The researchers analyzed metagenomic data and used them to search the Global Ocean Sampling (GOS) Expedition dataset for novel lineages in 3 gene families commonly used in phylogenetic studies: trees that use small subunit ribosomal RNA, recA, and rpoB genes — highly conserved genes that appear in nearly all organisms, including the domains of prokaryotes, the bacteria, and archaea. They found some deep branches in the recA and rpoB phylogenetic trees that might represent viral genes. However, they acknowledge that the novel sequences possibly come from a new 4th major branch of cellular organisms on the tree of life.

not found in a petri dish or in nature but by trawling dna. there’s also

viruses make up the majority of the genetic information on the planet, more than the genetic information of all other species of life combined.

40% of the DNA in your gut is from an unknown domain of life. the notion of biological dark matter means there might be a 4th4th-domain-of-life domain of life.

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