Abstract
Genomes of the month
Four new microbial genomes have been published since last month's Genome Update was written: that of an environmental bacterium which degrades aromatic compounds (Azoarcus sp. strain EbN1), that of a spirochaete that causes Lyme disease (Borrelia garinii) and those of two more Streptococcus species. A brief overview of each of these genomes is given below.
Azoarcus sp. strain EbN1 can metabolize many aromatic compounds, including hydrocarbons (Rabus et al., 2005). Although other organisms such as Pseudomonas putida KT2440 can also catabolize aromatics (Jimenez et al., 2002), Azoarcus sp. strain EbN1 can catabolize aromatics under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The main chromosome is 4·3 Mbp long and is GC-rich (see Table 1). There are also two large plasmids, each around 200 kbp in length. Genes encoding more than 150 proteins involved in aromatic degradation were found, in keeping with this organism's known biochemical lifestyle.