While participating in the global human genome sequencing program, Chinese scientists have launched a massive plan to sequence microbial genomes.
The plan, which involves researchers from the Shanghai-based Nanfang Research Center of the State Human Genome Project, the Shanghai Medical University, and several other prestigious research institutes, is currently focusing on the three microbes of leptospira, yellow monad, and staphylococcus epidermidis.
Ren Shuangxi, a researcher with the Nanfang Research Center of the State Human Genome Project, said the plan is mainly aimed at explaining why and how the microbes cause diseases and probing ways to fight such diseases.
According to the scientists, the sequencing of the microbial genomes has been progressing smoothly, with the sequencing of the leptospiral genome already completed by the end of 2000.
Scientists have found that a leptospira consists of two chromosomes, with the number of genes totaling 4,500.
(Xinhua 03/12/2001)
