Table 1.

Classification of genes, and enzymatic steps catalysed by the associated encoded proteins, included in a minimal metabolism for bacterial life (modified from Gil et al. 2004).

pathways	genes	enzymatic steps
glycolysis from glucose to lactate	13	11
pentose phosphate pathway	5	7
phospholipid biosynthesis	6	6
biosynthesis of nucleotides	15	26
total	39	50