PMGG

Microbial Genomics and Genetics cover a broad range of research interests

by Jim Hu (7/16/2000)

The recent announcement of the completion of the human genome has been met with much fanfare. However, thinking about this event highlights several important points for the microbiologist.

The genome(s) remind us of how much more there is to learn about the molecular basis for life. We still don't know how simplest organisms work, even with their complete genomes.
The growing body of genomic data remind us that we share more of our fundamental mechanisms with microorganisms than we sometimes remember. From an evolutionary perspective it is clear why this is the case - in the tree of life, all of the "higher" eukaryotes (i.e. plants and animals) represent only a twig.
We're not just outnumbered in terms of whole planets or geological time scales. Microbes outnumber us in our own bodies. The idea that the human genome is the "Book of Life" is dangerously anthropocentric, even if we are not interested in basic science. There may be a cluster of human genes that affect susceptibility to diseases, but remember that its the bugs that actually make you sick - and they evolve a lot faster than we do.

Fortunately, the "post-genomic" era of biology is providing tools to improve our understanding of microbes much faster than it is getting them ready for humans. The vast majority of completed genomes (the only truly completed ones if one wants to be a stickler) are from microbes.

Microorganisms will continue to play central roles in the New Biology. They're still the best biological systems to work with: rapid growth, excellent genetics and the ability to cheaply obtain amounts needed for biochemical studies have not been changed by having DNA sequences. Their relatively small genome sizes allow whole genome experiments to be done on a scale that is feasible for academic labs and the broad variety of completed microbial genomes provide the raw material for comparative genomics and bioinformatics. While sequencing and high-throughput genomic methods gather more data at a fantastic rate, the truth remains that new approaches to applying these methods almost always use microbes as proving grounds.

All of these reasons illustrate why training in microbial systems is ideal for training of future life scientists. Labs in the PMGG cover a broad range of research interests within the field of cellular microbiology. The research approaches available here at Texas A&M reflect how anything is possible in microbiology today. The pages on this site should illustrate that - we're using everything from crystallography to genetics to physiology. Take a look around, and let us know if you have any questions!

This program is funded through a grant from the Life Sciences Task Force at Texas A&M. Admission to Texas A&M University and any of its sponsored programs is open to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or educationally unrelated handicaps. Texas A&M University is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. Last modified: May 17 2005 03:11 AM

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Microbial Genomics and Genetics cover a broad range of research interests