...., 2006 ; DeLong et al., 2006 ; Sogin et al., 2006 ; Venter et al., 2004 ). These studies have provided interesting findings in terms of the metabolic capability and taxonomic diversity of the microbes inhabiting these environments. The major goal of these metagenomic studies is not only to find new...

... of mechanisms, including sugars that replace water and form glasses, proteins that stabilize macromolecules and membranes, and anti-oxidants that counter damage by reactive oxygen species. These protections are often induced by drying, and some of the genes involved may be homologous in microbes, plants...