Fig. 3: Cell cartoon illustrating capacities inferred to be provided to Methanoperedens spp. by the coexisting Lilac Borg.
From: Borgs are giant genetic elements with potential to expand metabolic capacity
Like all Borgs, this Borg lacks the capacity for independent existence, and we infer that it replicates within host Methanoperedens spp. cells. Borg-specific proteins are those that were not identified in the genome of coexisting Methanoperedens spp. Borg-encoded capacities are grouped into the major categories of energy metabolism (including the MCR complex involved in methane oxidation), extracellular electron transfer (including MHCs) involved in electron transport to external electron acceptors, central carbon metabolism (including genes that enable production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)) and stress response/defence (including production of compatible solutes). Locus codes are listed in Supplementary Table 7.
