The inner lives of sponges

Symbiotic ties, bioactive compounds, and mysterious distributions of bacteria characterize sponges. First glance of sponges seem quite simple but under the microscope one can find almost exclusively bacteria. The rich diversity and unusual distribution of these microbes and their role in sponge biology and ecology is being discovered. Genetic studies uncovered a distinctive and extensive community, identifying more than 100 species of microbes that are found in sponges but not in the surrounding water. Ecologists are investigating if the microbes and their hosts are obligate symbionts, unable to survive without each other, or whether the microbes are tolerated but dispensable guests. Sponges also have medicinal potential as they are one of the best sources of bioactive compounds. Genetic analysis to identify genes to known genes is also under progress.