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The Archaea‐a biochemical perspective
Author(s) -
Bullock Clive
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
biochemistry and molecular biology education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1539-3429
pISSN - 1470-8175
DOI - 10.1111/j.1539-3429.2000.tb00142.x
Subject(s) - archaea , function (biology) , perspective (graphical) , biology , biochemistry , computational biology , biochemical engineering , engineering , genetics , computer science , gene , artificial intelligence
The Archaea represent an unusual and instructive group of organisms for students of biochemistry. In this brief review some of their distinctive biochemical features are highlighted, along with appropriate topics and questions for student study. Archaea demonstrate unique structural features in the chemical makeup of their outer membranes and cell walls as well as in the components and design of their metabolic pathways, and the structure and function of their enzymes. Rationalising these biochemical features in relation to the chemically and physically harsh environments inhabited by these organisms and evaluating their potential (and limitations) for use in industrial biotechnology can form the basis of a range of profitable student study topics. © 2000 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.