Figure 1.

The subsistome as a junction between the resistome and the catabolic section of the proteome. Genes involved in the inactivation of antibiotics that belong to the resistome can cross the classification border and become part of the subsistome. This may occur if they are colocalized with other genes allowing the further valorization of the antibiotic as a source of nutrition and energy. This case demonstrates that the classifications are somewhat fuzzy and that, in certain cases, the antibiotic resistance and degradation functions are partially overlapping.