Abstract
Complex relationships between bacteria and multicellular eukaryotes have evolved in several environments but science has traditionally focused on interactions that are pathogenic. Recently there has been increased recognition of symbiotic interactions that benefit both the microorganism and the host. The bacterial partner commonly produces essential nutrients that are not synthesized by the host. In return, bacteria benefit from an ample supply of growth materials and environmental stability inside the host. An array of recent genome papers examining microbial symbionts in hosts ranging from insects and worms to plants, has shed light on the genetics that underpin these metabolic partnerships.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 12 print issues and online access
$209.00 per year
only $17.42 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
References
Nakabachi, A. et al. The 160-kilobase genome of the bacterial endosymbiont Carsonella. Science 314, 267 (2006).
Pérez-Brocal, V. et al. A small microbial genome: the end of a long symbiotic relationship? Science 314, 312–313 (2006).
Wu, D. et al. Metabolic complementarity and genomics of the dual bacterial symbiosis of sharpshooters. PLoS Biology 4, 1079–1092 (2006).
Woyke, T. et al. Symbiosis insights through metagenomic analysis of a microbial consortium. Nature 443, 950–955 (2006).
Gonzalez, V. et al. The partitioned Rhizobium etli genome: genetic and metabolic redundancy in seven interacting replicons. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 103, 3834–3839 (2006).
Lerouge, I. et al. Three genes encoding for putative methyl- and acetyltransferases map adjacent to the wzm and wzt genes and are essential for O-antigen biosynthesis in Rhizobium etli CE3. Mol. Plant Microbe. Interact. 16, 1085–1093 (2003).
Krause, A. et al. Complete genome of the mutualistic, N2-fixing grass endophyte Azoarcus sp. strain BH72. Nature Biotechnol. 24, 1385–1391 (2006).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Related links
Related links
DATABASES
Entrez Genome Project
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Walker, A., Crossman, L. This place is big enough for both of us. Nat Rev Microbiol 5, 90–92 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro1601
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro1601
