Sulfolobus acidocaldarius is an Archaean extremophile. This strictly aerobic prokaryote is found in the searing temperatures of sulfur-rich geothermal hot acid springs, geysers, and deep ocean vents. While primarily an aquatic organism, S. acidocaldarius can also be found in hot acidic soils. Optimal conditions for S. acidocaldarius included a temperature of 80°C and a hydronium ion concentration, pH, of 2; making them acidophiles (acid loving) and thermophiles (heat loving). (Wikipedia #2). As a member of the Archaea Domain, S. acidocaldarius, has no peptidoglycan within its membrane. As such it cannot be classified as gram positive or gram negative. Nutritionally speaking S. acidocaldarius can grow chemoautotrophically using sulfur to oxidize
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This article changed my perception of bacteria completely. Before reading The Ultimate Social Network I had a negative view of bacterial life. I didn’t comprehend the essential role bacterium plays in maintaining optimal human heathy. Sure pathogens are no walk in the park, but now I realize that humans have unconsciously created living environment which encourage certain pathogens to thrive and that a large majority of these organism are not just benign but are actually beneficial to us. Now when I shake hands with some or touch the bathroom door handle I think to myself may be I just picked up a piece of someone’s microbiome that will add to the richest of my own. By far the most intriguing bacteria for me to learn about was Escherichia coli (E. coli). Prior to my reading of the article I was only aware of pathogenic strains of E.Coli which get so much press as they cause havoc throughout livestock and human populations. It was interesting to learn that this bacteria has been inside of me my whole life working in tandem with my everyday digestive functions. In addition, I gained a deeper respected for this organism’s versatility which allows scientist to affordably manipulate its function for research and industry. For instance the use of E.Coli to produce insulin has greatly advanced the human condition. E.coli is actually working overtime to improve life on earth, it’s a shame that the pathogenic strains receive the majority of
This article changed my perception of bacteria completely. Before reading The Ultimate Social Network I had a negative view of bacterial life. I didn’t comprehend the essential role bacterium plays in maintaining optimal human heathy. Sure pathogens are no walk in the park, but now I realize that humans have unconsciously created living environment which encourage certain pathogens to thrive and that a large majority of these organism are not just benign but are actually beneficial to us. Now when I shake hands with some or touch the bathroom door handle I think to myself may be I just picked up a piece of someone’s microbiome that will add to the richest of my own. By far the most intriguing bacteria for me to learn about was Escherichia coli (E. coli). Prior to my reading of the article I was only aware of pathogenic strains of E.Coli which get so much press as they cause havoc throughout livestock and human populations. It was interesting to learn that this bacteria has been inside of me my whole life working in tandem with my everyday digestive functions. In addition, I gained a deeper respected for this organism’s versatility which allows scientist to affordably manipulate its function for research and industry. For instance the use of E.Coli to produce insulin has greatly advanced the human condition. E.coli is actually working overtime to improve life on earth, it’s a shame that the pathogenic strains receive the majority of