Isolates of the bacterial phylum Verrucomicrobia have in common that they are specialized to the utilization of sugars. Their abundance and activity in a large variety of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as in the intestine of vertebrates, indicates that this until recently unknown group of microorganisms plays a major role in the global…
Why Sequence Three Acidovorax Species?
Intimate interactions between bacteria and eukaryotes have influenced the course of organismal evolution and ecological distribution. While ubiquitous, there is generally little understanding of the physiological basis of such associations, particularly when they are nonpathogenic in nature (symbiotic). Earthworms of the family Lumbricidae harbor novel symbiotic betaproteobacteria within their nephridia (excretory organ). Few symbiotic betaprotebacteria…
Why Sequence Xanthoria parietina?
The lichen-forming fungus Xanthoria parietina would be the first lichen fungus to be sequenced. A lichen is an association between a fungus (usually an ascomycete) and either a microalga or a cyanobacterium, or both. Lichens are widely regarded as the classic example of a mutualistic symbiosis. Lichens grow in soil-less habitats such as on rocks…
Why Sequence Triphysaria?
Weeds are ubiquitous in agriculture, and the energy expended in their control, be it grueling human labor in developing countries or agrochemical dependence in the developed, far surpasses that of any other farming practice. This project will enhance studies of plant-plant interactions that may lead to novel approaches for weed control. It has long been…
Why Sequence Trichoderma virens?
Trichoderma virens is a haploid, filamentous hyphomycete (a subclass of fungi). As strains of T. virens are used to protect many crops from a variety of pathogens, this species is a model system for elucidating the mechanisms of biological control. Mechanisms being investigated include mycoparasitism and antibiosis (direct interaction with the pathogen), induction of host…
Why Sequence Piromyces?
Members of the phylum Chytridiomycota are unique among the fungi in possessing flagellated zoospores. Furthermore, the anaerobic chytrid fungi represent a unique order (Neocallismasticales) within the chytrids that possess hydrogenosomes (hydrogen- and ATP-producing organelles), lack mitochondria, and grow as commensal organisms in the gut of a variety of herbivores. These obligate anaerobic chytrid symbionts play…
Why Sequence Phytophthora capsici?
Phytophthora capsici is a devastating pathogen of vegetable crops such as cucurbits (squashes, pumpkins, etc.), tomatoes, and peppers. A pathogen of national economic importance, it has recently expanded its host range to include legumes. Sequencing P. capsici will provide vegetable and Phytophthora investigators nationwide with gene models for comprehensive functional genomic studies of natural populations…
Why Sequence Phycomyces blakesleeanus?
The zygomycete fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus has been investigated over several decades for the variety and sensitivity of its responses to light, particularly the phototropism of the giant fruiting body, the sporangiophore. Other light responses investigated in detail are the regulation of sporangiophore development and the regulation of the biosynthesis of beta-carotene. In addition, the Phycomyces…
Why Sequence a Porcelain Crab?
How animals respond to climate change will depend on their thermal habitats and their thermal phenotypes. The thermal phenotype of an organism (heat and cold tolerance, thermal range, and thermal plasticity) is an essential feature of how the organism performs across thermal environments and in response to thermal stress. Porcelain crabs are of interest in…
Why Sequence Amphipod Crustaceans?
This project comprises preliminary directed genome and EST sequencing of two species of amphipod crustaceans. Parhyale hawaiensis is becoming an established “new model” organism for developmental studies within the arthropods. Jassa slatteryi is another related amphipod crustacean found to have an unusually small genome relative to other amphipods. These species have phylogenetically strategic positions with…