Genome Evolution and Nitrogen Fixation in Bacterial Ectosymbionts of a Protist Inhabiting Wood-Feeding Cockroaches.

ABSTRACT:

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By combining genomics and isotope imaging analysis using high-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), we examined the function and evolution of Bacteroidales ectosymbionts of the protist Barbulanympha from the hindguts of the wood-eating cockroach Cryptocercus punctulatus In particular, we investigated the structure of ectosymbiont genomes, which, in contrast to those of endosymbionts, has been little studied to date, and tested the hypothesis that these ectosymbionts fix nitrogen. Unlike with most obligate endosymbionts, genome reduction has not played a major role in the evolution of the Barbulanympha ectosymbionts. Instead, interaction with the external environment has remained important for this symbiont as genes for synthesis of transporters, outer me

SUBMITTER: Tai V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4984305 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature