Thermococcus kodakarensis
Classification
Higher order taxa
cellular organisms; Archaea; Euryarchaeota; Thermococci; Thermococcales; Thermococcaceae; Thermococcus
Genus
Thermococcus kodakarensis
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Description and significance
Previously characterized as Pyrococcus sp., Thermococcus kodakarensis is a sulfur-reducing hyperthermophilic archaeon which typically inhabits marine hydrothermal vents and terrestrial hot sulfur springs. T. kodakarensis grows at an optimal temperature of 86C, between the ranges of 60-100C, and in a pH range of 5-9. The organism can grow at temperatures up to the boiling point and also represents one of the simplest forms of life. In the absence of sulfur, these heterotrophs ferment a variety of organic compounds, including amino acids, peptides, and sugars. Recent accumulation of 16sRNA sequences has indicated the organism belongs to the Thermococcus genus, and not to the originally hypothesized Pyrococcus genus.
Thermococcus kodakarensis was isolated from a solfatara on Kodakara Island, Japan, and sequenced by the Kyoto University, Japan. This organism contains commercially applicable thermostable DNA polymerases and enzymes. In addition, becuase Thermococcus kodakarensis are ubiquitously present in natural high-temperature environments, it is considered to play a major role in the ecology and metabolic activity of microbial consortia within hot-water ecosystems.
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.
Genome structure
The Thermococcus kodakaraensis genome contains 2.09 Million base pairs (bp) and is predicted to have approximately 2357 genes. The chromosome has a circular topology and the GC content is estimated to be 38 mol%. Seven genes for probable transposases and four virus-related regions are found within the genome.
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
Thermococcus kodakarensis have an irregular cocci cell structure and are motile with several polar flagella. T. kodakarensis has a single membrane, a membrane lipid of the ether type.
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
example:
[http://www.sbchem.kyoto-u.ac.jp/imanaka-lab/genome/index.html F. Fukuri, A. Haruyuki, K. Tamotsu, R. Matsumi, F. Shinsuke, and T Imanaka. 2005 "Complete Genome Sequence of the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Thermococcus kodakaraensis KOD1 and Comparis with Pyrococcus GEnomes." Genome Res., 15: 352-363 (2005)
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Edited by student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano
