Single-cell genome and metatranscriptome sequencing reveal metabolic interactions of an alkane-degrading methanogenic community.

ABSTRACT: Microbial interactions have a key role in global geochemical cycles. Although we possess significant knowledge about the general biochemical processes occurring in microbial communities, we are often unable to decipher key functions of individual microorganisms within the environment in part owing to the inability to cultivate or study them in isolation. Here, we circumvent this shortcoming through the use of single-cell genome sequencing and a novel low-input metatranscriptomics protocol to reveal the intricate metabolic capabilities and microbial interactions of an alkane-degrading methanogenic community. This methanogenic consortium oxidizes saturated hydrocarbons under anoxic conditions through a thus-far-uncharacterized biochemical process. The genome sequence of a dominant bacterial

SUBMITTER: Embree M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3960532 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature