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A more convenient truth

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From Nature Reviews Microbiology

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Abstract

The current concern about global warming and potential future energy sources is forcing governments and researchers to think about fuel alternatives. Microorganisms have the potential to make various fuels, including ethanol, hydrogen and methane. The ability to exploit this potential is dependent on a deep understanding of the underlying biological processes. Genome sequencing and interpretation can contribute to understanding these processes, as the four genomes discussed here show.

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Figure 1: Metabolic pathways of biofuel producers.
Figure 2: Thin-section electron micrographs of Methanosarcina barkeri Fusaro.

References

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DATABASES

Entrez Genome Project

Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans

Methanococcus maripaludis

Methanosarcina acetivorans

Methanosarcina barkeri

Methanosarcina mazei

Rhodospirillum rubrum

Zymomonas mobilis

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Seth-Smith, H. A more convenient truth. Nat Rev Microbiol 5, 248–250 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro1644

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro1644

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