Amber L. Hartman is the first author of a 2010 collaborative genomics study reporting the complete genome of Haloferax volcanii DS2. This salt-adapted member of the Archaea is a useful model organism: it can be grown on simple defined media and investigated with genetics tools. A reference genome makes such experiments interpretable by identifying the genes and surrounding DNA being manipulated.[ref]
The Complete Genome Sequence of Haloferax volcanii DS2, a Model Archaeon by Amber L. Hartman and others. Byline, Abstract and Introduction; PLOS ONE 5, e9605, 2010
The study describes a main chromosome of about 2.85 million bases, three smaller chromosomes and one small plasmid. Thus a complete genome need not be a single circular DNA molecule. The authors explain that their chromosome terminology reflects replication properties and earlier nomenclature, while acknowledging debate over the labels. This is useful experimental context: a gene placed on a smaller replicating element still belongs to the organism's total genetic complement.[ref]
The Complete Genome Sequence of Haloferax volcanii DS2, a Model Archaeon by Amber L. Hartman and others. Results and Discussion, I: Genome features; main chromosome 2.848 Mb, pHV1/pHV3/pHV4 and pHV2
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