Comparative Genomics of Green Sulfur Bacteria

David Ussery, C Davenport, B Tümmler

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    Eleven completely sequenced Chlorobi genomes were compared in oligonucleotide usage, gene contents, and synteny. The green sulfur bacteria (GSB) are equipped with a core genome that sustains their anoxygenic phototrophic lifestyle by photosynthesis, sulfur oxidation, and CO(2) fixation. Whole-genome gene family and single gene sequence comparisons yielded similar phylogenetic trees of the sequenced chromosomes indicating a concerted vertical evolution of large gene sets. Chromosomal synteny of genes is not preserved in the phylum Chlorobi. The accessory genome is characterized by anomalous oligonucleotide usage and endows the strains with individual features for transport, secretion, cell wall, extracellular constituents, and a few elements of the biosynthetic apparatus. Giant genes are a peculiar feature of the genera Chlorobium and Prosthecochloris. The predicted proteins have a huge molecular weight of 10(6), and are probably instrumental for the bacteria to generate their own intimate (micro)environment.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalPhotosynthesis Research
    Volume104
    Issue number2-3
    Pages (from-to)137-152
    ISSN0166-8595
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2010

    Keywords

    • Chlorobaculum
    • Genome atlas
    • Chlorobium
    • Oligonucleotide usage
    • Comparative genomics

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