The value of microbial diversity

In the past few years, due to the use of molecular methods, our knowledge of microbial diversity has increased dramatically, not only from a phylogenetic and taxonomic perspective but also from an ecological basis. We now know that microorganisms exist in every conceivable place on Earth, even in extreme environments. Temperature may be the only limitation as to where they can and cannot exist and/or function. As more small subunit rDNA sequence information becomes available there is a real need to start turning the information into knowledge that can be applied to better elucidate and understand structure-function relationships within ecosystems, develop new culturing methods, and discover new products and processes. It has been stated on numerous occasions that the 21(st) century is the century for biology. Within that context, we must address the real value of microbial diversity.