Antarctic metagenomics

Abstract

The DNA sequencing of whole environmental samples (referred to as metagenomics, environmental genomics, ecogenomics or community genomics) captures genome surveys of uncultured microorganisms. By moving away from a species-by-species investigation of the environment, metagenomics enables a greatly expanded view of the diversity and metabolic function of the resident microbial communities. The southern polar region plays a critical role in maintaining microbial processes that are essential for the health of the world?s ecosystems, yet we know less about microorganisms on the vast Antarctic continent than we do about the mould in our refrigerators. Metagenomics offers an unprecedented means to reveal the secrets of Antarctic microorganisms and to learn about the unique, cold-adapted processes that they perform.