ISSN: 0973-7510
E-ISSN: 2581-690X
Dietzia sp. K44, a moderately hydrophobic actinobacterium was found to utilize hexadecane at a very slow rate at optimal temperature and pH of 30 °C and 8, respectively. Reduction in the surface tension of the growth medium signified alkane degradation. This was further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction of genomic DNA using degenerate oligonucleotide primers for alkane hydroxylase gene. An amplified product of 550bp was obtained that was cloned into pDRIVE vector. Sequencing of this partial alkane hydroxylase gene from Dietzia sp. K44 showed significant amino acid sequence homology with Rhodococcus sp. 1BN putative alkane hydroxylase suggesting a similar mechanism of alkane degradation in Dietzia and Rhodococcus species.
Dietzia sp. K44, alkB gene, surface tension, biosurfactant
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