NURP Supports Genome Sequencing of Deep Sea Organism
This story entered on 10th Jun, 2005 12:57:26 PM PST
Researchers at the University of Hawaii recently completed
mapping the genetic sequence, or genome, of I. loihiensis, a bacterium
that inhabits the deep sea vents of Hawaiis Loihi undersea
volcano. The Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL), NOAAs
Undersea Research Program for Hawaii and the Western Pacific, provided
the technical equipment and expertise to isolate the microorganism
from Loihis hydrothermal vents at 1300-m depth, where temperatures
can reach 198 oC. Furthermore, HURL developed apparatus that replicated
the hydrothermal vent environment, allowing the bacterium to be
transferred seamlessly to the University of Hawaiis research
labs.
Information derived from the genome suggests that I.
loihiensis relies primarily on amino acid catabolism, rather than
on sugar fermentation, for carbon and energy. Understanding the
biochemical and physical processes that allow the bacterium to survive
in Loihis deep sea vents may reveal novel processes and proteins
of biotechnological, medical or industrial importance.
Contact information
Name: John Smith
Tel: (808) 956-9669
jrsmith@soest.hawaii.edu
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