AHMEDABAD: Gujarat government has established Gujarat Bio-diversity Gene Bank (GBGB) for conserving microbial resources which are significant to preserve diversified eco-systems.
GBGB, is a repository with close to 200 microbial genomes, related to forest, mining and sub-sea habitats, that are considered significant for conservation of various eco-systems which are under threat of genetic wipeout due to rapid development pressures on land and sea resources.
"Gujarat has widest area in terms of bio-diversity and its eco-systems are subject of study globally; so, there is an utmost need to preserve them," principal secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Ravi Saxena said.
"Under GBGB we have started Bank a Bug' project where the stakeholders can deposit their microbial resources at the facility, and can be stored safely," he added.
The bank operating under Gujarat State Bio-technology Mission (GSBTM), has received over 100 microbial genomes from stakeholders comprising academicians, researches and industry, of which 55 are significant to mining sector where they facilitate natural ore development from earth, Saxena said.
"There is a lot of demand for this kind of public facility, which entails creation of microbial pool essential for conservation of eco-systems," he said.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/Gujarat-govt-sets-up-gene-bank-to-conserve-microbial-resources/articleshow/5660236.cms
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