The Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Mosul, held the defense of a Ph.D. dissertation on Thursday, June 18, 2026, entitled:

“Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of β-1,3-Glucanase Isolated from Indigenous Soil Fungi and the Study of Some of Its Biological Applications.”

Part of the defense was attended by the Dean of the College of Science, Prof. Dr. Hiyam Adel Ibrahim, along with the Assistant Deans for Scientific and Administrative Affairs, in addition to a number of faculty members and postgraduate students.

The dissertation, submitted by Ms. Zahraa Khazal Hamdoon Al-Sawwaf from the Botany Branch, investigated the isolation of 182 yeast isolates from various plant sources. Eight of these strains were registered for the first time in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database.

The findings demonstrated the effectiveness of cold laser irradiation in enhancing the production of the β-1,3-Glucanase enzyme by the yeast Pichia fermentans, with successful extraction and purification of the enzyme.

The study also revealed the enzyme’s stimulatory role in improving seed germination and physiological characteristics of black seed (Nigella sativa), in addition to increasing the production of thymoquinone. Furthermore, the results confirmed the yeast’s ability to biodegrade crude oil pollutants in contaminated water, accompanied by increased gene expression of the CYP and POX-1 genes, highlighting its promising potential in agricultural, environmental, and biotechnological applications.

The examination committee was chaired by Prof. Dr. Muthanna Jassim Mohammed, with Prof. Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed, Prof. Dr. Fatin Nouri Abd, Asst. Prof. Dr. Anfal Muayyad Jalal Al-Din, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Ramadan Yousif Mohammed serving as members.

The dissertation was supervised by Prof. Dr. Amjad Abdul Hadi Mohammed and Asst. Prof. Dr. Badia Abdul Razzaq Jamal, who also served as members of the examination committee.

At the conclusion of the defense, the Dean of the College, Prof. Dr. Hiyam Adel Ibrahim, presented a Letter of Appreciation to Asst. Prof. Dr. Ramadan Yousif Mohammed, a faculty member at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University, in recognition of his valuable scientific contributions and active participation as a member of the examination committee.

We wish our students continued success, progress, and prosperity.

Media and Government Communication Division

Thursday, June 18, 2026