The evolutionary history of symbiotic associations among bacteria and their animal hosts: a model

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2009 Jan:15 Suppl 1:11-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02689.x.

Abstract

A model to explain the evolutionary history of animal-bacteria obligatory mutualistic symbiosis is presented. Dispensability of genes and genetic isolation are key factors in the reduction process of these bacterial genomes. Major steps in such genome reductive evolution, leading towards primary endosimbiosis, and the possibility of complementation or replacement by a secondary symbiont are also indicated. Yet, we need to understand what happens at the beginning of the adaptative process towards an obligate mutualistic relationship. For this purpose, we propose to sequence the complete genome of SOPE, the primary endosymbiont of the rice weevil.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / growth & development*
  • Bacterial Physiological Phenomena*
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Gene Deletion
  • Genome, Bacterial
  • Sequence Deletion
  • Symbiosis*
  • Weevils / microbiology*