Detection the influence of plasmid involvement in hydrocarbon utilization by a Streptomyces sp. Isolated from contaminated soil surrounding local generators

Abstract

A Streptomyces sp. isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated soil surrounding local generators was investigated to determine the involvement of plasmid DNA in hydrocarbon utilization. This was made by cultivating the bacterium on a complete medium for 10 sub – cultures without the stress factor (diesel) in a high temperature (450C) of incubation as a physical way to cure plasmid DNA and avoiding DNA alteration if chemical method is used. Surface tension calculations for control (media only), media + diesel, and media + diesel + Streptomyces from 10th sub – culture showed significant change when compared to each other and was a match to that measured for original culture of the bacterium indicating that there is no plasmid DNA involvement in hydrocarbon utilization. This was confirmed by plasmid isolation from both the 10th sub – culture and original one which showed the loss of a band when compared to each other.