Why is this measure important?

The ability to determine the entire DNA sequence of microbes and microbial communities of interest to DOE, i.e., microbes that produce energy, clean up environmental contaminants, and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, has revolutionized both the ways in which we think about biology and the kinds of biological research that we can carry out.

It is now possible to imagine simulation of the properties of new microbes that can be tailored and optimized to accomplish particular goals. These new microbes have the potential to revolutionize the ways in which we accomplish these critical goals.