Archaea Genomes - PYROCOCCUS FURIOSUS

Pyrococcus furiosus ("the rushing fireball") is found in the marine sand surrounding sulfurous volcanoes. It is anaerobic (lives without oxygen), and is capable of growing at temperatures ranging from 70-103 C and at a pH ranging from 5-9.

The generation time is among the shortest found among the Archaea: only 37 minutes under optimal conditions.

P. furiosus is remarkable because it is able to maintain chromosomal integrity at temperatures up to 103 C with very little accumulation of DNA breaks. It also is highly resistant to radiation and can withstand doses up to 1.5 kGy.

These organisms also possess an array of highly thermostable enzymes that could prove to be important biocatalysts.

References:

http://genomenewsnetwork.org/sequenced_genomes/genome_guide_p3.shtml#pyrobac