Isolation of nitrogen fixing bacteria from termite gut

A termite gut is rich in microbial diversity among which are nitrogen fixing bacteria due to their dietary habit which lack in nitrogen sources. 11 isolates were identified from the gut of termites sampled from two areas (area 1 and area 2) in Agropark UMK Jeli Campus, Kelantan. All isolates are able to grow on nitrogen free medium (NFM). Screening of isolates was done on selective medium NFM (Burk's medium and Norris-Glucose medium). The characteristics of the isolates on NFM are transparent, lack pigmentation and slimy texture. The isolates were furthered for morphological characterization using streak method on nutrient agar and Gram staining. Several test were also conducted on the isolates including catalase test, motility test and sulphate reduction. Two isolates were chosen for molecular characterization which is isolate 1F1 and 1/2. The amplification of 16S rDNA and nifH gene through polymerase chain reaction was carried out. The amplification of 16S rDNA showed fragment size of 1324 by by using 68 forward and 1392 reverse primers while nifH gene was unable to be successfully amplified.