MARINE BACTERIAL DIVERSITY AS A RESOURCE FOR NOVEL MICROBIAL PRODUCTS

Marine bacteria are an important and relatively unexplored resource fo r novel microbial products. In this review, we discuss a number of iss ues relevant to the industrial potential of marine microorganisms incl uding how marine and terrestrial bacteria differ, both physiologically and taxonomically, and what constitute reasonable expectations of the biosynthetic capabilities of marine bacteria relative to terrestrial bacteria and to marine macroorganisms. Also discussed is the concept t hat bacterial associations with marine plants and animals, which range from casual encounters to obligate symbioses, provide unique opportun ities for bacterial adaptation. It is proposed that some of these adap tations would not be selected for in the absence of environmental para meters associated with the host, and that these adaptations can includ e the biosynthesis of unique metabolic products.