The complete genome sequence of Lactobacillus bulgaricus reveals extensive and ongoing reductive evolution.

ABSTRACT: Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus) is a representative of the group of lactic acid-producing bacteria, mainly known for its worldwide application in yogurt production. The genome sequence of this bacterium has been determined and shows the signs of ongoing specialization, with a substantial number of pseudogenes and incomplete metabolic pathways and relatively few regulatory functions. Several unique features of the L. bulgaricus genome support the hypothesis that the genome is in a phase of rapid evolution. (i) Exceptionally high numbers of rRNA and tRNA genes with regard to genome size may indicate that the L. bulgaricus genome has known a recent phase of important size reduction, in agreement with the observed high frequency of gene inactivation and elimination; (

SUBMITTER: van de Guchte M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1482600 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature