Hyperthermophilic microorganisms

The isolation of various groups of hyperthermophilic bacteria from geothermally and hydrothermally heated environments demonstrates an unexpected complexity of these up to now almost unexplored ecosystems. The energy-yielding reactions of primary production is based on reduction or oxidation of inor...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:FEMS microbiology reviews 1990-01, Vol.75 (2-3)
Main Authors: Stetter, KO, Fiala, G, Huber, G, Huber, R, Segerer, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Marine
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The isolation of various groups of hyperthermophilic bacteria from geothermally and hydrothermally heated environments demonstrates an unexpected complexity of these up to now almost unexplored ecosystems. The energy-yielding reactions of primary production is based on reduction or oxidation of inorganic sulfur compounds by H sub(2) or O sub(2), or in the case of methanogens on reduction of CO sub(2) by H sub(2). The consumers of organic matter are most likely using cell components of the decaying primary producers. Most of them are growing by sulfur respiration or by unknown types of respiration and fermentation. A great deal of the autotrophs are "opportunistic" heterotrophs, too. This property may be important for effective competition within the extreme environment. The maximal growth temperature at which microbial life can exist may be possibly found between 110 and 150 degree C.
ISSN:0168-6445