Thermophilic and hyperthermophilic microorganisms are an important component of geothermal ecosystems, which include continental hot springs, solfataras, and both shallow and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. These organisms play a critical role in our understanding of several fundamental biological processes, such as microbial adaptations to elevated temperatures and prokaryotic evolution, and they represent a natural source for…
Why Sequence Starkeya novella?
In the context of global warming, understanding how ecosystems contribute to the cycling of carbon compounds and how these systems will react to changing climatic conditions is becoming more and more important. At present, knowledge about the microbial contributions to carbon and sulfur transformations, especially in terrestrial ecosystems, is limited. While tallying up contributions to…
Why Sequence “Selenospirillum indicus”?
“Selenospirillum indicus” is the first cultured species of the proposed new genus “Selenospirillum“, and the sequencing of its genome will expand the range of experimental approaches that researchers can use to characterize its metabolic pathways for energy production and understand how these pathways are regulated. “S. indicus” is notable for its ability to reduce selenate…
Why Sequence Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans?
Ethers such as 1,4-dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, and methyl tert-butyl ether are widespread contaminants of groundwater resources. 1,4-Dioxane is widely used as a stabilizer for chlorinated solvents such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA). 1,4-Dioxane is a carcinogen, and causes acute toxic effects on the nervous system, liver, and kidneys. One promising approach for remediating 1,4-dioxane-impacted water supplies is in-situ…
Why Sequence Natrialba magadii?
Natrialba magadii is an extremophile in the extreme. It thrives in alkaline hypersaline conditions (pH 9.5, 3.5 M NaCl) and encodes enzymes that are not only salt tolerant but also often tolerant of high pH, high temperatures, and the presence of solvents. Genomic sequencing of this haloalkaliphilic (i.e., thriving in high salt concentrations and high…
Why Sequence Two Micromonosporas?
DOE-JGi will sequence the genomes of two members of the Micromonosporaceae: Micromonospora strain L5, which was originally isolated from roots of Casuarina equisetifolia, an actinorhizal plant that is nodulated by Frankia, and recently shown to fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia; and the ATCC strain M. aurantiaca 27029, which, based on 16S RNA DNA phylogeny, is…
Why Sequence Type I and II Methanotrophs?
Methanotrophic bacteria are absolutely vital for the global carbon cycle and to carbon sequestration, as they constitute the largest known biological methane sink. Methanotrophs are also central to the bioremediation and biofuel development goals of the DOE. To date, only two methanotrophic bacteria have undergone complete genome sequencing, and only one sequence is available to…
Why Sequence Thermophilic Methanoarchaea?
Microbes that reduce carbon dioxide to methane catalyze a significant component of the carbon cycle on Earth and are responsible for most of the methane in the atmospere. Since methane contributes significantly to the greenhouse effect, understanding the biological controls on emissions of methane may provide the opportunity to compensate for the emission of other…
Why Sequence Halothiobacillus neapolitanus and Thiomonas intermedia?
The aerobic sulfur bacteria Halothiobacillus neapolitanus and Thiomonas intermedia are representatives of two groups of proteobacteria (gamma- and beta-, respectively). Both play important roles in the global biogeochemical carbon and sulfur cycles by virtue of their ability to satisfy their carbon and energy needs entirely with inorganic compounds (CO2 and reduced sulfur compounds, respectively). Sulfur…
Why Sequence Bacteria That Reduce Sulfur Compounds?
Combustion of sulfur-containing fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, contributes significantly to global environmental problems, such as air pollution and acid rain. In addition, sulfur dioxide also supports reactions that create ozone depletion in the stratosphere. So, removal of sulfur compounds from energy carriers is essential for a clean and healthy environment. A…