Isolation, 16s-RNA Sequencing, and Phylogenetic Tree Analysis of a Bacterial Isolate from Earthworms
Sugunadevi Govindasamy *
PG Department of Biochemistry, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India.
Anbu Singaravelu
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chengalpattu (Dist), Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Earthworms, often referred to as "ecosystem engineers", play a vital role in soil health by decomposing organic matter, cycling nutrients, and fostering microbial biodiversity. This study focuses on isolating and identifying bacteria associated with earthworms using molecular techniques. Bacterial colonies were isolated from earthworm tissue, characterized morphologically and biochemically, and subjected to 16S rDNA sequencing for genetic identification. Bioinformatics analysis using BLAST and phylogenetic tree construction revealed the isolate as Acinetobacter junii, a bacterium with known biotechnological potential. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed its evolutionary relationship with closely related species, highlighting its ecological significance. Acinetobacter junii exhibits traits such as biodegradation of organic pollutants, resistance to environmental stressors, and plant growth promotion through the synthesis of phytohormones and nutrient solubilization. These attributes position it as a promising candidate for applications in biofertilizer development, sustainable agriculture, and bioremediation. The study underscores the importance of exploring earthworm-associated microbiomes as a reservoir of beneficial microorganisms and provides a foundation for future research into their ecological and agricultural applications.
Keywords: Earthworms, microbial diversity, Acinetobacter junii, 16S rDNA sequencing, phylogenetic analysis