Researchers have identified assembly errors in the published genome sequence of the organism Bacillus pumilus strain SAFR-032. Since 2007, the previously published sequence for this strain has been regarded as representative of the B. pumilus species. The new study provides a corrected sequence for SAFR-032 based on the new findings.

Strain SAFR-032 is a spore-forming bacterium, and is able to live in environments where other bacteria struggle. When dormant, SAFR-032 can also withstand high doses of ultraviolet radiation and hydrogen peroxide, conditions that are lethal for many other microorganisms. It’s ability to survive has made SAFR-032 has been an important model for studying spore resistance in bacteria. Studying bacterial resistance has important implications for planetary protection and can advance our understanding of habitability in extreme environments, both on Earth and beyond.

The study, “Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032 Genome Revisited: Sequence Update and Re-Annotation,” was published in the journal PLOS One.