title: Coloring in the tree of life.
abstract: Metagenome sequencing presents an exciting new tool for assessing microbial diversity in complex, natural communities that cannot be cultured in the laboratory. Using metagenomics as a starting point, Bryant et al. (2007) have discovered a new thermophilic phototroph from a poorly characterized bacterial phylum with no previously known photosynthetic members, extending the range of photosynthesis into a new branch on the tree of life. This new organism, Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum, encompasses a mélange of traits distinct from known phototrophs.
authors.affiliation: School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95301, USA. jason.raymond@ucmerced.edu
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Raymond
mesh_terms: D000332:Aerobiosis; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D017753:Ecosystem; D023281:Genomics; D010788:Photosynthesis; D052817:Phototrophic Processes; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D014197:Trees / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial