Prokaryotic diversity and its limits: microbial community structure in nature and implications for microbial ecology

Curtis, T. and Sloan, W. (2004) Prokaryotic diversity and its limits: microbial community structure in nature and implications for microbial ecology. Current Opinion in Microbiology, 7(3), pp. 221-226. (doi: 10.1016/j.mib.2004.04.010)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mib.2004.04.010

Abstract

Recent advances in the estimation of prokaryotic diversity have brought us insight into two questions: what is the extent of prokaryotic diversity, and perhaps more importantly, why bother finding out. In this review, we highlight the insights about the extent of diversity that may be gained by considering patterns that occur, or are likely to occur, in the relative abundance of prokaryotic taxa. We posit that global reservoirs of diversity are an important driving force behind patterns in localised diversity seen in leaves, intestines and wastewater treatment reactors. Thus, where the reservoir community is very large and relatively even, chance alone will prevent physically identical communities from having the same, or sometimes even stable, communities. By contrast, communities that tend to be similar (even when not physically identical) and stable are observed where the source diversity is low. Thus the relationship between structure and function in a community can only be understood, predicted and engineered through an understanding of the source of diversity from which the community is drawn.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Sloan, Professor William and Curtis, Professor Thomas
Authors: Curtis, T., and Sloan, W.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
Journal Name:Current Opinion in Microbiology
ISSN:1369-5274
Published Online:10 May 2004

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
351751Enhancement of biological treatment of contaminated waters by increasing microbial diversityWilliam SloanEngineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)GR/S67128/01Infrastructure and Environment