The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) is set to launch the first-ever project of Genome Mapping in the Indian Ocean, the third largest body of water in the world. With this innovative initiative, scientists aim to collect samples for mapping the genome of microorganisms present in the ocean. The mapping will provide valuable insights into the biochemistry of the ocean as well as its response to climate change, nutrient stress, and escalating pollution levels.
Project Details: Expenses and Duration
Priced at Rs. 25 crore, this ambitious project is due to take three years to complete. A team of devoted scientists and researchers from the NIO, onboard the research vessel Sindhu Sadhana, will spend 90 days navigating more than 10,000 nautical miles across the Indian Ocean. Their journey will take them from India’s east coast to Australia, then to Port Louis in Mauritius and finally up to the border of Pakistan, off India’s west coast.
Genome Collection Process
During their voyage, the researchers will gather samples from various sections of the ocean, usually at an average depth of about 5 km. Similar to how gene mapping is performed on human blood samples, the scientists will conduct this mapping on bacteria and microorganisms found in the ocean waters. They seek to map the Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) which can provide critical information about nutrients within these organisms and also identify nutrient deficiencies in different areas of the ocean.
The Importance of Studying Trace Elements
Trace metals, including cadmium and copper, are important for ocean productivity. These elements reach oceans through numerous sources such as continental run-offs, atmospheric deposition, hydrothermal activities, and continental shelf interaction. Understanding the interactions of these trace metals with marine biota provides a comprehensive perspective on nutrient cycling and ocean productivity. Furthermore, they can be used as tools to study the biological, geochemical and ecosystem processes, as well as the food web analysis.
Anticipated Benefits of Genome Mapping
The project possesses multiple potential benefits. Firstly, it is expected to enhance understanding of the Indian Ocean’s ecosystem. Secondly, it will help identify factors causing changes in DNA and RNA in the oceans, and how various stressors impact them. Additionally, the genome mapping will reveal the presence of minerals including nitrates, sulphates, silicates, iron ore, zinc, and trace metals like cadmium or copper which these microbes have adapted to, and their reaction to atmospheric carbon dioxide. These results will aid the identification of areas with higher or lower concentrations of certain elements, providing pivotal information for planning mitigation strategies.
The Human Benefit and Boost to Biotechnology
This Genome Mapping project is likely to greatly contribute to human advancement and the biotechnology sector. The extensive pool of oceanic DNA and RNA could be utilized for various human benefits in the future. It opens a plethora of commercial biotechnology applications, ranging from anticancer treatments to cosmetics and industrial enzymes as well as antiviral molecules. Moreover, deep exploration of the ocean at the genetic level is anticipated to uncover new insights into taxonomy and adaptive capacity, thereby optimizing conservation efforts.
About National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
NIO is a multidisciplinary oceanographic research institute and a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi. Established on 1st January 1966 following the International Indian Ocean Expedition, its headquarters are located in Dona Paula, Goa with regional centres in Kochi (Kerala), Mumbai (Maharashtra) and Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh). The institute’s principal research focus has been on observing and understanding the unique oceanographic characteristics of the Indian Ocean. It encompasses the four traditional branches of oceanography – biological, chemical, geological/geophysical and physical, as well as ocean engineering, marine instrumentation and marine archaeology.