Evolution of acetoclastic methanogenesis in Methanosarcina via horizontal gene transfer from cellulolytic Clostridia.

ABSTRACT: Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that two genes required for acetoclastic methanogenesis, ackA and pta, were horizontally transferred to the ancestor of Methanosarcina from a derived cellulolytic organism in the class Clostridia. This event likely occurred within the last 475 million years, causing profound changes in planetary methane biogeochemistry.

SUBMITTER: Fournier GP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2223567 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature