Ammonia-oxidising archaea (AOA) form a phylogenetic group within the phylum Thaumarchaeota and are of ecological significance due to their role in nitrification, an important biogeochemical process. Previous research has provided information on their ecosystem role and potential physiological characteristics, for example, through analyses of their environmental distribution, ecological adaptation and evolutionary history. However, most AOA diversity, assessed using several environmental marker genes, is not represented in laboratory cultures, with consequent gaps in knowledge of their physiology and evolution. The present study critically reviews existing and developing approaches for the assessment of AOA function and diversity and their potential to provide a deeper understanding of these ecologically important, but understudied microorganisms.
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December 2018
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Cover Image
Cover Image
In the cover image, which depicts archaeal cell division, fl uorescence microscopy shows FtsZ1-GFP localisation in pleomorphic cells of Haloferax volcanii. This archaeal model organism was originally isolated from the Dead Sea, but is well suited to live-cell studies owing to its relatively large, flat cells that show distinct differentiation. Multiple proteins from the tubulin superfamily control cell division and cell shape in this species (see article by Liao et al in this issue; pages 547–559). Archaea are expected to provide important insights into cellular evolution and fundamental cell structures such as the cytoskeleton. Image kindly provided by Iain Duggin (The ithree institute, University of Technology Sydney).
Review Article|
November 22 2018
Approaches to understanding the ecology and evolution of understudied terrestrial archaeal ammonia-oxidisers
Emerg Top Life Sci (2018) 2 (4): 619–628.
Article history
Received:
July 06 2018
Revision Received:
October 05 2018
Accepted:
October 08 2018
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