The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) introduces the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative to showcase the enormous microbial potential of India.
- The launch of ‘One Day One Genome Initiative’ was announced on the 1st foundation day of BRIC held in National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi on 9th November 2024.
- ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative will highlight the unique bacterial species found in our country and emphasize their critical roles in environment, agriculture and the human health.
Microorganisms role
- 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.
- Microorganisms symbiotically associate with plants and help them in nutrient and water uptake.
- They are indispensable part of human body.
- There are much more microbial cells than the number of human cells in a human body.
- They are essential for our digestion, immunity and even mental health.
- All infectious diseases are mainly caused by pathogenic microorganisms on the other hand non-pathogenic microorganisms are indispensable for our defense against infectious diseases.
