Isolation of nitrogen fixing bacteria from termite gut

Termite is a detritus feeder as they feed on dead plant or animal matter. 36 isolates were identified from the gut of termites sampled from Agropark, UMK, Kampus Jeli
and Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang. All of the 36 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 selective NFM are transparent and slimy. The isolates were further observed for morphological characteristic by streaking on nutrient agar and Gram staining. Based on morphological and cellular characterisation, it was concluded that all the 36
isolates are belong to five different bacterial strains. The five strains then labelled as A1N, B2B. C2B, D12B and E2B. Several tests were also conducted on the isolates
including catalase test, oxidase test and nitrate reduction test. Two isolates were selected to undergo molecular characterizations which are isolate D12B and E2B. DNA of the bacteria was extracted. Amplification of 16S rDNA was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. PCR product from both isolates were observed at the range of 1000-1500bp. Unfortunately nifH gene was unable to be amplified, might be due to unsuitable primers used for the targeted conserved nifH gene.