One Day One Genome Initiative

• 21 Nov 2024

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

Recently, the 'One Day One Genome' initiative was launched by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC). 

• It was launched on the 1st foundation day of BRIC at the National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi. 

What is One Day One Genome Initiative? 

• About: It is an initiative designed to highlight India’s unique microbial diversity  and its role  in the environment, agriculture, and human health, leveraging data from genome sequencing. 
• Objective: It aims to publicly release a fully annotated bacterial genome from India, along with a detailed summary, infographics, and genome data.  
• Coordination: It will be coordinated by Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (BRIC-NIBMG), an institute of the Department of Biotechnology.  
• Potential Benefits:  
  • Understanding microbial functions can lead to better waste management and pollution control strategies. 
  • Insights into beneficial microbes can enhance crop yields and promote sustainable farming practices. 
  • Identifying microbes with antimicrobial properties may lead to new treatments and drugs.

Genome Sequencing

• About: The genome of an organism consists of a unique sequence of DNA or RNA made up of nucleotide bases. Determining the order of these bases is called genomic sequencing. 
  • Genome sequencing helps identify genome-encoded traits such as important enzymes, antimicrobial resistance, and bioactive compounds. 
• Genome Sequencing Process:  
  • Extraction: DNA or RNA is extracted from cells of bacteria, viruses, or pathogens. 
  • Library Preparation: RNA or single-stranded DNA is converted into double-stranded DNA, chopped into shorter pieces, and ends of the fragments are modified. 
    • The sample, now called a "library," is ready for sequencing. 
  • Sequencing: The library is loaded into a sequencer that identifies nucleotide bases using fluorescence or electrical current changes. 
• Applications: It is critical for understanding microbial dynamics, improving public health, managing environments, advancing agriculture, and developing medical solutions.

How Do Microorganisms Contribute to Environment, Agriculture and Human Health?  

• Role in Environment: They play crucial roles in biogeochemical cycles, soil formation, mineral purification, and the breakdown of organic wastes and toxic pollutants. 
  • E.g., Anaerobic bacteria like Clostridium and Methanogens break down organic matter into methane and carbon dioxide. 
• Role in Agriculture: Microorganisms are vital for nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, soil fertility, pest and weed control, and responding to environmental stress. 
  • E.g., Rhizobium bacteria make a symbiotic relationship with leguminous plants (e.g., beans, peas, lentils) to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia that the plant can use. 
• Role in Human Health: They play essential roles in digestion, immunity, and even mental health. 
  • E.g., Lactobacillus bacteria break down lactose (milk sugar) and other carbohydrates into lactic acid.

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Q. With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future? (2017) 

1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (d)