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Science 27 January 2006:
Vol. 311. no. 5760, pp. 496 - 503
DOI: 10.1126/science.1120250
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Research Articles

Community Genomics Among Stratified Microbial Assemblages in the Ocean's Interior

Edward F. DeLong,1* Christina M. Preston,2 Tracy Mincer,1 Virginia Rich,1 Steven J. Hallam,1 Niels-Ulrik Frigaard,1 Asuncion Martinez,1 Matthew B. Sullivan,1 Robert Edwards,3 Beltran Rodriguez Brito,3 Sallie W. Chisholm,1 David M. Karl4

Microbial life predominates in the ocean, yet little is known about its genomic variability, especially along the depth continuum. We report here genomic analyses of planktonic microbial communities in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, from the ocean's surface to near–sea floor depths. Sequence variation in microbial community genes reflected vertical zonation of taxonomic groups, functional gene repertoires, and metabolic potential. The distributional patterns of microbial genes suggested depth-variable community trends in carbon and energy metabolism, attachment and motility, gene mobility, and host-viral interactions. Comparative genomic analyses of stratified microbial communities have the potential to provide significant insight into higher-order community organization and dynamics.

1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
2 Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA 95064, USA.
3 San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA.
4 University of Hawaii Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: delong{at}mit.edu

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