Analysis of the Pseudoalteromonas tunicata genome reveals properties of a surface-associated life style in the marine environment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Colonisation of sessile eukaryotic host surfaces (e.g. invertebrates and seaweeds) by bacteria is common in the marine environment and is expected to create significant inter-species competition and other interactions. The bacterium Pseudoalteromonas tunicata is a successful competitor on marine surfaces owing primarily to its ability to produce a number of inhibitory molecules. As such P. tunicata has become a model organism for the studies into processes of surface colonisation and eukaryotic host-bacteria interactions.

Methodology/principal findings

To gain a broader understanding into the adaptation to a surface-associated life-style, we have sequenced and analysed the genome of P. tunicata and compared it to the genomes of closely related strains. We found th

SUBMITTER: Thomas T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2536512 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature