lpetrich

More stuff from <a href="http://gnn.tigr.org" target="_blank">the Genome News Network</a>:

An article on trying to guess the functions of genes by comparing them to other genes; 2000 genes in yeast, 1/3 of them, still have unknown functions.

An article on the recently-sequenced bacterium Chlorobium tepidum, a photosynthetic bacterium that subsists on sulfur compounds -- and that is anaerobic. This and similar bacteria can help untangle the evolution of photosynthesis; it represents a plausible intermediate stage.

An article on the sequencing of the biggest chromosome of the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum; the biggest of 6, it has 25% of the organisms's estimated 11,000 genes. It has a weird life cycle; it usually exists in the form of individual amoeba-like cells, but when food is short, these cells come together and make a fruiting body which disperses spores. So it is sometimes single-celled and sometimes multicelled.

Mike H

FWIW, Chlorobium tepidum is also somewhat thermophilic, optimal growth temperature is ~ 48 degrees Celsius. Since I have the distinct pleasure of actually knowing something about the organism, some vaguely interesting links on C. tepidum specifically and on photosynthesis in general.....

<a href="http://www.bba-direct.com/bba/bioenergetics/84/27/45/article.pdf" target="_blank">Daddy, where did PS(I) come from?</a> A review article on the evolutionary aspects of photosynthetic reaction centers, some new ideas put forth as well. Highly recommended. The entire issue's contents can be found online <a href="http://www.bba-direct.com/bba/bioenergetics/84/27/show/toc.htt" target="_blank">here</a>, an entire issue dedicated to the molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysics of type I photosynthetic reaction centers.

The TIGR C. tepidum webpage can be found <a href="http://www.tigr.org/tigr-scripts/CMR2/GenomePage3.spl?database=gct" target="_blank">here</a>. I would be remiss in not mentioning the very nice person who has put up with me hanging around his lab for over two years now but not actually working for him, <a href="http://www.bmb.psu.edu/deptpage/bryant.htm" target="_blank">Don Bryant</a>. There are a number of very fascinating publications on neat things you can do with C. tepidum mentioned on his page for anyone interested, with plenty more in the pipeline.

Enjoy!

[ July 20, 2002: Message edited by: Mike H ]</p>