The detection and phylogenetic analysis of the alkane 1-monooxygenase gene of members of the

genus Rhodococcus

IMPORTANCE OF THE RESEARCH

Members of the Gram-positive Actinobacteria are present in various biotopes, especially in petroleum
hydrocarbon contaminated environments. Their catabolic activities and rich mycolic acids in the cell wall
contribute to the degradation of the pollutants. Among the Actinobacteria, the metabolically diverse
genus Rhodococcus has been recognized as containing valuable microorganisms in recent years. Most of
the species present in this genus have been isolated for their abilities either to degrade environmental
pollutants, xenobiotics or other slowly biodegradable natural polymers.

The high diversity of catabolic genes among different bacterial taxa and low availability of sequence
information limit the exploration of numerous catabolic genes in the environment by hybridization or
PCR detection methods.

The alkB gene encodes for alkane 1-monooxygenase, which is a key enzyme responsible for the initial
oxidation of inactivated alkanes. This functional gene can be used as a marker to assess the catabolic
potential of bacteria in bioremediation.

Therefore, the primary aim of the present study was to establish a PCR-based amplification method for
the detection of the alkB gene in members of the genus Rhodococcus and to investigate its applicability
as a phylogenetic marker.

RESULTS WITH CORRESPONDING PRINCIPLE/THEORY

Disclaimer maam, the results and discussion of the study is very complex for a student like me to
comprehend in 1 day. But I will try to explain it to the best of my understanding and knowledge.

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IMPACT TO SOCIETY

Since various homologs of the alkB gene exist and some Rhodococcus strains even harbor four or five
different alkB sequences in their genome, it is essential to find out whether there is a widespread
dominant type among rhodococci that can be a potential phylogenetic marker gene,

Moreover, phylogenetic analysis of functional genes may help to understand better the evolution of the
genus Rhodococcus.

By conducting the study, people will have a wider understanding of how genes, genomes, species (and
molecular sequences more generally) evolve. Specifically, they will know how Rhodococcus genus will
evolve.
This will impact the society by not only providing the lacking information regarding the detection
and phylogenetic analysis of alkane 1-monooxygenase gene of Rhodococcus but also serve as
baseline data that may aid future researchers who will be conducting similar studies that involve
the alkane 1-monooxygenase gene.