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Thermococcus alcaliphilus sp. nov., a new hyperthermophilic archaeum growing on polysulfide at alkaline pH

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Abstract

A novel coccoid-shaped, hyperthermophilic, heterotrophic member of the archaea was isolated from a shallow marine hydrothermal system at Vulcano Island, Italy. The isolate grew between 56 and 90°C with an optimum around 85°C. The pH range for growth was 6.5 to 10.5, with an optimum around 9.0. Polysulfide and elemental sulfur were reduced to H2S. Sulfur stimulated the growth rate. The isolate fermented yeast extract, peptone, meat extract, tryptone, and casein. Isovalerate, isobutyrate, propionate, acetate, CO2, NH3, and H2S (in the presence of So) were detected as end products. Growth was not inhibited by H2. Based on DNA-DNA hybridization and 16S rRNA partial sequences, the new isolate represents a new species ofThermococcus, which we namedThermococcus alcaliphilus. The type strain is isolate AEDII12 (DSM 10322)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lehrstuhl für Mikrobiologie, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053, Regensburg, Germany

    Martin Keller, Franz-Josef Braun, Reinhard Dirmeier, Doris Hafenbradl, Siegfried Burggraf, Reinhard Rachel & Karl O. Stetter

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  1. Martin Keller
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  2. Franz-Josef Braun
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  3. Reinhard Dirmeier
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  4. Doris Hafenbradl
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  5. Siegfried Burggraf
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  6. Reinhard Rachel
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  7. Karl O. Stetter
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Correspondence to Martin Keller.

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Keller, M., Braun, FJ., Dirmeier, R. et al. Thermococcus alcaliphilus sp. nov., a new hyperthermophilic archaeum growing on polysulfide at alkaline pH. Arch. Microbiol. 164, 390–395 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02529736

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02529736

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