Leonid D. Burko, Docent, C.Sc. Second Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs: Tatiana I. Ditchenko, Docent, C.Sc. Deputy Dean for Social Affairs: Vasiliy V. Grichik, Docent, D.Sc., C.Sc. Administration Ofﬁ cers: Elena N. Doroshenkova, Elena V. Pokryshkina, Irina M. Popi- nachenko, Ludmila I. Sokolovskaya, Tatiana A. Zubchenok Senior Inspector: Galina V. Nemchikova

10 DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY

Address: 4, Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030, Minsk, Republic of Belarus Telephone: +375-17-2095807 Fax: +375-17-2095808 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: www.bio.bsu.by/zoology Location: Second ﬂ oor, 10, Kurchatov Street, Minsk

STAFF

Head of Department: Professor Sergey V. Buga (C.Sc., D.Sc.) Docents (all C.Sc.): Leonid D. Burko, Julietta Y. Meleshko, Oksana Y. Kruglova, Oleg I. Borodin, Oksana L. Nesterova, Victor I. Khvir Senior Teaching Ofﬁ cers: Vitaliy V. Sakhvon (C.Sc.), Dmitriy L. Petrov, Alexander V. Balash Assistants: Nina V. Voronova (C.Sc.), Anna A. Sidorovich (C.Sc.), Fedor V. Sautkin, Andrey N. Faibich Technicians: Zoya L. Ludwig, Natalia N. Symanovich, Ivan A. Orlov, Olga A. Borodina, Natalia V. Shybko Visiting staff: Professor Vadim Y. Sidorovich (C.Sc., D.Sc.), Elena I. Anisimova (C.Sc., D.Sc.), Victor K. Rizevsky (C.Sc.)

11 The Department of Zoology was founded in 1921 by Pro- fessor Alexander V. Fedushin. In 1946–1967, Professor Geor- giy G. Vinberg was a Head of Department of Zoology. He has established one of the world’s leading centre for hydroecology research (Freshwater Ecology) in BSU. In 1969–1998, the Head of Zoology was Professor Igor K. Lopatin, who has gained an international reputation through his research onto entomology, animal taxonomy, zoogeography and ecology. He has published a number of textbooks on Zoology and Zoogeography which has been translated into English and other languages and ad- opted in many countries all around the world. He won National Award of the BSSR, the major scientiﬁ c prize in Soviet Belarus. Another entomologist, Professor Sergey V. Buha has become a Head of Department in 2004. He has maintained very high level of research focusing on Aphids (Hemiptera, Aphidoidea). Over last ten years, Zoology Department actively collaborated with US Department of Agriculture (Washington, USA), Zoo- logical Institute (Moscow, Russia), Vilnius University (Vilnius, Lithuania) and other institutes that resulted in a number of good quality publications in international peer-reviewed journals and prestigious book series.

FACULTY COURSES

• Invertebrate Zoology • Vertebrate Zoology • Foundations of Zoology • Functional Zoology • Information Technology in Biological Research

DEPARTMENTAL COURSES

• Methods of Zoological Research • Entomology • Theriology (Mammalogy) • Animal Population Ecology • Animal Environmental Physiology • Animals of Belarus • Ethology 12 • Zoological Systematics • Zoogeography • Ichthyology • Animal Ecology

RESEARCH THEMES

• Bio-diversity of animals at the level of species, population and biocenosis • Insect morphology and taxonomy • Applied zoology, entomology and parasitology • Animal ecology

Key results Since 1974 about 500 new taxa of Chrysomelidae and Curcu- lionidae beetles have been found and characterised. Check-lists of Coleoptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Aphidoidea and gall-forming arthropods of Belarusian fauna have been compiled and published. The analysis of «faunistic diversity» and reconstruction of the main stages of «faunogenesis» in Belarus and Eastern Europe have been carried out. The efﬁ ciency of different groups of insects as pollen transfers (pollinators), which contribute to seed renewal of weed plants, and foraging behavior pollinators have been identiﬁ ed.

SELECTED PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS

1. Lopatin IK (2010) Cryptocephalus. Catalogue of Paleartic Coleoptera 6: 580–617 2. Sakhvon VV (2010) Composition and diversity of passerine bird assemblages in the ﬂ oodplain deciduous forests during the breeding season (Belarus). Branta 12: 27–39 3. Buga S, Stekoshchikov A (2009) Aphids as pests of fruit- and berry-producing plants in Belorussia. Redia 92: 239–242 4. Lopatin IK (2008) Order Coleoptera. Fam. Chrysomelidae. Arthropod Fauna of United Arab Emirates 1: 312–324 5. Meleshko JE, Korotyaev BA (2005) Two new species of the weevil genus Polydrusus Germar (Coleoptera, Curculioni- dae) from Iran. Contributions to Systematics and Biology of Beetles. Papers Celebrating the 80th Birthday of Igor K. Lopatin: 289–297 13 6. Lopatin IK (2005) The Chrysomelidae of Israel and adjacent areas (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). Contributions to Systematics and Biology of Beetles. Papers Celebrating the 80th Birthday of Igor K. Lopatin: 80–110 7. Borodin OI (2004) A checklist of the Auchenorrhyncha of Belarus (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha et Cicadomorpha). Betrage zur Zikadekunde 7: 29–47 8. Lopatin IK, Nesterova OL (2004) Biology and Ecology of the mountainous genera Oreomela Jac., Xenomela Wse. and Crosita Motsch. (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Chrysomelinae). New Developmens in the Biology of Chrysomelidae: 415–421 9. Lopatin IK (2004) Three new species of the genus Smarag- dina from China (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). Zoosystematica Rossica 13: 29–31 10. (2003) Catalogue of the beetles (Coleoptera) in Israel and adjacent areas: 3. Chrysomelidae (except Alticinae). Zoology on the Middle East 28: 87–112

BOOKS AND CHAPTERS

1. Borodin OI (2011) Auchenorrhyncha (Homoptera) of West- ern Belarus. Berlin: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing 2. Khvir VI (2010) The communities of anthophilous insects of the weed and ruderal plants. The integrated appraisal of the effectiveness of a pollination. Saarbrucken: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing 3. Lopatin IK, Nesterova OL (2005) Insecta of Belarus: Leaf- Beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). Minsk: Technoprint 4. Lopatin IK, Aleksandrovich OR, Konstantinov AS (2004) Check list of leaf-beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) of the Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Olsztyn: Mantis 5. Shalapenok ES, Buga SV (2002) Zoology of Invertebrates: laboratory practice. Minsk: Novoe Znanie

14 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AND ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY

Address: 4, Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030, Minsk, Republic of Belarus Telephone: +375-17-209 + 5872, 5806, 5863 Fax: +375-17-2095808 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Web page: http://bio.bsu.by/physioha Location: Second ﬂ oor, 10, Kurchatov Street, Minsk

STAFF

Head of Department: Professor Anatoliy G. Chumak (C.Sc., D.Sc.) Docents (all C. Sc.): Galina T. Maslova, Dmitriy B. Sandakov, Alexander V. Sidorov, Svetlana A. Rutkevich Senior Teaching Ofﬁ cers: Ludmila N. Semeyko, Galina S. Polyukhovich, Elena K. Karman Head of Laboratory: Vladimir A. Kostyuk (C.Sc., D.Sc.) Research Associates: Alla I. Potapovich, Tatiana O. Sukhan, Victor B. Kazakevich, Tatiana V. Kostyuk Technicians: Marina V. Peshko, Elena K. Korenchuk, Galina I. Shkorodenok

15 The Department of Human and Animal Physiology was founded in 1922 and headed by Professors Lev P. Rozanov (1922–1935), Ivan A. Vetokhin (1936–1950), Georgiy S. Yuniev (1950–1954, 1957–1971), Alexander M. Stashkov (1971–1973), Vladimir N. Kalyunov (1975–1977), Yevgeniy F. Lunets (1977– 1985), Docent Vladimir T. Shalatonin (1973–1975, 1985–1991), Academician of NASB Valeriy N. Gurin (1991–2003). Since 2003, Professor Anatoliy G. Chumak works as a head of Depart- ment.

FACULTY COURSES

• Human and Animal Physiology • Human Anatomy • Human Developmental Biology • Blood Biochemistry and Systems Reactions of Organism • Foundations of Biology and Physiology

DEPARTMENTAL COURSES

• Electrophysiology • Physiological Experimental Techniques • Physiology of Intercellular Communication • Physiology of Autonomic Nervous System • Physiological and Physicochemical Basis of Homeostasis • Comparative Physiology • Physiology of Brainstem • Foundation of Psychophysiology • Foundation of Cell Physiology • Cardiovascular Physiology • Foundation of Radical Biology

RESEARCH THEMES

• Computer and Systems Electrophysiology • Neurobiology • Physiology of Autonomic Nervous System • Thermoregulation 16 • Free Radical Biology Key results Department has contributed to understanding of nitrogen mo- noxide (NO) role in preventing ventricular rhythm disturbances, which are induced by myocardial ischemia. BSU physiologists have also characterized an antioxidant action of superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione in mollusk neurons. They have also established the mechanisms of infl uence of NO on tempera- ture sensitivity of skin receptors and sinocarotid region and the importance of NO for segmental synoptic process by realisation of protective sympathetic refl exes. Signifi cant part of scientifi c work was on determination of antioxidant and protective action of natural phenols under oxidative stress. It was shown that fl avonol complexes and transition metal ions can act as low molecular weight analogs of enzymatic antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase. The Department also developed standardised laboratory protocols (registered in of- fi cial State Register of Technical Protocols and Conditions) for quantitative determination of superoxide dismutase activity (in collaboration with Analysis X Ltd.). These certifi ed protocols are now widely used in medical test practice in Belarus and abroad. For some time, Department produced chemical kits for these tests for Belarusian market. Department is also proud of the recent development of unique computer simulation systems for teaching medical electrophysiology, such as medical amplifi er work, registration and analysis of electrocardiograms, electroencephalograms, electromiograms, neurograms etc.

SELECTED PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS

1. Sidorov AV (2012) Effect of hydrogen peroxide on electri- cal coupling between identifi ed Lymnaea neurons. Invertebrate Neuroscience 12: 63–68 2. Shalatonina OI, Semeiko LN (2011) Methodological pecu- liarities of research of refl ex and motor responses in quadriceps muscle of thigh and their diagnostic application. ARS Medica (Traumatology and Orthopaedics) 17: 371–374 3. Kostyuk VA, Potapovich AI, Suhan TO, De Luca C, Korkina LG (2011) Antioxidant and signal modulation properties of plant polyphenols in controlling vascular infl ammation. European Jour- nal of Pharmacology 658: 248–256 17 4. Chumak АG, Rutkevich SA, Karavai TV, Luzina KM, Alfer IY (2011) Inhibitory mechanisms in refl ex phenomena of sympathetic nervous system. Fiziologichny Zhurnal 57: 91–95 5. Kostyuk VA, Potapovich AI (2009) Mechanisms of the sup- pression of free radical overproduction by antioxidants. Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition) 1: 179–188 6. Rutkevich SA, Polenov SA, Chumak AG, Kulchitski VA (2009) Features of aorto-abdominal nerve sympathetic efferent fi bers impulsation after NO-sinthase substrat and inhibitor in- trathecal administration. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine 147: 249–254 7. Sidorov AV, Maslova GT (2008) State of antioxidative protection in central nervous ganglia of the mollusc Lymnaea stag- nalis at modulation of activity of the NO-ergic system. Journal of Evolutionary Biochemistry and Physiology 44: 435–441 8. Maslova GT, Kazakevich VB (2008) Reduced glutation level in blood and tissues of rats during hyperglycemia and heat stress. News of Biomedical Sciences 1–2: 79–82 9. Kostyuk VA, Potapovich AI, Strigunova EN, Kostyuk TV, Afanasiev IB (2004) Experimental evidence that fl avonoids metal complexes may act as mimics of superoxide dismutase. Achieves of Biochemistry and Biophysics 428: 204–208 10. Sandakov D, Gerein V (2003) Turpentine-induced fever during stimulation and inhibition of hepatic protein synthesis. Journal of Thermal Biology 28: 39–48

BOOKS AND CHAPTERS

1. Chumak АG, Sandakov DB, Sidorov AV, Rutkevich SA, Maslova GT, Zakharevskaya GI, Solodovnikova II, Azev OA, Ka- zakevich VB, Polukhovich GS, Semeiko LN, Karman EK (2011) Human and animal physiology (electronic resources). Minsk: Be- larusian State University Press 2. Sidorov AV (2011) Nerve centers functional activity in invertebrates. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 3. Maslova GT, Sidorov AV (2008) Brief atlas in developmental biology (on CD). Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 4. Sidorov AV (2008) Physiology of intercellular communication. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 5. Kostyuk VА, Potapovich АI (2004) Bioradicals and bioan- 18 tioxidants. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY

Address: 4, Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030, Minsk, Republic of Belarus Telephone: +375-17-2095854 Fax: +375-17-2095808 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Web page: www.bio.bsu.by/botany Location: Third ﬂ oor, 10, Kurchatov Street, Minsk

STAFF Head of Department: Docent Valentina D. Polyksenova (C.Sc.) Professor: Vasiliy V. Karpuk (C.Sc., D.Sc.) Docents (all C.Sc.): Tamara A. Sautkina, Nikolay A. Lemeza, Vladimir V. Chernik, Alexander K. Khramtsov, Valeriy N. Ti- khomirov, Maxim A. Dzhus, Svetlana G. Sidorova. Assistants: Marina A. Levchenko, Maria N. Fedorovich, Ta- tiana N. Sakharchuk Herbarium Director: Svetlana M. Drobyshevskaya Technicians: Olga B. Stelmakh, Anastasia M. Lisichkina, Ole- sya A. Sheveleva, Arusyak M. Matinyan-Skripchenko, Elena V. Mandik, Natalia A. Beresneva Visiting staff: Professor Victor I. Parfenov (C.Sc., D.Sc.), Do- cent Zoya E. Grushetskaya (C.Sc.), Docent Igor M. Garano- vich (C.Sc.), Docent Alexander P. Yakovlev (C.Sc.)

19 The Department of botany was founded in 1924. The Heads of Department of Botany included Professor Nikolay M. Gay- dukov (1924–1928), Corresponding Member of Ukrainian SSR Aca demy of Sciences, Professor Yakov V. Roll (1928–1934), Professor Sergey P. Melnik (1934–1936), Professor Leonid N. Nikonov (1943–1946); Academician of BSSR Academy of Sci- ences, the USSR State Prize Laureate, Professor Nikolay A. Dorozshkin (1948–1965, 1966–1971); Professor Alexander N. Ipatiev (1965–1966); Professor Adam S. Shukanov (1971–1996). Since 1996, Docent Valentina D. Polyksenova works as a Head of Department.

FACULTY COURSES

• Algology and Mycology • Plant Morphology • Foundations of Botany • Taxonomy of Higher Plants • Geobotany • Horticulture • Pharmacognosy • Theoretical Morphology and Higher Plant Taxonomy Prob- lems • Plant and Animal Resources

DEPARTMENTAL COURSES

• Flora and Vegetation of Belarus • Research Planning and Data Analysis in Botany and My- cology • Algology • Mycology • Plant Ecology • Floriculture with Basic Landscape Design • Plant Geography • Plant Immunology • Medicinal Plants • Phytopathology 20 • Pomiculture and Decorative Horticulture RESEARCH THEMES

• Current state of ﬂ ora and mycobiota assessment (species and population diversity, ﬂ oristic complex of rare and endangered species) and its dynamics • Taxonomic research on plant and fungal «critical» genera • Development of diagnostic techniques for study of improvement of plant resistance to pathogenic fungi

Key results Studies on diversity of angiosperms have been used in the Red Book of Belarus (editions 1981, 1993, 2005). Preparation of successful proposals (Ofﬁ cial Justiﬁ cations) for opening of four National Botanical Reserves – «Nekasetsky», «Pasynky», «Rudakovo», «Selyava» and eleven Regional Botanical Reserves. Theachers of the department are co-publication of «Flora of Be- larus. Vascular Plants», Volume 1, 2009, co-authored a phyto- pathologists 5 varieties of vegetables. Department applied and received the patent (BY, A 01 H 1/04) «Method for assessing the sustainability of tomato to Fusarium wilt».

SELECTED PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS

1. Fedorovich MN, Poliksenova VD (2012) Fungi of genus the Alternaria Nees. in Belarus. Vestnik BSU. Series 2. Chemistry, Biology, Geography 1: 54–57 2. Poliksenova VD (2009) Induced resistance of plants to pathogens and abiotic stress factors (with tomato as an example). Vestnik BSU. Series 2. Chemistry, Biology, Geography 1: 48–60 3. Tikhomirov VN (2009) Morphological variability of Pteridium (Hypolepidaceae) in Belarus. Botanicheskiy Zhurnal 94: 1159–1171 4. Grushetskaya Z, Lemesh V, Poliksenova V, Khotyleva L (2009) Mapping of the Cf-6 Tomato Leaf Mould Resistance Locus Using SSR Markers. Lua Research Papers 82: 7–12 5. Stadnichenko MA, Poliksenova VD (2006) Morphological- cultivate characteristics of gray mold diseases of Solanaceae cultures as a basis for the choice of pathogenic forms. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. Biological series 5: 187–190 6. Poliksenova VD, Chernik VV, Girilovich IS, Dzhus MA, Zubkevich GI, Lemeza NA, Sautkina TA, Sidorova SG, Stad- nichenko MA, Stefanovich AI, Tikhomirov VN, Fedorovich MN, 21 Khramtsov АК, Shukanov АS (2006) Taxonomical diversity of the vascular plants and phytopathogenic fungi of the central part of the Minsk elevation. Vestnik BSU. Series 2. Chemistry, Biology, Geography 3: 25–30 7. Girilovich IS, Khramtsov АК, Gulis VI, Poliksenova VD (2005) Micromycetes of the Belarusian National Park «Belovezhs- kaya pushcha». Powdery mildew fungi. Mycology and Phytopa- thology 39: 24–30 8. Tikhomirov VN (2004) Genus Polygala L. (Polygalaceae) in the ﬂ ora of Belarus. Botanicheskiy Zhurnal 89: 652–662 9. Girilovich IS, Khramtsov АК, Gulis VI, Poliksenova VD (2003) Micromycetes of the Belarussian state park «Belovezhs- kaya pushcha». I. Peronosporales and Uredinales. Mycology and Phytopathology 37: 20–27 10. Dzhus MA, Sautkina TA, Tikhomirov VN, Zubkevich GI, Polyksenova VD (2001) Additions to the ﬂ ora of the National Park «Belovezhskaya pushcha». Botanicheskiy Zhurnal 86: 128–136

BOOKS AND CHAPTERS

1. Karpuk VV (2011) Pharmacognosy. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 2. Tikhomirov VN (et al.) (2010) Biology, 7th Class. Minsk: Narodnaya Asveta 3. Shukanov AS, Stefanovich AI, Poliksenova VD, Khramtsov AK (2009) Algology and Mycology. Minsk: Belarusian State Uni- versity Press 4. Poliksenova VD (2008) Tomato mycosis: causal agents, plant resistance. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 5. Lemeza NA (2008) Phycology and mycology. Workshop. Minsk: Higher School

22 DEPARTMENT OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

Address: 4, Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030, Minsk, Republic of Belarus Telephone: +375-17-209 + 5849, 5850; 5913 Fax: +375-17-2095808 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: http://bio.bsu.by/fbr Location: Third ﬂ oor, 10, Kurchatov Street, Minsk

STAFF

Head of Department: Vadim V. Demidchik (C.Sc., D.Sc., Fel- low of HE Academy, UK) Professor: Vladimir M. Yurin (C.Sc., D.Sc.) Docents (all C.Sc.): Anatoliy P. Kudryashov, Galina G. Fi- liptsova, Tatiana I. Ditchenko, Igor I. Smolich, Olga V. Mol- chan, Oksana G. Yakovets Assistants: Svetlana N. Romashko, Anna O. Logvina Head of Laboratory: Docent Anatoliy I. Sokolik (C.Sc.) Research Associates: Viktor I. Levchenko (C.Sc.), Ma- ria P. Shapchits, Elena N. Krytynskaya, Natalia V. Kabanova, Olga S. Kazanbaeva Technicians: Elena S. Kurilo, Natalia V. Pritulik, Elena S. Pro- kofyeva, Nina B. Pavlutina, Irina A. Tsurbanova Visiting staff: Academician NASB, Professor Vladimir N. Reshetnikov (C.Sc., D.Sc.), Docent Elena V. Spiridovich (C.Sc.)

23 The Department was established in 1928. The Heads of the De- partments since 1928 were as follows: Professor Tihon N. Godnev (1928–1960), Docent Sergey V. Kalishevich (1960–1971) and Docent Ludmila V. Kahnovich (1971–1991), Professor Vladi- mir M. Yurin (1991–2011). In 2011, Vadim V. Demidchik (D.Sc.) has become a new Head of Department.

FACULTY COURSES

• Plant Physiology • Xenobiology • Biomediators in Plants • Immobilised Cells and Enzymes • Biosensors • Protection of Population and National Economy Objects in Emergency Situations • Information Technology in Biological Research • Occupational Safety

DEPARTMENTAL COURSES

• Gene and Protein Technologies in Plant Physiology and Biotechnology • Plant Growth and Development • Xenophytophysiology • Molecular Mechanisms and Markers of Plant Productivity • Plant Stress Physiology • Photosynthesis • Plant Biochemistry • Plant Mineral Nutrition • Information Structures of Plant Cells • Systems Biophysics of Plant Cells • Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture • Genetic and Cellular Basis of Crop Improvement

RESEARCH THEMES

• The study of molecular basis and physiological properties of plant ion transport systems (ion channels, transporters and 24 ATPases) and their regulation by internal and external factors Study of the role of ion transporters in the regulation of plant productivity and crop yield • Mechanisms of plant cell response to pathogens and environmental cues (salinity, heavy metals, oxidative stress, xenobiotics etc.). Identifi cation of primary stress perception mechanisms at the level of plasma membrane (receptors and Ca2+-permeable channels) • Generation of medicinal plant cell cultures (suspensions, callus, sterile plants etc.), characterisation of plant compounds that can be used in biotechnology. Development of techniques for immobilisation of cultured plant cells to trigger increased biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Generation of Arabidopsis thaliana knockout cell cultures to study stress-induced programmed cell death • Mechanisms of generation and physiological roles of reactive oxygen species in plants. Identifi cation of their fundamental role in stress responses, signaling, adaptation, growth, development, gravitropic response etc • The role of cytosolic Ca2+ and K+ in regulation of plant cell physiology. Mechanisms of plant Ca2+ signaling, Ca2+- and K+-regulated programmed cell death and its induction under stress • Properties and physiological roles of plant plasma membrane ionotropic receptors, such as glutamate receptors, cyclic nucleotide gated channels and purinoceptors. Bioinformatics analyses of algal ionotropic receptors and ion channel genes • Modelling of plant ion transport process at the cellular level. An application of systems biology approach to study the hetero- geneity of membrane electric fi eld and its effect on ion channel mediated fl uxes. Modelling of nitrogen uptake and distribution in plant cells • Assessment of toxic effects of nanomaterilals on higher plants at the biocenosis, organismal, cellular and molecular levels. Preparation of recommendations on maximal level of nanoparticle soil pollution and development of biotest systems for the analysis of nanomaterials’ • Development of techniques for micropropogation of decorative coniferous plants

Key results The Department is proud that it was a place of the fi rst Be- larusian research laboratory (among all disciplines) which has been established here during 1920s. This was «the Laboratory of 25 Photosynthesis» (organised by Tihon Godnev). The Department grew up rapidly with the remarkable international successes in all the aspects of Photosynthesis. This culminated in the creation of the leading photosynthesis research school in the former USSR. In 1960s, practically all major international photosynthesis congres- ses have been held in the Department. Critical steps of chlorophyll biosynthesis, which were proposed by the Head of the Department Professor Tihon N. Godnev, have been added to Plant Physiology textbooks all around the world. Current research themes in the Department are related to the group of scientists studying plant ion transport, which has moved into Department from NASB. The leader of this group, Professor Vladimir M. Yurin has become a Head of the Department in 1991. This group, for the fi rst time in the world, characterised plant ion channels, H+-ATPase, ammonium and nitrate transporters using giant cells of Charophyte algae and voltage-clamp technique. These scientists also developed and successfully standardized, for industrial applications, the system allowing rapid biological tests using single alga cells to analyse water pollution. As a result, seven patents and a number of local and international prizes have been received. Nowadays, department has very strong electrophysiological laboratories with ten fully equipped computerised voltage-clamp electrophysiological set-ups, including patch-clamp and two-elec- trode voltage-clamp systems from Molecular Devices, Dagan and Heka. To address complex questions of modern plant physiology, electrophysiology is accompanied by fl uorescent imaging, elec- tron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, aequorin luminometry, HPLCs, confocal microscopy, rtPCR and a number of molecular and genetic techniques. Department also has up-todate facilities for an oxidative stress research, as well as analyses of plant responses to other stresses. Recent development is related to the establishment of plant cell culture suites for various applications in applied plant biotechnology, cellular and molecular biology research. Department also has sophisticated and very well equipped radioisotopic research laboratories with modern α-, β-, γ-counters, Class A protection systems, etc. Researchers currently working in the Department have determined and characterised plant cation channels activated by free 26 radicals and ROS (Demidchik et al. 1997 Plant Physiol, 2001 Planta, 2007 Plant J, 2010 J Cell Sci). They have also been directly involved in the discovery of new mechanism of plant cell growth (Demidchik et al. 2003 J Cell Sci, Foreman, Demidchik et al. 2003 Nature), glutamate and purine activated channels (Demidchik et al. 2004 Planta, 2009 Plant J, 2009 Plant Physiol). They have investigated and classifi ed constitutive plant nonselective cation channels (Demidchik and Tester, 2002 Plant Physiol, Demidchik et al. 2002 Plant J, Demidchik et al. 2002 Annu Rev Plant Biol). In 2005–2012, fi ve chapters and one book (Ion Channels and Plant Stress Responses, co-authorship with Frans J. Maathuis, York) have been published by members of the Department in prestigious book series by Springer-Verlag and CABI International.

SELECTED PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS

1. Molchan O, Romashko S, Yurin V (2012) L-tryptophan decarboxylase activity and tryptamine accumulation in callus cultures of Vinca minor L. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 108: 535–539 2. Demidchik V, Shang Z, Shin R, Shabala S, Davies JM (2011) Receptor-like activity evoked by extracellular ADP in Arabidopsis thaliana root epidermal plasma membrane. Plant Physiology 156: 1375–1385 3. Demidchik V, Cuin TA, Svistunenko D, Smith SJ, Miller AJ, Shabala S, Sokolik A, Yurin V (2010) Arabidopsis root K+ effl ux conductance activated by hydroxyl radicals: single-channel properties, genetic basis and involvement in stress-induced cell death. Journal of Cell Science 123: 1468–1479 4. Yurin VМ, Ditchenko ТI (2009) Mechanisms of the modi- fi cation of ion-transport properties of plant cell plasma membrane by fungicide propiconazole. Agrochemistry 9: 43–53 5. Demidchik V, Shang Z, Shin R, Thompson E, Rubio L, Chiv- asa S, Slabas AR, Glover BJ, Schachtman DP, Shabala SN, Davies JM (2009) Plant extracellular ATP signaling by plasma membrane NADPH oxidase and Ca2+ channels. Plant Journal 58: 903–913 6. Laohavisit A, Mortimer JC, Demidchik V, Coxon KM, Stan- combe MA, Macpherson N, Brownlee C, Hofmann A, Webb AAR, Miedema H, Battey NH, Davies JM (2009) Zea mays annexins modulate cytosolic free Ca2+, form a Ca2+-permeable conductance and have peroxidase activity. Plant Cell 21: 479–493 27 7. Demidchik V, Shabala S, Davies J (2007) Spatial variation 2+ in H2O2 response of Arabidopsis thaliana root epidermal Ca fl u x and plasma membrane Ca2+ channels. Plant Journal 49: 377–386 8. Demidchik V & Maathuis FJM (2007) Physiological roles of nonselective cation channels in plants: from salt stress to sig- nalling and development. Tansley review. New Phytologist 175: 387–405 9. Foreman J, Demidchik V, Bothwell JHF, Mylona P, Miedema H, Torres MA, Linstead P, Costa S, Brownlee C, Jones JDG, Davies JM, Dolan L (2003) Reactive oxygen species produced by NADPH oxidase regulate plant cell growth. Nature 422: 442–446 10. Demidchik V, Davenport RJ, Tester MA (2002) Nonselec- tive cation channels in plants. Annual Reviews of Plant Biology 53: 67–107

BOOKS AND CHAPTERS

1. Demidchik V (2012) Characterisation of root plasma membrane Ca2+-permeable cation channels: techniques and basic con- cepts In AG Volkov, Plant Electrophysiology, Springer-Verlag. Berlin, Heidelberg. P. 339–369 2. Demidchik V (2012) Reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in plants. In S. Shabala, Plant Stress Physiology, CAB International, Wallingford. P. 24–58 3. Yurin VM (2010) Plant Physiology. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 4. Demidchik V, Maathuis FJM (2010) Ion channels and plant stress responses. Springer-Verlag. Berlin, Heidelberg, New York 5. Demidchik V, Sokolik A, Yurin V (2006) Electrophy- siological characterisation of plant cation channels. In A.G. Volkov «Plant Electrophysiology: Theory and Methods». Springer-Verlag. Berlin, Heidelberg, New York. P. 173–185

28 DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS

Address: 4, Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030, Minsk, Republic of Belarus Telephone: +375-17-209 + 5860, 5855 Fax: +375-17-2095808 E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] Web page: http://bio.bsu.by/genetics Location: Fourth ﬂ oor, 10, Kurchatov Street, Minsk

STAFF Head of Department: Professor Natalia P. Maximova (C.Sc., D.Sc.) Docents (all C.Sc.): Vera S. Anokhina, Sergey V. Gloushen, Elena A. Khramtsova, Vasiliy V. Grinev, Aleksey V. Lahodzich Senior Teaching Ofﬁ cers: Yuriy I. Kazhura (C.Sc.), Ekaterina G. Veremeenko (C.Sc.), Marina P. Kunitskaya Head of Laboratory: Irina N. Feklistova (C.Sc.) Research Associates: Larisa N. Kaminskaya (C.Sc., D.Sc.), Irina B. Sauk, Ludmila Y. Sadovskaya, Yulia М. Kuleshova (C.Sc.), Ta- tiana V. Romanovskaya (C.Sc), Sergey S. Zhardetsky, Inna V. Mo- jarova, Irina А. Grineva, Diana V. Maslak, Tatiana L. Skakun, Irina Y. Romanchuk, Valentina V. Duksina, Sergey M. Dronov, Yulia I. Erashenkova, Veronika A. Smirnova, Tatiana A. Karpuk Technicians: Lia S. Kuchko, Elena V. Kotova, Valeria Y. La- gonenko, Oksana V. Lahodzich, Тamara А. Shumkevich, Yulia V. Grincevich

29 The Department of Genetics was founded in 1947 by Academi- cian of NASB Аnton R. Jebrak. The list of Heads of the Depart- ment included the following famous names: Academician Мarkel Е. Маkushok (1950–1952), Docent Ivan А. Orlovsky (1952–1953), Academician Nikolay V. Turbin (1953–1969), Professor Аvgust V. Konstantinov (1970–1979), Docent Vera S. Anokhina (1979– 1988), Professor Yuriy К. Fomichev (1988–1993), Professor, Corre- sponding member of NASB Оleg G. Davydenko (1993–1994). Since 1995, the Head of Department is Professor Natalia P. Maximova.

FACULTY COURSES • Genetics • Cytology and Histology • Evolutionary Theory • Molecular Biology of the Gene • Selection of Biological Producing Systems • History of Biology

DEPARTMENT COURSES

• Cell Pathology • Molecular Genetics • Genetics and Selection of Plants • Bioengineering of Plants and Biosafety • Extrachromosomal Hereditary Structures of Microorganisms • Genetic Analysis • Genome Instability • Human Genetics • Fundamentals of Gene Therapy • Regulation of Metabolism in Pro- and Eukaryotes • Gene Therapy • Modern Aspects of Genetic Analysis • Molecular Genetics • Applied Aspects of Genetics

RESEARCH THEMES

• Molecular mechanisms of aromatic compound synthesis by microorganisms. Increase of their productivity using genetic approaches. Development of microbial producers in various bio- 30 technological applications • Genetics of leguminous crops, gametic selection for stress resistance, genetics of alkaloid biosynthesis, genetic analyses of the collection of Lupinus and determination of molecular aspects of Lupinus evolution • Mechanisms of programmed cell death and oxidative stress in higher plants • Natural and artifi cial microRNAs as triggers of RNA-interference. Identifi cation of new microRNAs using bioinformatics and experimental approaches. Use of hybrid genes as targets for artifi cial microRNAs. Development of systems for inducible and constitutive expression of artifi cial microRNA genes and lentiviral systems for the delivery of artifi cial microRNA genes to human cells • Tumor cells cytometry and the study of distinctive features of DNA reparation during leucosis

Key results Researchers of the Department have established the mechanism of amino acid, pigment, antibiotics and auxin biosynthesis in natural strains of Pseudomonas and methanol-utilising bacteria. They have identifi ed, for the fi rst time, the biosynthetic precursor of the fl uorescent pigment pioverdin and described antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of this substance. Using molecular approaches, strains for industrial production of fenazin antibiotics, pioverdin and aromatic amino acids have been created. The molecular nature of protective action, such as repair of double breaks, of anticancer drug cisplatin has been investigated. The role of fusion locus RUNX1/RUNX1T1 in initiation and maintenance of human t(8;21)(q22;q22)-positive acute myeloid leukemia is a primary research interest of the Sector of Human Molecular Genetics (research unit within the Department). This work is focused on structural and functional analysis of fusion gene RUNX1/RUNX1T1 RNA transcripts diversity, development of lentiviral transfer vector-based library for anti-RUNX1/RUNX1T1 short hairpin RNAs and reconstruction of gene network associated with translocation t(8;21)(q22;q22) in human acute myeloid leukemia cells. Additionally, the Sector conducts comparative study of molecular networks in human t(8;21)(q22;q22)-positive acute myeloid leukemia cells and normal hematopoietic cells. This work involves information theory and graph analysis. Another successful research which has been carried out in the Department is the isolation of the extrachromosomal genetic elements from natural strains of Pseudomonas and Bacillus and characterisation of their unique replication systems. Additi onally, the genetic determinants of plasmid inheritance in different bac- 31 teria have been identifi ed. Departmental researchers have also characterised biodegradation plasmids and antibiotic resistance in a wide range of host bacteria. Using new cryptic plasmid of Ba- cillus (pBS72 family) vector systems for molecular cloning and transposon mutagenesis in gram-positive cells and gram-negative bacteria have been developed. These techniques allowed creating strains for bio-degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Departmental researchers have developed a new test system for assessment of RNA interference in human cells. Novel algorithms allowing identifi cation of intron miRNA have been designed. They have also disclosed genetic mechanisms of regulation of alkaloids biosynthesis in fodder varieties of lupine, created the tag collection of lupine, investigated the lupine genotype polymorphism and characterised lupine alkaloid complex and endosperm proteins. Novel techniques for the selection of pathogen-resistant tomato and lupine varieties have been developed. Plant programmed cell death in response to herbicides have been studied in details and the role of cytoskeleton damage in this process has been demonstrated. The Department has designed and commercialised a number of drugs for plant protection and growth stimulation. BAKTOGEN, which is based on bacteria Bacillus subtilis KMBU-30 043, is envi- ronmentally safe plant protecting product increasing resistance to bacterial and fungal infections. It is produced by «Bobruisk Hydrolysis Factory» (certifi cate № 08–33–0.134650) and «Novopolotsk Factory of Protein and Vitamin Concentrates» (certifi cate № 08–330.240804). BAKTOFIL is based on the rhizosphere bacteria Pseudomonas puti- da, and it is active against bacterial, fungal infections, and nematodes. It also has exhibits stimulatory action on plant growth. This product is not toxic to plants and animals. AURIN – biopesticide based on the genetically engineered strain of Pseudomonas aurantiaca. It exhibits powerful stimulation of plant growth with activity exceeding other biopesticides, which are available on the market today. A number of other new plant protection drugs are produced every year.

SELECTED PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS 1. Veremeenko EG, Maksimova NP (2012) Increase of Phenazine antibiotic production in bacteria Pseudomonas aurantiaca by cloning the cluster of phzIR-genes. Advances in Medicine and Biology 50: 195–206 2. Sadrnia M, Maximova N, Khramtsova E, Zhardetski S, Prwiz O, Arjomandzadegan M (2011) Effect of bacterial 1-ami- nocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACD) on resistance to environmental stress caused by salinity in winter wheat. Bios- 32 ciences Biotechnology Research Asia 8: 41–48 3. Grinev VV, Posrednik DV, Heidenreich O (2011) Effec- tive and speciﬁ c control of AML1/ETO gene expression in acute myeloid leukemia cells by lentivector-based RNA-interference. Molecular Biology 45: 300–308 4. Veremeenko EG, Maksimova NP (2010) Activation of the antioxidant complex in Pseudomonas aurantiaca – producer of phenazine antibiotics. Microbiology 79: 439–444 5. Anokhina VS, Kaminskaya LN, Sauk IB, Petruchenya SV (2010) Molecular genetic studies of lupine (Lupinus L.): the creation of molecular markers and genetic maps. Molecular and Ap- plied Genetics 11: 54–67 6. Feklistova IN, Maksimova NP (2008) Obtaining Pseudo- monas aurantiaca strains capable of overproduction of phenazine antibiotics. Microbiology 77: 176–180 7. Cherepovich VS, Shakhlevich EV, Antonenko EV, Lotkova ES, Romanouskaya TV, Grinev VV (2006) Optimisation of critical parameters of MTT-test for assessment of cell- and drug-mediated cytotoxicity. Medical Journal 2: 45–49 8. Kotova EV, Sergienko TF, Ivanova MA, Smolnikova VV, Gloushen SV, Merkulova IP, Cvirnovski AI (2006) Inﬂ uence of cysplatine on reparation of DNA breaks in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Medical Journal 2: 56–58 9. Feklistova IN, Maksimova NP (2005) DAHP-synthase of Pseudomonas aurantiaca B-162 bacteria: synthesis and activity regulation. Molecular Genetics, Microbiology and Virology 3: 18–22 10. Grinev VV, Smolnykova VV, Moroz JA, Potapnev MP (2001) Markers of in vitro induced resistance of B-lymphoblastoid cell line IM-9 to lysis by lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. Experimental Oncology 23: 197–203

BOOKS AND CHAPTERS 1. Gloushen SV (2010) History of biology. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 2. Maximova NP, Titok MA, Anoxina VS, Khramcova EA, Grinev VV, Kunickaya MP (2008) Problems book in Genetics. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 3. Maximova NP (2008) Genetics. Part 1. Mendelian inheritance. Lectures. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 4. Grinev VV (2006) Human molecular genetics Minsk: Be- larusian State University Press 5. Maximova NP (2003) Molecular genetics. Tasks and tests. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 33 DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY

Address: 4, Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030, Minsk, Republic of Belarus Telephone: +375-17-209 + 5837, 5847, 5812 or 5883 Fax: +375-17-2095808 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: http://bio.bsu.by/microbio/ Location: Third ﬂ oor, 10, Kurchatov Street, Minsk

STAFF

Head of Department: Professor Vladimir A. Prokulevich (C.Sc., D.Sc.) Professor: Marina A. Titok (C.Sc., D.Sc.) Docents (all C.Sc.): Vladimir V. Lysak, Rimma A. Zhelda- kova, Vladislav E. Myamin, Alexander G. Pesnyakevich, Olga V. Fomina Senior Teaching Ofﬁ cer: Elena I. Ignatenko Assistant: Elena I. Komar Head of Laboratory: Maxim I. Potapovich Research Associates: Sergey G. Golenchenko, Natalia V. Sovgir, Olga A. Mitroshkina, Natalia V. Chepisyuk, Kiril V. Kudin, Alexandra V. Mihaylovskaya, Natalia Y. Satsunkevich, Dmitriy P. Sinitsky, Inna S. Burkevich, Maria M. Afanasyeva Technicians: Olga A. Vygovskaya, Svetlana V. Patyupina, Ta- tiana A. Rachkovskaya, Alesya D. Bondarenko

34 The Department was established in 1960. List of Heads of the Department includes the following names: Professor Bo- ris Y. Elbert (1960–1963), Professor Petr A. Bulanov (1964–1969), Professor Yuriy K. Fomichev (1969–1988) and Professor Vladi- mir A. Prokulevich (1988 – present).

FACULTY COURSES

• Microbiology • Virology • Fundamentals of Immunology • Fundamentals of Biotechnology • Molecular Biology of Cancer • Vector Systems • Cell Cultivation • Decomposers in Natural and Artiﬁ cial Ecosystems • Cell Engineering • Biotechnology of Industrial Waste Utilisation • Structural Organization of Microbial Cell • Physiology of Microorganisms • Taxonomy of Microorganisms • Genetics of Microorganisms • Microbial Biotechnology

DEPARTMENTAL COURSES

• Molecular Bacteriology • Major Groups of Prokaryotic Microorganisms • Molecular Mechanisms of Genetic Processes • Extrachromosomal Hereditary Structures of Microbial Cells • Mechanisms of Antibiotic Biosynthesis • Applied Immunology • Industrial Microbiology • Medical and Hygiene Microbiology • Phytopathogenic Microorganisms • Regulation of Metabolic Processes in Bacteria • Fundamentals of Molecular Biology • Antibiotics • Major Groups of Microorganisms • Biotechnology – Principles and Applications 35 RESEARCH THEMES

• Development of drugs based on bacterial biosynthesis products for the livestock protection against diseases • Genetic regulation of the biosynthesis of biologically active compounds in bacterial cells • Creation of strains producing important substances for biotechnological industry • Investigation of Erwinia pathogenicity to determine gene products that are important for plant-pathogen interactions • Isolation, identifi cation and study of spreading of bacterial pathogens that damage vegetables in Belarus. Development of molecular methods of pathogen identifi cation • Testing of antimicrobial activities of new synthetic compounds and assessing the possibilities of their practical use • The Group of Genetic Engineering of Veterinary Drugs led by Professor Vladimir A. Prokulevich is currently working on: (i) cloning and expression of interferon genes to industrially produce interferon drugs for animal use; characterisation for the specifi city, antiviral, immune modulating properties and anti-proliferation activities of obtained interferon-containing drugs; (ii) development and creation of the biologically active cytokine preparation components and antibiotics of prolonged action; (iii) development of novel solvents for increase of the effectiveness of veterinary vaccines; (iv) development of new generation of disinfectants • These research activities are funded by the State Pro- grammes «Industrial Biotechnology» and «New Technologies and Biological Products for Agriculture, Industry, Medicine and Environment Protection» • The Department is also constantly developing new approaches in teaching microbiology, biotechnology and related disciplines. These activities include preparation and publication of textbooks, manuals, recommendations, technical protocols, guidelines for laboratory practicals. The Department also develops and improves teaching techniques, in accordance to the Require- ments and Regulations for High Education Practice in Belarus, CIS and EU HE Standard

Key results Chromosome maps of three Erwinia species have been constructed. Speciﬁ c systems responsible for virulense and pathogenicity, as well as for the synthesis of the biologically active 36 compounds in Erwinia have been detected and investigated. Genetically engineered human interferon for veterinary applications (Mixoferon®) has been developed in collaboration with the Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorga- nisms (Moscow). Mixoferon® was registered in Belarus. It is currently produced by ZAO Mosagrogen (Russia). Mixoferon® has received Russian Federation State Prize in 2002. Department also developed technical documents and protocols for production and veterinary applications of Gentamycin and Metranidazol. Anti- viral drug Etapirasin has recently been designed, registered and produced for medical use. The Production of all these drugs has been organised together with leading Belarusian pharmaceutical company Belmedpreparaty. Department also developed veterinary preparation Saurelyzin® (ﬁ rst registered in Belarus) for treatment of mastitis and endometri- tis. One of most recent products is Microcid-D disinfectant, which is now produced by Minsk Plant of Veterinary Drugs.

SELECTED PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS

1. Prokulevich UA, Potapovich MI (2011) Interferon-based veterinary preparations. Vestnik Belarusian State University 2: 51–55 2. Janniere L, Canceill D, Suski C, Kanga S, Dalmais B, Les- tini R, Monnier AF, Chapuis J, Bolotin A, Titok M, Le Chatelier E, Ehrlich SD (2007) Genetic evidence for a link between glycolysis and DNA replication PLoS One 16: 447 3. Titok M, Suski C, Dalmais B, Ehrlich SD, Jannie L (2006) The replicative polymerases PolC and DnaE arerequired for theta replication of the Bacillus subtilis plasmid pBS72. Microbiology 152: 1471–1478 4. Sevastsyanovich YR, Titok MA, Krasowiak R, Bingle LEH, Thomas CM (2005) Ability of IncP-9 plasmid pM3 to replicate in Escherichia coli is dependent on both rep and par functions. Molecular Microbiology 57: 819–833 5. Myamin VE, Pesnyakevich AG, Prokulevich VA (2004) Genetic regulation of the virulence factors in Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica. Phenotypical characteristic of the kduD mutant. Russian Journal of Genetic 40: 1194–1199 6. Myamin VE, Pesnyakevich AG, Nikolaichik YA, Proku- levich VA (2004) Genetic regulation of the virulence factors in Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica. Identiﬁ cations of the kduD gene. Russian Journal of Genetic 40: 1187–1193 37 7. Titok MA, Chapuis J, Selezneva YV, Lagodich AV, Proku- levich VA, Ehrlich SD, Janniere L (2003) Bacillus subtilis soil isolates: plasmid replicon analysis and construction of a new theta- replicating vector. Plasmid 49: 53–62 8. Krasowiak R, Smalla K, Sokolov S, Kosheleva IA, Se- vastianovich YR, Titok MA, Thomas CM (2002) PCR primers for detection and characterization of IncP-9 plasmids. FEMS Micro- biol. Ecol. 42: 217–225 9. Nikolaichik EA, Myamin VE, Limorova IM, Ignatenko EI, Pesnyakevich AG, Evtushenkov AN (2002) Detection and characterization of Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica genes participating in the interaction with potato host. Beitrage zur Zuch- tungforschung 8: 20–23 10. Greated A, Titok MA, Krasowiak R, Fairclough RJ, Tho- mas CM (2000) The replication and stable-inheritance functions of IncP-9 plasmid рM3. Microbiology 146: 2249–2258

BOOKS AND CHAPTERS

1. Lysak VV, Fomina OV (2012) The Major groups of microorganisms. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 2. Titok MA (2011) Molecular aspects of evolution. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 3. Pesnyakevich AG (2008) Fundamentals of immunology. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 4. Lysak VV (2008) Microbiology. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 5. Zheldakova RA, Myamin VE (2006) Phytopathogenic microorganisms. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press

38 DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY

Address: 4, Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030, Minsk, Republic of Belarus Telephone: +375-17-209 + 5861, 5856, 5914 Fax: +375-17-2095808 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: http://bio.bsu.by/biohim/ Location: Fourth ﬂ oor, 10, Kurchatov Street, Minsk

STAFF

Head of Department: Docent Igor V. Semak (C.Sc.) Docents (all C.Sc.): Svetlana I. Mokhoreva, Mikhail M. Fili- monov, Natalia M. Orel, Tatiana A. Kukulianskaya, Dmitriy A. Novikov, Oksana I. Hubich, Elena O. Korik Senior Teaching Ofﬁ cer: Tatiana N. Zyrianova Assistants: Ekaterina I. Kuznetsova, Elena V. Malushkova Head of Laboratories: Vladimir P. Kurchenko (C.Sc.), Mikhail V. Sholukh (C.Sc.), Svetlana M. Zharskaya (C.Sc.) Research Associates: Maria V. Antonova (C.Sc.), Natalia V. Gavrilenko, Elena S. Pyshko, Galina G. Senkevich, Natalia V. Sushinskaya, Anna S. Shchekatihina, Yuriy I. Vladimirov, Nadezhda V. Mintuzova, Maria I. Radevich, Victor S. Rade- vich, Stanislav V. Rizevsky, Elena V. Chudnovskaya, Anastasia G. Gorohovik, Vera S. Matskevich Head of Vivarium: Pavel S. Prohorchik Technicians: Tamara J. Erastova, Valentina M. Lavrova, Olga N. Orochko, Ludmila I. Kuntsevich, Nadezhda N. Tikovenko, Maria V. Filich, Valentina V. Vincek

39 The Department was established in 1964. The following people were Heads of the Department since then: Professor Anatoliy T. Piculev (1964–1993), Docent Vadim V. Senchuk (1994–2006). Docent Igor V. Semak has become a Head of Department in 2006 and works in this position now. Research in the Department is mainly associated with its three Research Laboratories, including «Biochemistry of Metabolism», «Applied Biochemistry», «Biochemistry and Pharmacology of Biologically Active Compounds».

FACULTY COURSES

• Biochemistry • Biophysics • Radiobiology • Biotransformation of Substances • Enzyme Engineering • Isolation and Puriﬁ cation of Products in Biotechnology • Structural Biochemistry • Metabolic Biochemistry • Biochemistry of Medicinal Plants • Medical Biochemistry • Functional Biochemistry • Bioenergetics • Analytical Biochemistry • Bioinorganic Chemistry • Pharmaceutical Biotechnology • Nanobiotechnology • Metabolomics

DEPARTMENTAL COURSES

• Introduction to Biochemical Experiment • Enzymology • Biochemistry of Membranes • Basic Principles of Molecular Endocrinology • Enzyme Kinetics • Ecological Biochemistry • Basic Principles of Radiation Biochemistry 40 • Bioinorganic Chemistry • Basic Principles of Neurochemistry • Biochemistry of Protein and Nucleic Acids • Functional Biochemistry • Enzyme Immunoassay • Biochemistry of Vitamins

RESEARCH THEMES

• Molecular mechanisms of xenobiotic cytotoxicity and cell resistance to xenobiotics; the effect of physical environmental factors on this resistance • Mechanisms of antioxidant/prooxidant action of natural organic compounds • Steroid and melatonin metabolism in various organs and tissues of mammals • Identiﬁ cation and structural analysis of biologically active substances and their metabolites by mass-spectrometry, gas- and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) • Molecular mechanisms of liver diseases and their treatment using natural compounds • Regulation of signal transduction by natural and synthetic prostaglandins • Examination of generic drug bio-availability and bio-equi- valence • Department is responsible for the Animal Resource Center, which supplies animals for laboratory needs

Key results Serotoninergic and melatoninergic systems in the skin of mammals have been characterised at the molecular and cellular levels. New pathways for metabolism of melatonin, vitamins D and 7-dehydrocholesterol (vitamin D3 precursor) have been identifi ed. Novel highly sensitive and specifi c techniques for chromato- graphic separation, mass spectrometric and fl uorometric detection of fl avonoids, steroids, biogenic indolaminov and their metabolites have been developed. cAMP-dependent mechanisms of AST activity regulation and new class of adenylate cyclase synthetic inhibitors (prostanoids of the group A) have been determined. A set of reagents for radioimmunoassay determination of cyclic AMP-31.51 has been formulated. Departmental researchers investigated the mechanisms of biotransformation of aromatic amines, indolamins and fl avonoids by 41 different hemoproteins. They designed the portable laboratory for forensic detection of 56 drugs and psychotropic substances, which has received Gold Medal of the Fifth Moscow International Salon of Innovations and Investments in 2005. The test for determination of the quality and authenticity of red wines and juices has been developed (Gold Medal of the Fourth Moscow International Salon of Innovations and Investments, 2006; Silver Medal of Romanian Society of Inventors). Another test has been developed for fi eld examination of explosives. This test has received a Diploma of the Seventh Moscow International Salon of Innovations and In- vestments, 2007. The Department has developed protection creams against schis- tosome dermatitis (the major problem on Belarusian lake resorts). In 2006, the Department obtained the patent of the Russian Fede- ration for the invention № 2270858 «Bacterial strain B. subtilis – producer of surfaktin». Belarusian patent № 10110 «Techniques affecting nociceptive refl ex of laboratory animals» has been obtained in 2007. USA Patent № 20, 070, 218, 023 has been obtained in 2008 «Uses of melatonin in skin». Another Belarusian patent (№ 10631; «Method for quantitative determination in biological material indolaminov») has been received in 2008.

SELECTED PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS

1. Slominski A, Kim T, Shehabi H, Semak I, Tang E, Nguyen M, Benson H, Korik E, Janjetovic Z, Chen J, Yates C, Postle- thwaite A, Li W, Tuckey R (2012) In vivo evidence for a novel pathway of vitamin D3 metabolism initiated by P450scc and modi- ﬁ ed by CYP27B1. FASEB Journal 26: 3901–3915 2. Semak I, Alekseev N, Korik E, Drobyshevskii A, Antonova M (2011) Determination of roxythromycin in blood serum by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. Journal of Analytical Chemistry 66: 194–200 3. Sholukh M, Hubich A, Pashkovsky F, Lakhvich F (2010) Structural features of prostanoid analogues involved in hepatocytes protection against CCl4-induced injury. Prostaglandins and Other Lipid Mediators 93: 134–142 4. Slominski A, Zmijewski M, Semak I, Sweatman T, Janje- tovic Z, Li W, Zjawiony J, Tuckey R (2009) Sequential metabolism of 7-dehydrocholesterol to steroidal 5,7-dienes in adrenal 42 glands and its biological implication in the skin. PLoS One 4: 4309 5. Golub N, Markossian K, Sholukh M, Muranov K, Kurganov B (2009) Study of kinetics of thermal aggregation of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase by dynamic light scattering: protective effect of alpha-crystallin. European Biophysical Journal 38: 547–556 6. Semak I, Korik E, Antonova M, Wortsman J, Slominski A (2008) Metabolism of melatonin by cytochrome P450s in rat liver mitochondria and microsomes. Journal of Pineal Research 45: 515–523 7. Hubich A, Bondar A, Kastsiuk T, Kastsiuk U, Lakhvich F,

Sholukh M (2007) Hepatoprotective action of prostaglandin A2 analogs under CCl4-induced liver injury in vitro. Hepatology Research 37: 416–424 8. Fischer T, Sweatman T, Semak I, Sayre R, Wortsman J, Slominski A (2006) Constitutive and UV-induced metabolism of melatonin in keratinocytes and cell-free system. FASEB Journal 20: 1564–1566 9. Slominski A, Semak I, Wortsman J, Zjawiony J, Li W, Zbytek B, Tuckey R (2006) An alternative pathway of vitamin D metabolism. Cytochrome P450scc (CYP11A1)-mediated conver- sion to 20-hydroxyvitamin D2 and 17,20-dihydroxyvitamin D2. FEBS Journal 273: 2891–2901 10. Hubich A, Zheldakova T, Chernikhova T, Koroleva E, Lakhvich F, Sholukh M (2006) Synthetic heteroprostanoids of A- and E-types as novel non-comprehensive inhibitors of adenylyl cyclase in rat hepatocytes. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 341: 357–362

BOOKS AND CHAPTERS

1. Semak IV, Hubich OI, Kukulianskaya TA, Orel NM (2011) Biochemistry schemes and tables. Minsk: Belarusian State Uni- versity Press 2. Kukulianskaya TA, Orel NM (2011) Biochemistry: student’s companion. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 3. Novikov DA, Filimonov MM (2009) Biophysics. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 4. Filimonov MM (2007) Radiobiology. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 5. Semak IV (2006) Enzyme Engineering. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press

43 DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL ECOLOGY AND BIOLOGY TEACHING

Address: 4, Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030, Minsk, Republic of Belarus Telephone: +375-17-2095810 Fax: +375-17-2095808 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: http://bio.bsu.by/ecology/ Location: First ﬂ oor, 10, Kurchatov Street, Minsk

STAFF

Head of Department: Docent Vasiliy V. Grichik (C.Sc., D.Sc.) Professors: Lilia V. Kamlyuk, Yaroslav K. Kulikov (C.Sc., D.Sc.) Docents (all C.Sc.): Nina G. Eryomova, Tamara A. Makare- vich, Galina A. Semenyuk, Anna A. Zhukova Assistants: Margarita L. Minets, Yevgeniy E. Gaevsky, Maxim Y. Nemchinov Teaching ofﬁ cer: Svetlana N. Tarasevich Technicians: Varvara V. Kuhareva, Anastasia L. Shlykova

The Department was founded in 1974. Since then it was supervised by the following Heads of the Department: Docent Vladimir P. Lyachnovich (1974–1985), Professor Nina M. Kryuchkova (1985–1996), D.Sc. Alexander Y. Karataev (1997–2001). At present days, the Head of the Department is Docent Vasiliy V. Grichik.

44 FACULTY COURSES

• Biometrics • Ecology and Sustainable Nature Management • Methods of Biology Teaching • Methods of Education Practice • General Ecology • Soil Science • Consumers and Their Role in Ecosystems • Plant and Animal Resources • Ecological Monitoring, Control and Expertise • Agroecology • Introduction to Specialisation • Ecological Physiology • Primary Producers • Radioecology • Hydroecology • Population Ecology • Biotic Cycling in Ecosystems

DEPARTMENTAL COURSES

• Ecological Problems in Belarus • Ecological Biochemistry • Global Ecology • Special Hydroecology • Human Ecology • Ecology of Urban Environment • Landscape Ecology • Fish Resources • Bio-indication of the Environmental Quality • Soil Resources

RESEARCH THEMES

• Distribution and ecological impact of invasive water species in Belarus • Study of the population and phenetic structure of Coleop- tera in bogs and forests • Zooplankton communities in urban area basins • Biodiversity of animals in ﬂ ood-plain landscapes in Belarus 45 • The increase of agricultural lands productivity based on the optimisation of soil ecological factors • The role of attached (ﬁ xed) communities (periphyton, mi- crophytobenthos) in water ecosystems • Autotrophic communities in freshwater ecosystems • Theoretical basis of teaching and learning complexes for school biology teaching and development of school biology textbooks • Development of ecology teaching systems based on the modern conceptions of natural sciences • Development of new techniques for control of student coursework • Designing and editing of teaching manuals for ecology for secondary and high education

Key results Standardised recommendations on soil optimisation have been developed and approved by Belarusian Ministry of Agriculture. Novel techniques for improving fertility of Belarusian soils have been elaborated. Protocols and standardised recommendations on the usage of precipitation periphyton tanks for purifi cation of the sewage water have been worked out. Scientifi c and methodological basis for monitoring of the biota in drinking water has been formulated. The fi rst electronic database on aquatic invaders in Belarus has been created. The differences in phenetic structure of carabus populations, in different parts of Belarus, have been established. The possibility to assess the water quality based on reproduction index of Crustacea has been ascertained. The reconstruction of some stages of the distribution of bird subspecies in Holocene on the territory of Belarus has been carried out. Biology textbooks and practical manuals for teaching biology at school (classes seven to eleven) have been prepared and published.

SELECTED PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS

1. Makarevich TA, Mastitsky SE, Savich IV (2011) Periphyton on the shells of exotic mollusk Dreissena polymorpha: production parameters, contribution to benthiﬁ cation of a recipient ecosystem. The Algae: taxonomy, ecology and use in the monitoring. Yeka- terinburg: Ural Div. RAS: 181–186 2. Gaevsky YE, Kulikov YK (2009) Increasing the yield of barley under the optimization of properties of sandy soddy-pod- 46 zolic soil. Agrochemistry 9: 18–23 3. Gaevsky YE, Kulikov YK (2009) Optimization of properties of sandy soddy-podzolic soils by applying peat-manure compost and loam. Agrochemistry 2: 5–10 4. Zhukova AA (2009) Primary production of Lake Naroch during eutrophication and subsequent benthiﬁ cation. Ecology of the Sea 78: 55–60 5. Makarevich TA, Mastitsky SE, Savich IV (2008) Phytope- riphyton on the shells of Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas) in Lake Naroch. Aquatic Invasions 3: 283–295 6. Ostapenya AP, Mіkheyeva TM, Zhukova AA, Zhukova TV, Karabanovich VS, Kovalevskaya RZ, Lukyanova EV, Makarevich TA, Nikitina LV, Savich IV, Sysova EA (2008) Changes in the structure of communities of primary producers in the deeutrophication in lakes of different trophic types. Questions of Fisheries 24: 332–334 7. Stedman RC, Lathrop RC, Clark B, Ejsmont-Karabin J, Kasprzak P, Nielsen K, Osgood D, Powell M, Ventela A-M, Web- ster KE, Zhukova A (2007) Perceived environmental quality and place attachment in North American European Temperate lake districts. Lake and Reservoir Management 23: 330–344 8. Minets M, Grichik V (2007) Changeability of phenetical and morphometrical characteristics of populations Carabus granula- tus L. (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in Belarus. Bulletin of BSU 2: 69–74 9. Minets M (2007) Seasonal dynamics of activity of beetles genus Carabus L. (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in coniferous forests of Belarus. Bulletin of BSU 3: 71–77 10. Makarevich TA (2005) The contribution of periphyton to the total primary production of freshwater ecosystems (a review). Bulletin of the Tyumen State University 5: 77–86

BOOKS AND CHAPTERS

1. Kulikov YK (2012) Agroecology. Minsk: High School 2. Grichik VV ed. (2009) Wildlife of Belarus. Minsk: High School 3. Kamluk LV (2008) Seasonal dynamics of the share of zooplankton in carp ponds with different densities of growing. Ques- tions of Fisheries 24: 91–93 4. Grichik VV (2005) Geographic variation of birds of Belarus. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 5. Kulikov YK (2000) Soil and environmental bases of optimization of agricultural land in Belarus. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 47 DEPARTMENT OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Address: 4, Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030, Minsk, Republic of Belarus Telephone: +375-17-209 + 5848, 5898 Fax: +375-17-2095808 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: http://bio.bsu.by/molbiol Location: Fourth ﬂ oor, 10, Kurchatov Street, Minsk

STAFF

Head of Department: Professor Anatoliy N. Evtushenkov (C.Sc., D.Sc.) Docents (all C.Sc.): Yevgeniy A. Nikolaichik, Alina M. Kho- dosovskaya, Olga B. Rus, Alexander L. Lagonenko Senior Teaching Ofﬁ cer: Leonid N. Valentovich (C.Sc.) Assistant: Dmitriy V. Galinovsky (C.Sc.) Head of Laboratory: Yulia V. Selezneva (C.Sc.) Research Associates: Elena V. Kulik, Olga K. Prisyazhnenko Technicians: Svetlana A. Kulish, Yulia B. Sudnitsyna, Olesya V. Cherents

The Department of Molecular Biology has been created in 2002, and since then it is ruled by Professor Anatoliy N. Evtu- shenkov.

48 FACULTY COURSES

• Virology • Molecular Biology • Introduction to Biotechnology • Genetic Engineering • Molecular Fundamentals of Ontogenesis • Cell Metabolism Regulation

DEPARTMENT COURSES

• Introduction to Molecular Biology • Cell Biopolymers and Methods of their Analysis • Regulatory Mechanisms of the Cell • Genomics • Molecular Biotechnology • Structural and Functional Genome Organisation of Pro- and Eukaryotes • Biotechnological Objects • Molecular Fundamentals of Developmental Biology • Molecular Biology of Yeast • Molecular Fundamentals of Antioxidant System Functioning • Molecular Fundamentals of Bio-signalisation

RESEARCH THEMES

• Molecular mechanisms of plant-pathogen interactions • Molecular biotechnology of biologically active substances (enzymes, pigments) and construction of strains producing substances used in industry • Development of diagnostic tools for detection of crop plant pathogens • Protein secretion systems in bacteria • Biotechnology of the high quality ﬂ ax ﬁ ber production

Key results The structure of the hrp gene cluster encoding type III secretion system of the phytopathogenic bacteria Pectobacterium carotovorum has been established. The role of proteins (DspE, HrpJ, HrpW and HrpN) that are secreted by this system, during interaction with plants, has been characterised. Nicotiana tabacum expressing the hrpN, hrpW and hrpJ transgenes have been con- 49 structed and characterised. A bacterial producer of glucose isomer- ase, which is originated from Arthrobacter has been designed and characterised. Bacterial strains accumulating carotene or lycopene have been constructed. Plasmid vectors that are responsible for the secretion of recombinant proteins from cytoplasm to the peri- plasmic space have been elaborated. Departmental researchers have also isolated bacterial strains that are suitable for fl ax fi ber extraction. These strains have been shown to signifi cantly accelerate the fl ax fi ber extraction and can be used in industrial production of high grade linen fi bers and fabrics. Students’ research work in the Department is organised at the Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, under the supervision of Docent Yevgeniy A. Nikolaichik. The main direction of this Laboratory is to shed the light onto the key molecular and cellular mechanisms of the interaction of pathogenic Pectibacteria with Solanaceae plants. Since the opening in 2002, approximately twenty students have carried out their own research in this laboratory. More than forty peer-reviewed papers have been published by students together with staff members.

SELECTED PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS

1. Lagonenko AL, Kudzina IV, Evtushenkov AN, Krugleevs- kiy MA, Kastritskaya MS, Kukharchyk NV (2011) Susceptibility of Belarusian apple and pear cultivars to fi re blight. Acta Horti- culturae 896: 363–366 2. Lagonenko AL, Kudzina IV, Evtushenkov AN (2011) Ge- netic characterization of Belarusian Erwinia amylovora strains. Acta Horticulturae 896: 141–146 3. Lagonenko AL, Lagonenko VY, Nikolaichik YA, Evtushen- kov AN (2011) Detection of Erwinia amylovora by PCR with primers to the hrpN gene. Acta Horticulturae 896: 85–91 4. Valentovich LN, Gubich OI, Nikolaichik YA (2008) Role of the DspF protein of Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica in the functioning of the type III secretion system. Reports of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus 52: 79–85 5. Lagonenko AL, Komardina VS, Nikolaichik YA, Evtushen- kov AN (2008) First report of Erwinia amylovora fi re blight in 50 Belarus. Journal of Phytopathology 156: 638–640 6. Prisyazhnenko OK, Nikolaichik YA, Evtushenkov AN (2007) Expression of harpin HrpN gene of Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica in transgenic tobacco plants induces resistance genes. Reports of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus 51: 85–89 7. Nikolaichik EA, Lagonenko AL, Valentovich LN, Prisyazh- nenko OK, Evtushenkov AN (2007) Comparative characteristics of HrpN harpins from Erwinia carotovora and Erwinia amylovora. Reports of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus 51: 81–85 8. Selezneva JV (2005) Identifi cation of the Pantoea agglom- erans gene infl uencing on carotene production. The National Acad- emy of Sciences of Belarus News. Biological Chapter 3: 67–69 9. Nikolaichik YA, Ovchinnikova TV, Valentovich LN, Gubich OI, Sholukh MV, Evtushenkov AN (2005) DspE protein is trans- located by phytopathogenic bacteria Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica into the cells of Nicotiana tabacum and is required for the induction of the hypersensitive reaction. Reports of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus 49: 81–85 10. Ovchinnikova TV, Lagonenko AL, Evtushenkov AN, Niko- laichik YA (2004) The use of alternative sigma factor HrpL to improve expression of the type III secretion machinery of Erwinia carotovora subsp. Atroseptica. Biotechnology in agriculture and the food industry. Nova Science Publishers, Inc., New York

BOOKS AND CHAPTERS

1. Nikolaichik YA (2006) Cell Metabolism Regulation. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 2. Evtushenkov AN, Fomichev JK (2002) Introduction to Bio- technology. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press

51 RESEARCH LABORATORY OF HYDROECOLOGY

Address: 4, Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030, Minsk, Republic of Belarus Telephone: +375-17-2095803 Fax: +375-17-2095814 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: http://bio.bsu.by/hydroecology/ Location: First ﬂ oor, 10, Kurchatov Street, Minsk

STAFF

Head of Laboratory: Tamara M. Mikheyeva (C.Sc., D.Sc.) Leading Research Associate: Oleg V. Trifonov (C.Sc.) Senior Research Associate: Raisa Z. Kovalevskaya Research Associates: Elena V. Lukyanova, Ludmila V. Ni- kitina, Natalia V. Dubko, Oleg A. Makarevich, Valentina S. Karabanovich, Irina V. Savich

The Research Laboratory of Hydroecology has been created in 1965 as independent unit within the Biological Faculty of BSU. During the time of existence it was ruled by Professor Georgiy G. Vinberg (1965–1967), Professor Yuriy K. Fomichev (1967– 1991), Corresponding Member of NASB Alexander P. Ostapenya (1991–2012). Since 2012, D.Sc. Tamara M. Mikheyeva has been acting as a Head of the Laboratory.

52 RESEARCH THEMES

• Production hydrobiology: the role of seston and detritus in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems • Taxonomic diversity of algal ﬂ ora of different aquatic ecosystems; structure and speciﬁ c properties of the phytoplankton, under eutrophication and deeutrophication • Biotic cycling of nutrients in lake ecosystems • Primary production of plankton • Suspension and dissolved organic matter in ponds and streams; the impact of xenobiotics on production and destruction processes in freshwater basins • Bacterial constituents of seston, suspension, periphyton and benthos • Community structure of macro-benthos, under different environmental conditions • Structure and function of communities of periphyton, metaphyton and their role in freshwater ecosystems • Taxonomic and spatial structure, production and destruction rates of the zooplankton in different types of lakes

Key results Periodicity of the primary plankton production in lakes with different trophicities has been investigated in details. A unique database of long-term investigations of the diverse group Naroch lakes has been created. The biological mechanisms of heavy substance sedimentation in lakes have been established. Long-term studies of algae diversity in Belarusian freshwater basins have been carried and summed by a number of analytical reviews. Since 1999, The Laboratory has been publishing Annual Edition of «Bulletin of the Ecological State of the Lakes Naroch, Miastro and Batorino». The role of aquatic organisms in water purifi cation process and formation of water quality has been examined. The Laboratory, for the fi rst time in Belarus, launched the research on microperiphy- ton, as an important part of the aquatic ecosystems. Since 1965, the concept of trophometabolic unity of algae, bacteria, fungi, invertebrates and organic matter (detritus) has been formulated. It is widely accepted worldwide, at present. In USSR and CIS, the Laboratory maintained the leading position in freshwater ecology and, since 1999, it has been running the International Conference «Lake Ecosystems: biological processes, anthropogenic transformation, water quality». Since 1965, The Laboratory has successfully coached four doctoral dissertations (D.Sc.) and nine C.Sc. dissertations (equivalent to Ph.D.). 53 SELECTED PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS 1. Ostapenya АP, Zhukova TV, Mikheyeva TM (2011) Ben- tifi cation as a stage of the Naroch lakes evolution. Vestnik BSU. Series 2. Chemistry, Biology, Geography 3: 62–66 2. Kulikovskiy MS, Genkal SI, Mikheyeva TM (2011) New for Belarus species of diatom algae. 2. Nitzschia Hassall, Hantzschia Grunow and Denticula Kützing. Natural Resourсes 2: 68–77 3. Мikheyeva ТМ, Belych ОI, Sorokovikova ЕG, Gladkikh АS, Potapov SА (2011) Cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in plankton of the regulated waterbodies and of the municipal section of the Svisloch (Belarus). Ecological Vestnik 18: 30–37 4. Kulikovskiy MS, Genkal SI, Mikheyeva TM (2011) New data on Bacillariophyta of Belarussia. 2. Fam. Fragilariaceae (Kütz.) De Tony, Diatomaceae Dumort, Tabellariaceae F. Schütt. International Journal on Algae 21: 357–373 5. Mіkheyeva TM (2010) Algal fl ora of Belarus: diversity, production possibilities, role in ecosystems, changes in the course of their evolution (the review). Vestnik BSU. Series 2. Chemistry, Biology, Geography 2: 36–47 6. Kulikovskiy MS, Genkal SI, Mikheyeva TM (2010) New data for the Bacillariophyta fl ora of Belarus. 1. Family Navicula- ceae Kütz. International Journal on Algae 12: 37–56 7. Genkal SI, Mikheyeva TM, Kulikovskiy MS, Lukyanova YV (2010) Diatoms (Bacillariophyta) of the Svisloch River (Bela- rus). Report 1. Centrophyceae. Hydrobiological Journal 46: 20–35 8. Ostapenya AP, Parparov A, Berman T (2009) Lability of organic carbon in lakes of different trophic status. Freshwater Biology 54: 1312–1323 9. Kulikovskiy MS, Genkal SI, Mikheyeva TM (2009) New for Belarus species of diatom algae from the families Eunotiaceae Kützing, Rhoicospheniaceae D.G. Mann, Cymbellaceae (Kützing) Grunow, Epithemiaceae Grunow, Surirellaceae Kützing, Rhopalo- diaceae Topatchewsky. Natural Resourсes 2: 40–45 10. Parparov A, Hambright KD, Hakanson L, Ostapenya AP (2006) Water quality quantifi cation: basics and implementation. Hydrobiology 560: 227–237

BOOKS AND CHAPTERS 1. Ostapenya AP ed. (2011) Annual bulletin from 1999 till 2011 «Bulletin of ecological state of Naroch, Myastro, Batorino lakes». Minsk: Belarusian State University Press 2. Mikheyeva TM (1999) Algal ﬂ ora of Belarus. Taxonomic 54 cataloque. Minsk: Belarusian State University Press GEORGIY VINBERG NAROCH BIOLOGICAL STATION

Address: 8, Naberezhnaya Street, Naroch, Myadel district, Minsk region, 222395, Republic of Belarus Telephone: +375-179-49360 Fax: +375-179-749335 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Web page: http://bio.bsu.by/naroch/

STAFF

Director: Tatiana V. Zhukova (C.Sc., D.Sc.) Vice-director: Valeriy V. Yurkevich Teaching ofﬁ cer: Natalia V. Yurkevich, Yulia C. Veres Engineer: Alexander I. Koshchenko Technicians: Enessa A. Zuravleva, Regina Ch. Garaninova, Alena I. Kozlovskaya

Naroch Biological Station (NBS) was founded in 1947 and in 2002 it received the status of a University Centre. In 2006 the NBS was named after an outstanding hydrobiologist Georgiy Vinberg, who played a major role in its development. The ﬁ rst director of the station was Polina S. Nevyadomskaya (1948–1960), who was followed by Anatoliy I. Sergeev, Ivan A. Zhuk, Georgiy P. Shleshinsky, Leonid P. Kashevarov, Alexander F. Orlovskiy and from 2002 by Tatiana V. Zhukova (D.Sc.).

The scientifi c and research centre Georgiy Vinberg Naroch Biological Station is the oldest biological station in Belarus. For many years it has been a place where profound research on the functioning processes and biological productivity of the water bodies has been conducted. Results of these investigations are recognised by researchers in hydrobiology all over the world. The materials of long-term investigations of the polytypic Naroch Lakes serve as a basis for development of measures on rational use and preservation of the unique Naroch Lakes’ environment. The primary objectives of Georgiy Vinberg Naroch Biological Station are: • educational : to serve as a basis for professional training of ecologists and hydrobiologists; • scientifi c : to carry out fundamental and applied research in the fi eld of biology and ecology; • environmental protection : to provide scientifi c assistance for nature conservation of the National Park Narochansky; • informative : to popularise ecological knowledge. 55 RESEARCH THEMES

• Trends and character of phytoplankton structure changes during the euthrophication and de-euthrophication of lakes • The role of seston and detritus in water ecosystem functioning • Picoplankton in the structure of planktonic communities • Biodiversity of water communities • Periphyton and its importance in the functioning of lakes’ ecosystems • Ratio of external and internal loading under the euthrophication and de-euthrophication processes in lakes • Interactions of water layers and bottom sediments in lakes • The role of biological processes in the sedementation of suspended matter, etc.

Key results At present the ERC Georgiy Vinberg Naroch Biological Sta- tion provides permanent monitoring of the lakes Naroch, Miastro, Batorino, and so the unique database of long-term hydroecological monitoring rows is constantly updated. Since 1999, all research results have been published in the annual «Bulletin of the ecological state of the lakes Naroch, Miastro, Batorino». The bulletin refl ects present state of the Naroch Lakes ecosystem and the tendencies and changes occurring in it. The Biological Station has prepared and dissimilated «Regulation and recommendations on preservation of natural potential of the lakes Naroch, Miastro and Batorino» and «Recommendations on the use of ecologically safe methods of Lake Naroch coastal recreational zones preservation from degradation». These documents had a signifi cant impact on freshwater protection in Belarus and Eastern Europe. The ERC Georgiy Vinberg Naroch Biological Station is a place where numerous international and regional scientifi c conferences, meetings and seminars on the current ecological, biological and regional problems are held. The International conference «Lake Ecosystems: biological processes, anthropogenous transformation, water quality» that has already become traditional, takes place every four years since 1999. This conference is very popular among hydrobiologists from countries of the former Soviet Union and all over the world. As a result of long-term investigations on the Naroch Lakes a unique database has been created which lead to some funda- 56 mentally important fi ndings: (i) the importance of the photosyn- thetic aeration has been acknowledged and the necessity of its estimation when studying and predicting self-cleansing capacity of the waterbodies has been proved; (ii) the role of various groups of water organisms in the processes of self-cleansing and water quality formation has been investigated; (iii) it is in the Naroch Lakes where for the fi rst time in the former USSR the chlorophyll content has been estimated. At present the chlorophyll content is a widely used parameter in hydrobiological investigations; (iv) new important facts characterising the role of suspended organic matter in production process and water quality formation have been revealed; (iiv) the regularities of the detritus (dead organic matter) inclusion in the biotic cycle have been discovered; (iiiv) the research methods of production processes widely used in hydrobiology have been elaborated.

57 MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY

Address: 4, Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030, Minsk, Republic of Belarus Telephone: +375-17-2095813 Fax: +375-17-2095808 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: http://bio.bsu.by/zoomuz/ Location: First ﬂ oor, 10, Kurchatov Street, Minsk

STAFF

Head: Alexander D. Pisanenko Zoologist: Alexander A. Mityanin Рainter: Lilia V. Morozova Technicians: Irina V. Duchits, Valeriy N. Vorobyev, Gennady A. Mindlin, Andrey P. Rusetsky, Valeria I. Tyshchenko

Museum of Zoology was established in 1921 at the initiative of the Head of Department of Zoology, Professor Anatoliy V. Fedyu- shin. In the prewar period, there were more than four thousand exhibits in the museum. During the Second World War, owing to the efforts of the museum staff, especially of Anton K. Titok, some of the exhibits were preserved to later form a basis for its recovery. At present a painter-taxidermist Alexander A. Mityanin

58 successfully maintains and improves the collection by restoring old and creating new exibits.

MISSION

• Acquisition, storage and processing of scientiﬁ c zoological collections to enhance the exhibition. • Science education that promotes environmental education and ideas of conservation, zoology, taxonomy, morphology, zoogeography, ecology and other disciplines.

Since its establishment, Zoological Museum has served as a centre of environmental education. The museum is very popular among children, students and researches – it is visited by more than 10 thousand people annually. This Museum has the largest collection of zoological objects in the Republic (stuffed animals, birds nests, drugs, osteological material and other vertebrates as well as invertebrates), totally over 102 thousand units. Scientiﬁ c collections of the museum are kept in special rooms occupying a total area of 980 m2. 260 species of the collection are listed in Red Data Book of the CIS countries and the world. Over the last decade, the exhibition fund has been reinforced by such rare species as the red wolf, wandering albatross, os- trich, Hyacinth Macaw, a chimpanzee, some tropical insects and many other items that cannot be found in any other natural history museums in Belarus. In addition, the museum has a signiﬁ cant number of long-extinct fossil animals, for example, fragments of fossil elephant, discovered in 2006 during the construction of the Minsk Metro. For a long time, the museum existed as a temporary exposition and only in 2001 the collection was moved to permanent premises with expanded storage facilities. Since then construction of landscapes and ecological dioramas displaying rare and endangered species in natural surroundings has been initiated.

59 BOTANICAL GARDEN

Address: 4, Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030, Minsk, Republic of Belarus Telephone: +375-17-2095859 Fax: +375-17-2095808 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: http://bio.bsu.by

STAFF

Director: Svetlana G. Kapura Technicians: Elena A. Sapozhkova, Galina A. Fedorova, Elena M. Sosnovskaya, Ekaterina R. Grushetskaya, Yulia V. Matus, Tatiana V. Dembitskaya Engineer-dendrologist: Ivan S. Girilovich Scientiﬁ c Curator: Vladimir V. Chernik

The Botanical Garden was founded in 1930 by Professor Ste- pan P. Melnik within the Department of Plant Systematics at the Biological Faculty of BSU. Since 1933, it has been supervised by Natalia O. Tsetterman. Another important personality who has played a signifi cant role in the development and establishment of botanical gardens is Professor Leonid N. Nikonov. In 1956, the Botanical Garden covered 2 hectares of campus land and its collection included 37 species of trees, 19 species of shrubs and many herbaceous plants. The full list of directors, since their opening, includes the following names: Alexandra K. Efrem- kina, Ivan S. Girilovich, Stanislava I. Tasminskaya and Inna A. Sokolova. After World War II major improvement works aimed at diver- sifi cation of existing collection of plants. In 1956 the Botanical Garden was moved to south-eastern outskirts of Minsk and Ale- xandra K. Efremkina was appointed as its Head. The Botanical Garden was designed on geographical basis. There were areas of plants systematics, useful plants and tree nursery. The collection included more than 800 species. In 1965, the Botanical Garden moved to Schemyslitsa Training and Experimental Farm of the BSU. Assistant Yuriy A. Bibikov coordinated the construction of new Botanical Gardens. Since 2002, the Botanical Garden has been relocated to the fi elds near the Faculty of Biology at 10 Kurchatov Street. At present, it includes a greenhouse, arboretum and a piece of real ancient 60 oak forest «Dubrava». MISSION

• To create and expand the collection of plants, thus forming a basis for teaching botanical subjects (e.g. Morphology, Higher Plants Systematics, Flowers, Flora and Vegetation of Belarus, etc.) that develop practical skills of working with wild and cultivated plants of students and future teachers. • To implement projects and dissertations of biology students. • To collaborate with other botanical gardens. • To produce a list of seeds offered for exchange annually (Delectus). • To hold garden tours for pupils, students, educational insti- tutions on the basis of botanical collections, to assist local schools in the creation of school grounds, landscapes and nature conservation.

The collection of medical, decorative, perennial, rare and endangered plants contains over 900 species, varieties and forms. The collection of tropical and subtropical plants includes about 400 species and varieties belonging to 190 genera of 69 families. A number of species of tropical and subtropical plants can be found in the greenhouse, the conservatory and on the ﬂ oors of the Faculty of Biology. Arboretum was founded in 1928 and, nowadays it embraces 250 species and forms of 96 genera and 38 families.

61 STUDENT LIFE

Clubs and Societies of the Faculty of Biology: • Student Union • Education Quality Council • Trade Union • Branch of Belarusian Republican Youth Union • Student Hostel Committee • Research Committee • Biological Theatre (or Bio-theatre) • Editorial Board of the «Vita» Newspaper There are a number of annual student scientiﬁ c conferences in which students show results of their research. Best research papers are then presented at the Republican Competition of Stu- dent Scientiﬁ c Works. Students of Biological Faculty successfully compete with other BSU students in amateur sport competitions. Students are also involved in voluntary work to maintain the Oak Park, a country park of national importance on campus of Bio- logical Faculty.

BIOLOGICAL THEATRE

The Bio-theatre was founded in the spring of 1976. Over the years, this team has shown its adherence to such principles as use of original scripts created by group members and indispensable presence of the topic of biology. The Bio-theatre is an alliance of creative people who want to make life at the Faculty of Biology more varied and joyful. In addition to theatrical performances the «Bio-theatre» organises such activities as parades, openings, garden sculptures shows and teachers’ press conferences. Some of the oldest traditions of Biological Faculty that have been kept for the last 25 years and that make it stand out from all other BSU faculties are annual celebrations of First-year Freshers and the Biologist’s Day. Each stage production of the «Bio-theatre» is unique and shown only once. It is hardly possible to list all the plays per- formed by «Bio-theatre» throughout its 30 years history. A lot of talented people have gone through the «Bio-theatre». Dr Alexander Pesnyakevich, the Docent of the Department of Microbiology, has been the head of this creative team since its foundation. The main factor that has helped to maintain traditional features and the overall style of theatrical performances is that many 62 former artists and scriptwriters of Bio-theatre have taken part in playwriting for it even after graduation. Those graduates who assist in writing scripts for stage productions at least twice a year get the so-called «life ticket», i.e. free admission to all future performances of the Bio-theatre.

«VITA» NEWSPAPER

The founder and ﬁ rst editor of the newspaper was Nicolay Ges, a student of Biological Faculty and a very talented person, who has later become a professional journalist. The newspaper «Vita» has played an important part in the life of the Faculty. Its ﬁ rst edition was published in 1948 and up until 1960s the newspaper was called «For Michurinist’s Biology», but among students it has always been called «Vita». The editorial board of the newspaper has changed with years, but its style has remained unchanged. Despite the global changes «Vita» is still alive and recog- nisable. Electronic version of recent issues can be found on the university website. All old issues of the newspaper are archived. It is worth publishing them from time to time to make the history come alive.

SPORT AND LEISURE

There are compulsory (to all students) Sports and Exercise classes. Additionally, the Physical Education Faculty runs sports competitions (under the responsibility of I. I. Larchenko, Senior Teaching Ofﬁ cer, Department of Physical Education and Sports). Regular student competitions in table tennis, chess, football and foot orienteering organised take place in the Faculty. There is also a competition between Men’s Basketball Student Team and the Team of Lecturers headed by Docent Alexander G. Pesnyakevich. There have been many Master of Sports and Candidates for Master of Sports among graduates and students of Biological Faculty. The majority of students are involved in various sports clubs and societies, many of them take part in university and city competitions and some compete at national and international level.

63 Content

INTRODUCTION...... 3 GENERAL INFORMATION...... 5 EDUCATION AND TRAINING...... 6 RESEARCH...... 8 FACULTY STRUCTURE...... 10 DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY...... 11 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AND ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY...... 15 DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY...... 19 DEPARTMENT OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY ...... 23 DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS...... 29 DEPARTMENT OF Microbiology...... 34 DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY...... 39 DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL ECOLOGY AND BIOLOGY TEACHING...... 44 DEPARTMENT of MOLECULAR BIOLOGY...... 48 RESEARCH LABORATORY OF HYDROECOLOGY...... 52 GEORGIY VINBERG NAROCH BIOLOGICAL STATION...... 55 MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY...... 58 BOTANICAL GARDEN...... 60 STUDENT LIFE...... 62

64 Справочное издание

Лысак Владимир Васильевич Демидчик Вадим Викторович Павлова Наталья Сергеевна и др.

Faculty of Biology of Belarusian State University

Биологический факультет Белорусского государственного университета

На английском языке

Редактор А. А. Федосеева Художник обложки Т. Ю. Таран Технический редактор Т. К. Раманович Компьютерная верстка О. Н. Сырель Корректор В. И. Богданович

Подписано в печать 12.12.2012. Формат 60×84/8. Бумага мелованная. Печать офсетная. Усл. печ. л. 7,44. Уч.-изд. л. 7,2. Тираж 100 экз. Заказ 97. Белорусский государственный университет. ЛИ № 02330/0494425 от 08.04.2009. Пр. Независимости, 4, 220030, Минск. Республиканское унитарное предприятие «Издательский центр Белорусского государственного университета». ЛП № 02330/0494178 от 03.04.2009. Ул. Красноармейская, 6, 220030, Минск.