One Day One Genome Initiative Launched in India

The ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative was launched on 9th November 2024. This event coincided with the foundation day of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) at the National Institute of Immunology in New Delhi. The initiative aims to highlight India’s vast microbial diversity and its significance in various sectors such as agriculture, environment, and human health. The announcement was made by Shri Amitabh Kant, India’s G-20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog.

Significance of Microorganisms

Microorganisms play important role in our ecosystem. They are involved in biogeochemical cycles, soil formation, and the degradation of organic waste. Additionally, they help purify minerals and produce methane. This microbial activity is essential for maintaining ecological balance.

Microbial Role in Agriculture

In agriculture, microbes are vital for nutrient cycling and nitrogen fixation. They enhance soil fertility and help control pests and weeds. Microorganisms also assist plants in nutrient and water uptake through symbiotic relationships, supporting sustainable farming practices.

Impact on Human Health

Microbes are indispensable to human health. The human body contains more microbial cells than human cells. These microorganisms aid in digestion, boost immunity, and even influence mental health. While pathogenic microbes can cause diseases, non-pathogenic ones are essential for defending against infections.

Genome Sequencing Benefits

The initiative will focus on genome sequencing of unique bacterial species. This will help uncover their hidden potentials, including enzyme capabilities and antimicrobial resistance. The sequencing data will provide insights beneficial for environmental protection, agricultural advancements, and health improvements.

Public Accessibility and Community Engagement

The initiative aims to release fully annotated genomes of isolated bacteria, making them freely available to the public. This will be accompanied by graphical summaries and infographics detailing genome assembly and annotation. The goal is to enhance public understanding and stimulate innovation in microbial research.

Collaboration and Future Prospects

The initiative is coordinated by BRIC and the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics. Collaboration among various stakeholders will encourage discussions and innovations that benefit the ecosystem and community at large.

Questions for UPSC:

1. What are the roles of microorganisms in maintaining ecological balance? Critically analyse their significance in agriculture.
2. Estimate the potential impact of the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative on public health and environmental management.
3. Point out the relationship between microbial diversity and human health. Provide suitable examples.
4. What is genome sequencing? How does it contribute to advancements in biotechnology and agriculture?

Answer Hints:

1. What are the roles of microorganisms in maintaining ecological balance? Critically analyse their significance in agriculture.

1. Microorganisms are essential in biogeochemical cycles, aiding in nutrient cycling and soil formation.
2. They help degrade organic waste and toxic pollutants, contributing to environmental health.
3. In agriculture, they enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling.
4. Microbes control pests and weeds, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting sustainable practices.
5. Symbiotic relationships with plants improve water and nutrient uptake, supporting crop yield and resilience.

2. Estimate the potential impact of the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative on public health and environmental management.

1. The initiative will enhance understanding of microbial genomes, revealing their roles in health and disease prevention.
2. It promotes research into antimicrobial resistance, aiding in the development of new treatments for infections.
3. By improving microbial management, it can lead to better environmental protection strategies.
4. The initiative encourages public engagement and awareness of microbial benefits, encouraging community health initiatives.
5. Access to genomic data may stimulate innovations in agriculture, enhancing food security and ecosystem sustainability.

3. Point out the relationship between microbial diversity and human health. Provide suitable examples.

1. Microbial diversity in the gut microbiome is crucial for digestion and nutrient absorption.
2. A diverse microbiome supports immune function, reducing susceptibility to infections and diseases.
3. Examples include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are beneficial probiotics aiding in gut health.
4. Reduced microbial diversity is linked to conditions like obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.
5. Microbial diversity also influences mental health through the gut-brain axis, impacting mood and behavior.

4. What is genome sequencing? How does it contribute to advancements in biotechnology and agriculture?

1. Genome sequencing is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome.
2. It allows for the identification of genes related to specific traits, enhancing breeding programs in agriculture.
3. Sequencing microbial genomes helps discover novel enzymes and bioactive compounds for biotechnological applications.
4. It aids in understanding microbial resistance mechanisms, crucial for developing effective antibiotics.
5. Genome data can be used to engineer microbes for improved crop resilience and environmental sustainability.