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Why sequence Nitrosomas cryotolerans and Nitrosospira birensis for comparative phylogenomics of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria?

The process by which ammonia or ammonium is reduced to nitrate or nitrite is known as nitrification. The nitrogen cycle is considered to be one of the most impacted by humans, with factors such as industrially produced fertilizers and nitrogen-fixing crops adding more nitrogen to the terrestrial system than natural sources. Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) help… [Read More]

Why sequence thermotogales strain mesG1.Ag.4.1?

Several years ago, the DOE JGI sequenced the genomes of seven members of the Thermotogales family, in part to find bacterial enzymes that are capable of breaking down biomass and are stable at high temperatures. Thus far, characterized members of the Thermotogales family have fallen into one of two categories: anaerobic thermophiles or hyperthermophiles. Researchers… [Read More]

Why sequence haloalkaliphilic chemolithoautotrophic Thioalkalivibrio bacteria?

Thiocyanate is a compound that is formed as a waste byproduct of indeustrial processes that lead to the production of precious metals or in processing fossil fuels. Currently, removing thiocyanate from industrial waste streams involves the use of sulfur-oxidizing Thiobacillus bacteria, which results in highly alkaline thiocyanate detoxification streams that need further neutralization before they… [Read More]

Why sequence Acetobacter aceti ATCC 23746?

Acetobacter are most commonly known as the bacteria responsible for the production of vinegar. They are frequently found in grain-based fermentations such as wine and beer production, and can reduce product yields by increasing the acidity of the batch. Because these Gram-negative bacteria are strictly aerobic, they are often limited in ethanol plants to areas… [Read More]

Why sequence marine Roseobacter RCA cluster bacterial strain LE17?

The oceans cover more than two-thirds of the planet’s surface, and absorb a significant portion of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Keeping the carbon trapped in the oceans depends on two main factors: the rate of particle production and the rate of particle dissolution. One of the challenges in understanding the role the marine… [Read More]

Why sequence cyanobacteria (Synechocystis) transcriptome?

Found in a diverse range of environments, cyanobacteria play a significant role in the global atmospheric carbon cycle; in the oceans, they are responsible for reducing the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere by as much as 400 parts per million (ppm). Researchers are interested in learning more about how cyanobacteria react to environmental stressors… [Read More]

Why sequence ORFRC Rahnella sp. Y9602?

Studies done at the DOE Oak Ridge Integrated Field Research Center (ORFRC) have shown that some microbes have the ability to effectively pull out heavy metals and other hazardous material from contaminated soils and groundwater. One of these microbes is Rahnella sp. Y9602, which has been shown to contain an enzyme that can effectively pull… [Read More]

Why sequence obligate syntrophic bacteria capable of phthalate isomer compound degradation in methanogenic conditions?

Aromatic compounds make up a large portion of biomass and are important intermediates in the global carbon cycling. Among the most industrially used aromatic compounds are phenol and pthalate isomers, which are commonly discharged in industrial wastewater and have been listed as priority pollutants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Aromatic compounds can be broken… [Read More]

Why sequence a comparison of novel methanogens from peatlands and bioreactors?

Methanogens play a critical role in breaking down organic matters under anaerobic ecosystems such as peatlands and anaerobic digestion processes. Additionally, methane production from peatlands is estimated to contribute around 20 percent of total annual methane emissions in the world. Though methane is considered the second-most potent greenhouse gas, it is also a viable alternative… [Read More]

Why sequence for reverse metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli?

Bioenergy researchers are interested in harnessing microbes to produce alcohols for fuel use because these cells are relatively easy to grow and study. The bacteria Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium glutamucum, both of which have been used to produce alcohols, have already been sequenced and had their genomes annotated. For this project, mutants of E. coli… [Read More]