Eukaryote

Synthetic biology is maturing into a true engineering discipline for model microorganisms, but remains far from straightforward for most eukaryotes. Here, we outline the key challenges facing those trying to engineer biology across eukaryota and suggest areas of focus that will aid future progress.

This month's Genome Watch discusses the genome of the free-living amoeboflagellate protistNaegleria gruberi.

The finding that the archaeonIgnicoccus hospitalishas a charged outer membrane has implications for symbiosis and, possibly, for the evolution of eukaryotes.