Bacteria Genomes - CARBOXYDOTHERMUS HYDROGENOFORMANS

Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans was isolated from hydrothermal freshwater springs on Kunashir Island (Russian Kurils). It is extremely thermophilic and grows optimally at 78 degrees Celsius.

Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans is a hydrogenogen. These are organisms that grow anaerobically utilizing carbon monoxide (CO) as their sole carbon source and water as an electron acceptor. While consuming this normally poisonous gas, the microbe mixes it with water, producing hydrogen gas as waste. Hydrogen gas is a potential future biofuel (clean fuel).

Little was known about this organism before its genome sequence was determined. By using computational analyses and comparison with the genomes of other organisms, researchers have discovered several remarkable features. For example, the genome encodes a full suite of genes for making spores. Organisms that make spores have attracted great interest recently because this is a process found in the bacterium that causes anthrax. Sporulation allows anthrax to be used as a bioweopon because the spores are resistant to heat, radiation, and other treatments.

By comparing this genome to those of other spore-making species, including the anthrax pathogen, researchers have identified what may be the minimal biochemical machinery necessary for any microbe to sporulate. Studies of this microbe may help researchers better understand the biology of the bacterium that causes anthrax.

References:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/12/051204103616.htm
http://us.expasy.org/sprot/hamap/CARHZ.html