Welcome

In July 2004, a team led by Arizona State University started sequencing four photosynthetic prokaryotes: Heliobacterium modesticaldum, Roseobacter denitrificans, Rhodocista centenaria and Acaryochloris marina. Finished genome sequences of these organisms will fill large gaps in the available genomic data for photosynthetic prokaryotes and will help to understand the origin and early evolution of photosynthesis. Each organism has unique individual characteristics such as agricultural applications and environmental aspects such as understanding global photosynthetic productivity. The project team includes specialists for each organism, including Robert Blankenship, Michael Madigan, Thomas Beatty, Carl Bauer, Mamoro Mimuro and Hideaki Miyashita. Jeffrey Touchman coordinates the sequencing.