RESUMO
Hyperthermophilic Archaea and Bacteria with optimal growth temperatures between 80 and 110°C have been isolated from geo- and hydro-thermally heated terrestrial and submarine environments. 16S rRNA sequence comparisons indicate great phylogenetic diversity among the 23 different genera represented. Hyperthermophiles consist of anaerobic and aerobic chemolithoautotrophs and heterotrophs growing at neutral or acidic pH. Their outstanding heat resistance makes them as interesting objects for basic research as for biotechnology in the future.
RESUMO
Hot springs and hydrothermal systems occurring within volcanic areas are inhabited by hyperthermophilic microorganisms, some of which grow at temperatures up to 110 degrees C. Hyperthermophiles grow anaerobically or aerobically by diverse metabolic types. Within the high temperature ecosystems, primary production is independent from solar energy.
