08/02/2004

Genomics:GTL Research to be Highlighted at 10th Annual Symposium of the International Society for Microbial Ecology

Summary

Genomics:GTL scientists Terry Hazen and Adam Arkin from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have organized a session on August 24, 2004, to teach participants how a microbe with a sequenced genome can be annotated and how this information can be used to guide an experimental program in ecological physiology. A key objective of this type of research is to develop sufficient basic knowledge to enable the use of genome sequence information for predicting the metabolic and physiological state of a microorganism under different environmental conditions and, in turn, predicting how that organism would respond to stress. Understanding and modeling functional microbial community structure and stress responses in subsurface environments has tremendous implications for our fundamental understanding of biogeochemistry and the potential for natural attenuation or bioremediation of contaminated sites. The international symposium will be held in Cancun, Mexico, August 22-27, 2004.