Thermococcaceae

Overview

Pyrococcus furiosus, a member of the Thermococcaceae family

The Thermococcaceae is a family of archaea within the order Thermococcales. This family is known for its hyperthermophilic members, which thrive in extremely high-temperature environments, such as hydrothermal vents. The family includes several genera, with Pyrococcus being one of the most well-studied.

Characteristics

Members of the Thermococcaceae family are characterized by their ability to grow at temperatures above 80°C. They are typically anaerobic and can utilize a variety of substrates for growth, including peptides and carbohydrates. These archaea are known for their unique metabolic pathways that allow them to survive and thrive in extreme conditions.

Genera

The family Thermococcaceae includes several genera:

• Pyrococcus
• Thermococcus
• Palaeococcus

Each genus contains species that are adapted to specific environmental niches, often related to the temperature and chemical composition of their habitats.

Pyrococcus furiosus

Pyrococcus furiosus is one of the most well-known species within the Thermococcaceae family. It was first isolated from a shallow marine hydrothermal vent in Italy. P. furiosus is notable for its ability to grow optimally at 100°C, making it a model organism for studying hyperthermophilic life.

Metabolism

P. furiosus is an obligate anaerobe that metabolizes carbohydrates and peptides. It uses a modified glycolysis pathway and produces hydrogen gas as a byproduct. The enzymes from P. furiosus are of great interest for industrial applications due to their stability at high temperatures.

Applications

The enzymes of P. furiosus, such as DNA polymerase, are used in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques due to their ability to withstand the high temperatures required for DNA denaturation.

Related pages

• Archaea
• Hyperthermophile
• Hydrothermal vent
• Thermococcales