M2 Discussion: Hyperthermophiles “Like It Hot”
33 unread replies.44 replies.
In 1977, scientists discovered a new and unexpected habitat in the Pacific Ocean northeast of the
Galapagos Islands. Hydrothermal vent organisms were discovered in a dark deep-sea
environment, approximately 2600 m below the ocean\'s surface, where earth’s crustal plates were
spreading apart. Among these organisms were a large number of previously unknown animal
species, such as the tube worm Riftia pachyptila. How could life thrive in total darkness?
Researchers looked closely at these hydrothermal vents where columns of dark, cloud mineral-
laden hot water pour through fissures in the sea floor. Cold water seeps downward through
cracks in the earth\'s crust and is heated by molten lava. Later, as the hydrothermal water is
forced upward, it mixes with seawater causing mineral precipitates to form that create the
chimney-like structures called black smokers. In the extreme heat and pressure, deep within
earth’s crust, sulfate is reduced to form the high-energy H-S bond. The water in these
hydrothermal vents is thus rich in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and teams with a large numbers of
sulfur bacteria. These bacteria oxidize H2S to form H2SO4 and thereby use the energy of the
earth\'s interior (captured by H2S formation) to convert CO2 into organic nutrients.
To benefit from this process, several vent animals have established endosymbiotic relationships
with these sulfur bacteria. One of the best-researched examples is R. pachyptila. This giant
gutless tube worm consists primarily of a long, thin sac attached to a gill plume. H2S, O2, and
some CO2 molecules are absorbed through the gill plume and carried to the tissues through the
blood bound to the transport protein hemoglobin. The trophosome, the site of the redox (energy-
generating) reactions, is the animal\'s most prominent organ. It is colonized by a large number of
sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. In return for a steady supply of H2S, O2, and CO2 provided by the
tube worms\' circulatory system, the sulfur bacteria provide the organic nutrients required for the
worm\'s growth and development.
For additional reading read this article on aspects of life development (Links to an external site.).
Hyperthermophilic organisms thrive in extremely hot conditions. Discuss (in 250-300 words)
any one biochemical property or adaptation that may facilitate the survival of these organisms at
temperatures above 80oC.
Solution
The hyperthermophiles have modified DNA, enzyme and membrane modifications that facilitate
the survival of these organisms above 80 C.
The adaptations include-.
M2 Discussion Hyperthermophiles “Like It Hot”33 unread replies.44.pdf
1. M2 Discussion: Hyperthermophiles “Like It Hot”
33 unread replies.44 replies.
In 1977, scientists discovered a new and unexpected habitat in the Pacific Ocean northeast of the
Galapagos Islands. Hydrothermal vent organisms were discovered in a dark deep-sea
environment, approximately 2600 m below the ocean's surface, where earth’s crustal plates were
spreading apart. Among these organisms were a large number of previously unknown animal
species, such as the tube worm Riftia pachyptila. How could life thrive in total darkness?
Researchers looked closely at these hydrothermal vents where columns of dark, cloud mineral-
laden hot water pour through fissures in the sea floor. Cold water seeps downward through
cracks in the earth's crust and is heated by molten lava. Later, as the hydrothermal water is
forced upward, it mixes with seawater causing mineral precipitates to form that create the
chimney-like structures called black smokers. In the extreme heat and pressure, deep within
earth’s crust, sulfate is reduced to form the high-energy H-S bond. The water in these
hydrothermal vents is thus rich in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and teams with a large numbers of
sulfur bacteria. These bacteria oxidize H2S to form H2SO4 and thereby use the energy of the
earth's interior (captured by H2S formation) to convert CO2 into organic nutrients.
To benefit from this process, several vent animals have established endosymbiotic relationships
with these sulfur bacteria. One of the best-researched examples is R. pachyptila. This giant
gutless tube worm consists primarily of a long, thin sac attached to a gill plume. H2S, O2, and
some CO2 molecules are absorbed through the gill plume and carried to the tissues through the
blood bound to the transport protein hemoglobin. The trophosome, the site of the redox (energy-
generating) reactions, is the animal's most prominent organ. It is colonized by a large number of
sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. In return for a steady supply of H2S, O2, and CO2 provided by the
tube worms' circulatory system, the sulfur bacteria provide the organic nutrients required for the
worm's growth and development.
For additional reading read this article on aspects of life development (Links to an external site.).
Hyperthermophilic organisms thrive in extremely hot conditions. Discuss (in 250-300 words)
any one biochemical property or adaptation that may facilitate the survival of these organisms at
temperatures above 80oC.
Solution
The hyperthermophiles have modified DNA, enzyme and membrane modifications that facilitate
the survival of these organisms above 80 C.
