Thermus aquaticus

Definition

Thermus aquaticus is a thermophilic bacterium that thrives at high temperatures, typically found in hot springs. It is widely known for its enzyme Taq polymerase, which is essential for the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Thermus aquaticus can survive and grow at temperatures around 70°C to 75°C.
2. Taq polymerase from Thermus aquaticus is heat-stable and used extensively in PCR to amplify DNA sequences.
3. The discovery of Thermus aquaticus has significantly advanced molecular biology and genetic research.
4. It was first isolated from a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park in 1969.
5. Thermus aquaticus belongs to the Deinococcota phylum, known for their extremophilic characteristics.

Review Questions

• What unique property of Thermus aquaticus makes it valuable for PCR?
• Where was Thermus aquaticus first discovered?
• How does the heat stability of Taq polymerase benefit the PCR process?

Related terms

Taq Polymerase: A heat-stable enzyme derived from Thermus aquaticus, used in PCR.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):

A technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences.

Thermophile:

An organism that thrives at relatively high temperatures.