Open AccessPhenotypic characterization of the archaebacterial genus Sulfolobus: comparison of five wild-type strains
Author(s) -
Dennis W. Grogan
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of bacteriology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.652
H-Index - 246
eISSN - 1067-8832
pISSN - 0021-9193
DOI - 10.1128/jb.171.12.6710-6719.1989
Subject(s) - sulfolobus acidocaldarius , biology , sulfolobus , thermophile , sulfolobus solfataricus , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , archaea , bacteria
Though amenable to routine manipulation and a popular subject of molecular genetic and biochemical studies on archaebacteria, the genus Sulfolobus has remained poorly described in phenotypic terms. To delineate their physiological capabilities and diversity, five laboratory strains, including type strains of the described species Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and S. solfataricus, were compared with respect to a variety of growth and biochemical parameters, including component profile of the surface-layer cell wall, inhibitors of growth, growth rate as a function of temperature and pH, and compounds used as sole sources of carbon or nitrogen. Motility and photoregulated production of an orange pigment were detected in all five strains tested. The results provide new criteria for distinguishing Sulfolobus strains as well as potential tools for the physiological and genetic manipulation of these extreme thermophiles.