Genome of Rhizobium leguminosarum Reveals Core and Accessory Components
Author Information
Author(s): Young J Peter W, Crossman Lisa C, Johnston Andrew WB, Thomson Nicholas R, Ghazoui Zara F, Hull Katherine H, Wexler Margaret, Curson Andrew RJ, Todd Jonathan D, Poole Philip S, Mauchline Tim H, East Alison K, Quail Michael A, Churcher Carol, Arrowsmith Claire, Cherevach Inna, Chillingworth Tracey, Clarke Kay, Cronin Ann, Davis Paul, Fraser Audrey, Hance Zahra, Hauser Heidi, Jagels Kay, Moule Sharon, Mungall Karen, Norbertczak Halina, Rabbinowitsch Ester, Sanders Mandy, Simmonds Mark, Whitehead Sally, Parkhill Julian
Hypothesis
What is the genomic architecture of Rhizobium leguminosarum and how do its core and accessory components differ?
Conclusion
The genome of Rhizobium leguminosarum consists of a core component that is mostly chromosomal and an accessory component that is more variable and located on plasmids.
Supporting Evidence
- The genome of Rhizobium leguminosarum is 7.75 Mb in size and includes a circular chromosome and six plasmids.
- Of the 7,263 protein-encoding genes, 2,056 have orthologs in three related genomes.
- The core genome is characterized by higher G+C content and is mostly chromosomal, while the accessory genome is lower in G+C and located on plasmids.
Takeaway
This study looks at the DNA of a bacteria that helps plants grow by fixing nitrogen, showing that it has important shared genes and some extra genes that vary a lot.
Methodology
The genome was sequenced and analyzed for its structure, gene content, and phylogenetic relationships.
Limitations
The study is based on a single strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum, which may not represent the diversity within the species.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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