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1: Trends Microbiol. 2008 Feb;16(2):41-3. Epub 2008 Jan 7.Click here to read Links

Coloring in the tree of life.

Raymond J.

School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95301, USA. jason.raymond@ucmerced.edu

Metagenome sequencing presents an exciting new tool for assessing microbial diversity in complex, natural communities that cannot be cultured in the laboratory. Using metagenomics as a starting point, Bryant et al. (2007) have discovered a new thermophilic phototroph from a poorly characterized bacterial phylum with no previously known photosynthetic members, extending the range of photosynthesis into a new branch on the tree of life. This new organism, Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum, encompasses a mélange of traits distinct from known phototrophs.

PMID: 18182293 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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