Genome sequencing of microbial species

Abstract

Since the publication of the first complete genome sequence in 1995, of a free‐living organism, the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae , more than 220 microbial genomes have been completed and at least another 650 are in progress. Whole‐genome shotgun sequencing remains the industry standard and combined with the current state of sequencing technologies, it is expected that the rate at which genomic data is generated is only going to increase. The major challenge is to decipher this wealth of information and link genes to function. In this chapter, the impact of genome sequencing technologies in the field of microbiology is being explored.