Publication Type
Journal
Journal Name
PLoS Genetics
Publication Date
Volume
4
Issue
5
Abstract
The marine bacterium Saccharophagus degradans strain 2-40 (Sde 2-40) is emerging as a vanguard of a recently discovered group of marine and estuarine bacteria that recycles complex polysaccharides (CP). We report its complete genome sequence, analysis of which identifies an unusually large number of enzymes that degrade >10 CP. Not only is this an extraordinary range of catabolic capability, but many of the enzymes contain domains and features - some unusual, others unique - that are believed to facilitate depolymerization of CP. This is the first sequenced genome of a marine bacterium that can degrade plant cell walls, an important component of the carbon cycle that is not well characterized in the marine environment.