Pyrococcus furiosus: Difference between revisions
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==Description and significance== | ==Description and significance== | ||
Pyrococcus furiosus is an aquatic anaerobe hyperthermophiles archaeon first isolated in a hydrothermal vent near Vulcano Island, Italy. Its optimal growth temperature is 100 0C, so its enzymes are extremely thermo-stable. It is one of the first hyperthermophiles to be studied extensively by scientists, and it was found that its enzymes and proteins are highly resistant to heat shock, and radiation (6). It is also notable that some of its enzymes are tungsten dependent, a very rare element to be found in biological system (5, 18). Moreover, it is unique among its kind in that it can use a wide range of compounds as carbon source, such as peptides, and carbohydrates (14). And unlike other hyperthermophiles, it does not need elemental sulfur for growth, only for oxidizing H2 to H2S (8). | |||
Pyrococcus furiosus is a | |||
==Genome structure== | ==Genome structure== | ||
Revision as of 22:19, 4 June 2007
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Pyrococcus furiosus
Classification
Higher order taxa
Archaea; Euryarchaeota; Thermococci; Thermococcales; Thermococcaceae; Pyrococcus
Species
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Pyrococcus furiosus
Description and significance
Pyrococcus furiosus is an aquatic anaerobe hyperthermophiles archaeon first isolated in a hydrothermal vent near Vulcano Island, Italy. Its optimal growth temperature is 100 0C, so its enzymes are extremely thermo-stable. It is one of the first hyperthermophiles to be studied extensively by scientists, and it was found that its enzymes and proteins are highly resistant to heat shock, and radiation (6). It is also notable that some of its enzymes are tungsten dependent, a very rare element to be found in biological system (5, 18). Moreover, it is unique among its kind in that it can use a wide range of compounds as carbon source, such as peptides, and carbohydrates (14). And unlike other hyperthermophiles, it does not need elemental sulfur for growth, only for oxidizing H2 to H2S (8).
Genome structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?
Cell structure and metabolism
Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.
Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Application to Biotechnology
Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?
Current Research
Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required
References
Fiala G. and Stetter K.O. (1986). "Pyrococcus furiosus sp. nov. represents a novel genus of marine heterotrophic archaebacteria growing optimally at 100°C". Archives of Microbiology 145: 56–61.
Edited by ChauNhien Nguyen, student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano
