Genomic insights into the physiology of Quinella, an iconic uncultured rumen bacterium

Abstract

Uncultured bacteria of the genus Quinella are found in the rumen of ruminant animals, especially in sheep that emit low amounts of methane. Here, Kumar et al. reconstruct genomic sequences from Quinella cells to provide insights into their metabolic capabilities, including lactate and propionate formation as major fermentation pathways and an apparent lack of production of H2, a major precursor of methane.