Washington: The Earth is estimated to have
about a nonillion (10 to the power 30) microbes in, on, around
and under it, comprised of an unknown but very large number of
distinct species, the first volume of microbial encyclopedia
reported.
A preview of the initial "volume" of the Genomic
Encyclopedia of Bacteria and Archaea (GEBA), which was
published by the Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute
(DOE JGI), has recently appeared in journal Nature.
The report presented an analysis of the first 56 genomes
representing two of the three domains of the tree of life.
"Microbes mediate almost every conceivable biological
process on the planet and genome sequencing has revolutionised
our understanding of the diverse roles that they play," said
DOE JGI Director Eddy Rubin.
Despite the widespread availability of microbial genome
data -- close to 2,000 microbes have been and are being
decoded to date -- a vast unknown realm awaits scientists
intent on exploring microorganisms that inhabit this
"undiscovered country".
"The information from this first set of organisms has
provided a rich source of novel enzymes and detailed
biochemical pathways that can help scientists optimise
processes of critical importance to areas of biofuels
production, bioremediation and how carbon is captured and
cycled in the environment," Rubin said.
PTI
