Shiv Nadar University 2 articles published in JoVE Genetics Reverse Genetics to Engineer Positive-Sense RNA Virus Variants Shalini Soni1, Shubhra Agarwal1, Rakesh Aggarwal2, Naga Suresh Veerapu1 1Virology Section, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, 2Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences The protocol describes a method for introducing controllable genetic diversity in the hepatitis C virus genome by combining full-length mutant RNA synthesis using error-prone PCR and reverse genetics. The method provides a model for phenotype selection and can be used for 10 kb long positive-sense RNA virus genomes. Environment Isolation, Propagation, and Identification of Bacterial Species with Hydrocarbon Metabolizing Properties from Aquatic Habitats Deepa Sethi1, Richa Priyadarshini1 1Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University We present the process of isolating, propagating, and characterizing hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria from aquatic habitats. The protocol outlines bacterial isolation, identification by the 16S rRNA method, and testing of their hydrocarbon-degrading potential. This article would help researchers in characterizing microbial biodiversity in environmental samples, and specifically screen for microbes with bioremediation potential.