Archaea Genomes - METHANOBACTERIUM THERMOAUTOTROPHICUM

Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum delta H is a methane producing micro-organism (methanogen) that was originally isolated from the municipal waste-treatment facility in Champaign, Illinois, USA. It grows readily and rapidly under laboratory conditions.

In vitro methanogenic extracts and enzymes have been purified and studied for over 20 years. It is an 'absolute' autotroph, requiring only CO2, H2 and salts for growth. It is a representative of the methanogens that inhabit all biodegradation facilities.

DOE (Department of Energy) supports research focused on biochemistry and molecular biology of methane production with the goals of maximising the use of biotechnology to convert waste materials into methane as an alternative to fossil fuels, and determining how to control methane generation and methane release to the atmosphere.

Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum is an Archaeon that grows optimally at ~65C, and its genome sequence reveals the structure of many enzymes that catalyze reactions at this high temperature.

References:
http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~genomes/mthermo/mthermo_files/about.html
http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/sequenced_genomes/genome_guide_p2.shtml