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Questions and Answers
At what temperature can Pyrolobus fumarii grow?
At what temperature can Pyrolobus fumarii grow?
What is unique about the cell walls of Thermoplasma?
What is unique about the cell walls of Thermoplasma?
What is a byproduct of methanogens' metabolism that can be used as fuel?
What is a byproduct of methanogens' metabolism that can be used as fuel?
Where would you typically find Sulfolobus?
Where would you typically find Sulfolobus?
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What is a characteristic of Halobacterium?
What is a characteristic of Halobacterium?
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What is a potential environmental concern related to methane production by methanogens?
What is a potential environmental concern related to methane production by methanogens?
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What is the general shape of Archaea cells?
What is the general shape of Archaea cells?
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What is unique about the cell wall of Archaea?
What is unique about the cell wall of Archaea?
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What is the main difference between Organotrophs and Autotrophs?
What is the main difference between Organotrophs and Autotrophs?
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What is the name of the process that involves the production of methane?
What is the name of the process that involves the production of methane?
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Which of the following Archaea is known for its ability to reduce sulfur?
Which of the following Archaea is known for its ability to reduce sulfur?
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What is Pyrolobus fumarii known for?
What is Pyrolobus fumarii known for?
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What is Sulfolobus acidocaldarius used for?
What is Sulfolobus acidocaldarius used for?
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Which group of Archaea includes 'methane-makers'?
Which group of Archaea includes 'methane-makers'?
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Study Notes
Methanogens: Methane Makers
- Obligate anaerobes that produce methane (CH4) as an end product of metabolism
- Use CO2, H, and N to produce energy for living
- CO2 + 4 H2 → CH4 + 2 H2O
- Found in anaerobic systems, including rumen of cows, human gut, marine sediments, hot springs, and marine hydrothermal vents
- Methane can be used as a fuel, but it's a greenhouse gas contributing to global warming
Extreme Halophiles
- Salt-loving microbes that require high salt concentrations (17-23% w/v NaCl) to grow
- Example: Halobacterium in Owens Salt lake
- Will not grow without high salt concentrations
Cell Wall-less Archaea
- Found in coal mine piles, causing temperatures to rise
- Cause mine dumps to become acidic due to pyrite (FeS2) formation
- Can grow at 59°C
- Shape of Thermoplasma changes after taking in liquid
Extreme Thermophiles
- Prefer temperatures between 88-113°C
- Obligate anaerobes that can 'breathe' sulfur instead of oxygen
- Both autotrophic and heterotrophic
- H2SO4 is an end product of their metabolism
- Example: Pyrolobus fumarii can grow at 113°C
Archaea Characteristics
- Shapes: spherical, rod, spiral, lobed, rectangular, irregular, flat, square
- Arrangement: single cells, filaments, clusters
- Until 1970, classified as bacteria
- Unique cell wall composition with complex polysaccharides and lack of peptidoglycan
- Presence of unusual lipids enables survival in extreme environments
Archaea Metabolism
- Organotrophs: obtain energy from organic compounds
- Autotrophs: known as "producers," making their own food from raw materials and energy
- CO2 fixers and N2 fixers
Archaea Uniqueness
- Unique cell wall composition
- Presence of unusual lipids enables survival in extreme environments
- Found in diverse range of extreme environments
Notable Archaea
- Archaeoglobus fulgidus: sulfur-reducer that can sour (H2S) oil wells
- Halobacterium: salt-loving microbes that give a pink tinge to salt water evaporation ponds, the Dead Sea, and salted fish
- Pyrolobus fumarii: led scientists to extend the upper temperature limit for life to 113°C
- Pyrococcus furiosis: source of an extra-stable enzyme used in PCR and gene sequencing
- Sulfolobus acidocaldarius: used to leach copper and iron from ore
5 Main Groups of Archaea
- Methanogens ("methane-makers")
- Archaea sulphate reducers
- Extreme halophiles ("salt lovers")
- Cell wall-less archaea
- Extreme thermophiles/psychrophiles ("heat/cold lovers")
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Description
This quiz covers the characteristics, metabolism, ecology, and taxonomy of Archaea, a domain of microorganisms that are prokaryotic and extreme-loving. It also explores their unique features and differences from Bacteria.
