# Draft genome sequence of benzo[a]pyrene degrading Bacillus altitudinis strain AR19 isolated from Digboi oil refinery (India)

## TL;DR

Scientists sequenced the genome of a bacteria that can break down a harmful chemical found in oil, which could help in cleaning up oil pollution.

## Contribution

The paper presents the first draft genome sequence of a benzo[a]pyrene-degrading Bacillus altitudinis strain from an oil refinery environment.

## Key findings

- The genome contains genes for ring-cleaving dioxygenases, which may help degrade benzo[a]pyrene.
- The genome includes genes related to biofilm formation, aiding survival in hydrocarbon-rich environments.

## Abstract

Bacillus altitudinis AR19, isolated from the Digboi oil refinery (India), has a genome size of 3,630,000 bp with a G+C content of 42.45%. The genome encodes 3,755 protein-coding genes, including those for ring-cleaving dioxygenases and biofilm formation. These genes likely play crucial roles in the bacterium’s survival in hydrocarbon-enriched environments.