Complete Genome Sequence of the Marine Bacterium Saccharophagus degradans
Author Information
Author(s): Weiner Ronald M., Taylor Larry E. II, Henrissat Bernard, Hauser Loren, Land Miriam, Coutinho Pedro M., Rancurel Corinne, Saunders Elizabeth H., Longmire Atkinson G., Zhang Haitao, Bayer Edward A., Gilbert Harry J., Larimer Frank, Zhulin Igor B., Ekborg Nathan A., Lamed Raphael, Richardson Paul M., Borovok Ilya, Hutcheson Steven
Primary Institution: University of Maryland
Hypothesis
Many features of the S. degradans genome are adaptations that facilitate depolymerization of complex polysaccharides in the marine environment.
Conclusion
S. degradans has an unprecedented quantity and diversity of carbohydrases, indicating a significant role in the marine carbon cycle.
Supporting Evidence
- S. degradans can degrade more than 10 complex polysaccharides, including cellulose and chitin.
- The genome contains a large number of genes coding for carbohydrate-active enzymes.
- S. degradans is the first marine bacterium shown to completely mineralize plant material in pure culture.
Takeaway
This study found that a marine bacterium can break down complex sugars from plants and algae, which helps recycle carbon in the ocean.
Methodology
Whole genome shotgun sequencing and finishing were performed by the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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