Shiv Nadar University

We present the process of isolating, propagating, and characterizing hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria from aquatic habitats. The protocol outlines bacterial isolation, identification by the 16S rRNA method, and testing of their hydrocarbon-degrading potential. This article would help researchers in characterizing microbial biodiversity in environmental samples, and specifically screen for microbes with bioremediation potential.

The protocol describes a method for introducing controllable genetic diversity in the hepatitis C virus genome by combining full-length mutant RNA synthesis using error-prone PCR and reverse genetics. The method provides a model for phenotype selection and can be used for 10 kb long positive-sense RNA virus genomes.