Context

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), along with the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), recently launched the 'One Day One Genome' initiative to harness microbial genomic data. This initiative was inaugurated on the 1st foundation day of BRIC at the National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi.

What is the One Day One Genome Initiative?

1.     About the Initiative:

o    Aims to showcase India’s unique microbial diversity and its applications in the environment, agriculture, and human health.

o    Involves the public release of fully annotated bacterial genomes along with summaries and infographics.

2.     Objective:

o    Enhance understanding of microbial genomics and promote sustainable solutions for agriculture, health, and environmental challenges.

3.     Coordination:

o    Led by BRIC-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (BRIC-NIBMG) under the Department of Biotechnology.

Potential Benefits of the Initiative

1.     Environmental Applications:

o    Identifying microbes for waste management and pollution control strategies.

o    Utilizing microbes for breaking down toxic pollutants and organic waste.

2.     Agricultural Benefits:

o    Improving crop yields through beneficial microbes.

o    Enhancing soil fertility and sustainable farming practices via nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling.

3.     Healthcare Innovations:

o    Discovering microbes with antimicrobial properties for developing new drugs.

o    Better understanding of microbial functions in immunity and digestion.

What is Genome Sequencing?

1.     Definition:

o    Genome sequencing involves determining the exact order of DNA or RNA bases in an organism's genome.

2.     Process:

o    Extraction: DNA/RNA is extracted from cells.

o    Library Preparation: DNA/RNA is converted to double-stranded DNA, fragmented, and modified to prepare for sequencing.

o    Sequencing: The library is processed in a sequencer to identify nucleotide bases.

3.     Applications:

o    Understanding microbial dynamics and traits like antimicrobial resistance.

o    Advancing public health, agriculture, and environmental management.

Microorganisms’ Role in Environment, Agriculture, and Human Health

1.     Environmental Role:

o    Crucial in biogeochemical cycles like nitrogen and carbon cycles.

o    Aid in waste decomposition and toxic pollutant breakdown.

o    Example: Clostridium and Methanogens break down organic matter into methane and carbon dioxide.

2.     Agricultural Role:

o    Contribute to nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and pest control.

o    Example: Rhizobium bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen for plants like beans and peas.

3.     Human Health Role:

o    Support digestion, immunity, and mental health.

o    Example: Lactobacillus bacteria aid in breaking down lactose and carbohydrates.

Conclusion

The One Day One Genome Initiative underscores India’s commitment to advancing microbial genomics for sustainable solutions in agriculture, health, and environmental management. By leveraging genome sequencing, this initiative aims to unlock the potential of microbial diversity, aligning with global efforts to address pressing challenges in these domains.

Value Addition

• Quote: "Genomic data is the blueprint for innovation in health, agriculture, and the environment."
• Fact: India is home to a vast microbial diversity that remains largely untapped for scientific and industrial applications.

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)

MCQs for Practice-

1. With reference to the 'One Day One Genome' initiative, consider the following statements:

1.     It is an initiative launched by the Department of Biotechnology to analyze India’s microbial diversity.

2.     The initiative aims to publicly release annotated human genomes from India.

3.     It is coordinated by BRIC-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG).

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b)

2. Which of the following is/are potential benefits of genome sequencing of microorganisms under the One Day One Genome Initiative?

1.     Improved waste management and pollution control.

2.     Enhanced crop yields through sustainable farming practices.

3.     Development of new antimicrobial drugs.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (d)

3. With reference to genome sequencing, consider the following statements:

1.     It involves determining the sequence of DNA or RNA bases in an organism’s genome.

2.     The process requires converting single-stranded DNA into double-stranded DNA.

3.     Genome sequencing is limited to studying genetic markers in plants.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a)

4. How can microorganisms contribute to agriculture and environmental sustainability?

1.     By fixing atmospheric nitrogen in soil.

2.     By breaking down organic waste and toxic pollutants.

3.     By serving as direct replacements for chemical fertilizers.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a)

5. With reference to genome sequencing, consider the following applications:

1.     Deciphering host-pathogen relationships in crops.

2.     Identifying genetic traits for disease resistance in plants.

3.     Reducing time for the development of new crop varieties.

Which of the above are immediate applications of genome sequencing in agriculture?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (d)