Laccases (EC: 1.10.3.2) are known to be produced by a variety of bacteria and fungi and their applications at industrial level have stimulated interest to explore their lignolytic activity in several microbes to be used as bio-resources. In this study, laccase degrading bacterial colony characterization visual inspection was carried out and irregular, circular shape, brown, red, pinkish and creamish colour was found. Besides these elevation and margin was raised and smooth. Most of the bacteria were found to be Gram positive. Motility was positive and IMViC test was done for biochemical characterization in which MR, VP, indole and citrate test, and urease test were negative. Catalase and laccase tests were positive for all the strains. Highest bacterial growth was recorded at 60°C with pH 9.0 and bacteria optimum growth was recorded in 24 h. Genetic diversity analysis was performed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) based markers. A total of 35 markers were used for the genetic diversity analysis. Both bacterial showed 80% dissimilarities to each other and on the basis of genetic analysis and biochemical test, they were also the same.

Keywords: Laccase, thermophilic bacteria, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), genetic diversity, biochemical characterization.