Context: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has released detailed graphical summaries, infographics, and other details of over 100 bacterial genomes as part of the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative launched to harness the microbial potential of India.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: One Day One Genome Initiative; Beneficial use cases of Bacteria.
One Day One Genome Initiative
- Initiative of: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), launched in 2024.
- Aim: To highlight the unique bacterial species found in India and emphasise their critical roles in the environment, agriculture, and human health.
- It aims to make genomic data more accessible to researchers, students and the general public.
Some unique bacterial species under research include:
- The genome of microbeMethylophaga lonarensis found at Lonar lake, Maharashtra has shown a high degree of specialisation that includes the production of ectoine, a valuable molecule with promising applications in skincare.
- Formed by a meteorite impact, Lonar Lake is one of the rare soda lakes. Its extreme conditions—high salinity, elevated pH, and limited nutrients—make survival difficult for most life forms.
- Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (ILSF15) is a novel probiotic bacterial strain isolated and characterised from the gut samples of tribes of Odisha. Genomic studies discovered genes linked to probiotic features, survival traits, and, importantly, how it can resist acid/bile and lower cholesterol in vitro.
The study of genomes of these diverse bacterial species can support important sustainable research.
Key facts about Bacteria
- Microscopic, single-celled organisms (prokaryotic microorganisms).
- Bacteria inhabit the air, soil, water, acidic hot springs, radioactive waste, and the deep biosphere of Earth's crust.
Beneficial use cases of Bacteria
- Soil fertility: Convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-usable form; aid in nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus.
- Food Industry: Fermentation of various food products (curd, cheese), preservation of food; development of distinct flavours and textures; probiotics.
- Biomedical use: Used as a host organism in genetic engineering to produce various proteins, enzymes, and other products (like insulin, growth hormones etc). Used as vectors (vehicles) to carry therapeutic genes into human tissues.
- Biofuel production: GM bacteria and cyanobacteria can be used for biofuel production.
- Biogas production: Break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas (methane and carbon dioxide) as a byproduct.
- Bioremediation: Can break down a range of pollutants, including hydrocarbons and toxic chemicals to clean up contaminated environments.