Additionally, the MGP is developing new tools to study how groups of genes work together to produce specific products or determine particular behaviors. Other objectives are to mine genomic information from sequenced microbes, improve tools for annotation and analysis of sequence data, develop high-throughput methods for determining gene function and gene expression, and develop methods for examining protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interaction.

The future promises many exciting developments as the fruits of the MGP mature. Already, we have become more appreciative of the extent of the microbial world's effect on Earth, realizing how little we know about this kingdom and wondering at its potential benefits to our world—if only we are wise enough to discover them.

For more on the future of the MGP, see

Microbial Genome Project

Microbial Cell Project