| Description | Pyrobaculum calidifontis is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped microbe that thrives in thermophilic environments, categorized as a chemolithotroph, and can be found in various body sites across different species, including terrestrial and aquatic environments, and is an obligate anaerobe. The Gram-negative characteristic indicates that the microbe's cell wall is composed of a thin peptidoglycan layer, making it more resistant to certain antibiotics. Its rod-shaped morphology allows for efficient movement and colonization in its preferred environments. As a thermophile, Pyrobaculum calidifontis can survive in extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 100°C, which is rare among most microbial species.As a chemolithotroph, Pyrobaculum calidifontis derives energy from the oxidation of inorganic compounds, such as sulfur and iron, rather than relying on organic carbon sources. This unique metabolic ability enables the microbe to thrive in environments with limited organic matter. Its ability to inhabit various body sites across different species highlights its adaptability and resilience. The microbe's obligate anaerobic nature necessitates the absence of oxygen for growth and survival, which is characteristic of many deep-sea and hot spring environments. Pyrobaculum calidifontis has been found to play a crucial role in the geochemical cycling of elements, such as sulfur and iron, in these environments. Its presence has also been linked to the formation of unique mineral deposits, showcasing its significant impact on the ecosystem. The microbe's genome has been sequenced, revealing a range of genes involved in thermophilic adaptation, metal resistance, and chemolithotrophic metabolism, providing valuable insights into its remarkable survival strategies. |
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