One Day One Genome initiative to harness the microbial potential of India

The initiative will highlight the unique bacterial species found in the country and emphasize their critical roles in environment, agriculture and the human health.

Hyderabad: A unique initiative at understanding bacterial species in the country through genome sequencing titled ‘One Day One Genome’ has been launched by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), in which Hyderabad-based Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) is a member.

According to CDFD scientists, the initiative will highlight the unique bacterial species found in the country and emphasize their critical roles in environment, agriculture and the human health. It will release a fully annotated bacteriological genome isolated in the country freely available to public complemented with a detailed graphical summary, infographics and genome assembly/annotation details.

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Genome sequencing will allow the visualization of the hidden potential of the microbial world to the community at large. Sequencing data can be analyzed to identify the genome encoded capacities for various important enzymes, antimicrobial resistance, bio active compounds etc. Research in this field will lead to the benefit of better protection and management of our environment, development in agriculture and improvement in human health, CDFD scientists said.

Microorganisms are crucial for our ecosystem. They play an important role in all biogeochemical cycles, soil formation, mineral purification, degradation of organic wastes and toxic pollutants along with methane production. Cumulatively they help to maintain the homeostasis in our planet. In agriculture, they help in nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, maintaining soil fertility, controlling pest and weeds and stress responses.