Genomic and phenotypic differentiation among Methanosarcina mazei populations from Columbia River sediment.

ABSTRACT: Methanogenic archaea are genotypically and phenotypically diverse organisms that are integral to carbon cycling in anaerobic environments. Owing to their genetic tractability and ability to be readily cultivated, Methanosarcina spp. have become a powerful model system for understanding methanogen biology at the cellular systems level. However, relatively little is known of how genotypic and phenotypic variation is partitioned in Methanosarcina populations inhabiting natural environments and the possible ecological and evolutionary implications of such variation. Here, we have identified how genomic and phenotypic diversity is partitioned within and between Methanosarcina mazei populations obtained from two different sediment environments in the Columbia River Estuary (Oregon, USA). Populat

SUBMITTER: Youngblut ND 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4579472 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature