Fig. 4

Carbohydrate utilisation and niche adaptation. a Hierarchical clustering analysis representing the presence/absence of gene families from COG group [G], carbohydrate transport and metabolism. Gene clusters are indicated based on the hierarchical tree, top. Colour indications refer to the particular niche from which the L. lactis strain had been isolated. b Enlarged views of variable regions 1–4 from the HCL matrix, involved in maltose and xylose transport and metabolism, and pentose and glucoronate interconversions