Sequencing the metagenomes of microbial communities that inhabit soda lakes and soda solonchak (salt marsh) soils will uncover the microbial diversity of these extreme environments, and provide insight into the molecular mechanisms for adaptation to high pH and high salinity, the CO2-uptake mechanisms, and the pathways that generate energy from sulfur compounds. In addition, the results should inform whether there are enzymes present that can be used for biotechnological purposes, such as enzymes that can hydrolyze lignocellulose and other biopolymers (e.g., pectin, xylan, and chitin) which can be used as novel feedstocks for the production of biofuels or specialty chemicals.
Principal Investigators: Gerard Muyzer, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands
Program: CSP 2011