AEBI 210 Lecture Notes - Chemotroph, Extremophile, Archaea
8 Jan 2013
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Document Summary
Anaerobic, probably chemoautotrophic (obtained complex molecules from the ocean) Cells that could use other energy (like light) eventually gained a selective advantage. Are the oldest and most abundant and diverse organisms on earth. Electron transport chain is on the cell membrane. No nucleus or cell organelles, dna is circular. Cells have membranes and cell walls (some have proteinaceous cell walls) Many are chemoautrotrophic and anaerobic with limited oxygen tolerance. Used to be thought to only exist in extreme conditions, now known to be more common. Extremophiles have enzymes which work in extreme conditions. Create methane by oxidizing h2 or organic compounds. Live in high temperature habitats (hot springs and thermal vents) Found in extremely salty environments (salt ponds, around hot springs) Found in almost every environment, including harsh ones. Many convert carbon into caco3 (limestone) and/or fix nitrogen. Use different organic compounds (like alcohols or fatty acids) as electron donors. Do not oxidize water or generate oxygen during photosynthesis.
