New Publication in Nature Microbiology: Genomic insights into diverse bacterial taxa that degrade extracellular DNA in marine sediments

Publication

While best known as the code for genetic information, DNA is also a nutrient for specialised microbes. An international team of researchers led by KenĀ and Alex from DOME has discovered several bacteria in sediment samples from the Atlantic Ocean that use DNA as a food source. One bacterium newly named by the team in fact is a true expert in degrading DNA. The study provides new insights into the diversity and ecological function of the still largely undescribed microscopic world in the oceans.