嗜酸嗜热浸矿微生物

随着人们对浸矿菌的研究不断加深,嗜热嗜酸菌的浸矿潜力及在微生物冶金中的作用和地位得到认识,利用嗜热菌对矿石进行高效浸出已成为微生物冶金领域的研究重点。嗜热微生物包括中度嗜热微生物和极端嗜热微生物,主要栖息于热泉、工厂高温废水排放区以及火山口等高温环境中。本综述总结了嗜热浸矿微生物种类,分析了嗜中温菌和极端嗜热菌等嗜酸菌种的生长习性、利用的能源物质、浸矿能力等,并进一步介绍了嗜热嗜酸微生物在高温生物冶金中的发展及应用。     

极端微生物及其相关功能蛋白研究进展

极端微生物是一类能够适应特殊环境的微生物,相关功能蛋白在其适应极端环境过程中发挥着重要作用,探索极端微生物的特性及其相关的功能蛋白有助于深入了解生命的起源与进化,为蛋白酶在工业领域的应用提供一定理论依据。现概述耐辐射球菌、嗜盐菌、嗜热菌、嗜酸菌和嗜碱菌、嗜冷菌、嗜压菌的特性及其相关的功能蛋白质,从蛋白质水平阐述极端微生物对极端环境的适应机制。     

极端嗜酸微生物

一般认为,极端嗜酸微生物指那些生长ｐＨ上限为３．０最适生长ｐＨ在１．０～２．５之间的微生物。它们一般分布于金属硫矿床酸性矿水、生物滤沥堆、煤矿床酸性矿水以及合硫温泉和土壤中,包括原核和真核两大类。其中原核嗜酸微生物依生长的温度范围不同又可划分成常温型、中温型和高温型３个类群。由于嗜酸微生物在低品位矿生物滤沥及煤的脱硫等方面有重要应用前景,因此受到广泛重视。１极端嗜酸微生物的多样性及主要类群在极端酸性环境中的真核生命几乎完全限于微生物。在黄石公园的温泉水体中已分离到光合作用的藻类。从其它一些地方金…     

极端微生物及其适应机理的研究进展

极端微生物是生物对极端环境适应的特殊种类 ,研究极端微生物的特性对探索生命的起源、微生物的育种及开发利用等具有重要意义。从嗜热微生物、嗜冷菌和耐冷菌、极端嗜酸微生物、嗜碱微生物、嗜盐微生物、嗜压微生物等方面总结了极端微生物及其适应机理的多样性以及其研究进展 ,旨在为极端微生物的开发利用提供一定的参考依据。     

嗜酸菌及其应用

自然界大多数环境的pH值为5～9,它适合多数微生物生长。嗜酸菌是一种能在低pH条件下生长和繁殖的极端环境微生物［‘－’］,通常在pHZ～5生长很好,pHS．5以上生长不好。有些嗜酸菌在中性pH条件下根本不生长,如氧化硫硫杆菌（Thiobacillusthiootidans）,酸热硫化叶菌（deghlobusacidocaldarius）,酸热芽抱杆菌O沏ciousacidoca儿brius）等,最佳生长pH是2．0～3．0,这些都是专性嗜酸菌。一些真菌也能在pHS．0或更低条件下生长,实际上是耐酸菌。l嗜酸菌生态分布及其对环境适应机制嗜酸菌生长在酸性环境,这主要与硫或硫化物的存在…     

极瑞环境下的生命

极端微生物是依赖于一种或多种极端物化因子的特殊生命形式，在100℃以上或0℃以下、近饱和的盐度、pH〉10或PH〈2等极端环境下，具有极端的生命世界，已发现的极端生命形式包括嗜热菌、嗜冷菌、嗜碱菌、嗜酸菌、嗜盐菌、嗜压菌等，统称为极端微生物，它们构成了地球生命形式的独特风景线，其存在的原理与意义为更好地认知生命现象、发展生物技术提供了宝贵的知识源泉。     

新的生命形式──极端微生物

近年来,在许多以前被认为是生命禁区的区域,发现了各式各样的新的生命形式。它们生存繁衍的理想场所恰恰是一些极端环境,如嗜热菌、嗜冷菌、嗜酸菌、嗜碱菌、嗜盐菌、嗜压菌等,这些统称为极端微生物（ｅｘｔｒｅｍｏｐｈｉｌｅｓ）。极端微生物具有独特的基因类型,特殊的生理机制及特殊的代谢产物,作为地球上的边缘生命现象,极端微生物颇为耐人寻味。它在生命起源、系统进化等方面将给人们许多重要的启示,在生命行为的原理上也将拓展人们的概念。极端微生物存在的原理,又具有极大的应用价值,极端微生物的特殊机制及特殊产物,将使…     

极端嗜盐古菌蛋白类抗生素——嗜盐菌素

古菌(Archaea)是一类与细菌及真核生物显著不同的生命的第三种形式[1],大多生活在极端或特殊环境,主要包括产甲烷古菌(Methanogenic Achaea)、极端嗜盐古菌(Extremely Halophilic Archaea)和极端嗜热古菌(Extremely Thermophilic Archaea)等三大类.极端古菌是极端环境微生物的重要成员,也是极端环境微生物资源开发的重要领域.其中,嗜盐古菌可产生一类蛋白类抗生素,称为嗜盐菌素(halocin).     

深海微生物高压适应与生物地球化学循环

深海是典型的高压环境,嗜压微生物是深海生态系统中的重要类群.随着深海采样技术的发展及高压微生物特殊培养设备的开发,已从深海环境中分离到一系列嗜压微生物,包括一些常压环境不能生长的严格嗜压菌.对这些嗜压菌的研究,不仅对微生物适应极端高压环境的机制有一定了解,而且发现了一些特殊的代谢产物.研究微生物高压嗜压机理,还有助于探索地球生命的温度压力极限及生命起源和演化等科学问题.从深海嗜压微生物多样性、深海微生物高压环境适应机理及深海微生物在生物地球化学循环中的作用等方面对嗜压微生物的研究进展进行综述.     

嗜盐古菌分类学研究进展

嗜盐古菌是一类需要高盐维持生长的古菌。到目前为止,已发现的嗜盐古菌都属于古菌域的广古菌门,主要包括:嗜盐甲烷古菌类群、嗜盐古菌纲的全部成员以及尚不能培养的纳米嗜盐古菌类群。嗜盐古菌是盐环境的土著类群,驱动着盐环境生态系统的生物地球化学循环。作为极端微生物,嗜盐古菌在理论研究和应用领域具有重要的研究价值。本文从嗜盐古菌分类学地位的变迁、分类学方法、分类学研究现状及我国的嗜盐古菌分类学研究等方面综述了嗜盐古菌分类学的最新研究进展。     

Function and biotechnology of extremophilic enzymes in low water activity

ABSTRACT: Enzymes from extremophilic microorganisms usually catalyze chemical reactions in non-standard conditions. Such conditions promote aggregation, precipitation, and denaturation, reducing the activity of most non-extremophilic enzymes, frequently due to the absence of sufficient hydration. Some extremophilic enzymes maintain a tight hydration shell and remain active in solution even when liquid water is limiting, e.g. in the presence of high ionic concentrations, or at cold temperature when water is close to the freezing point. Extremophilic enzymes are able to compete for hydration via alterations especially to their surface through greater surface charges and increased molecular motion. These properties have enabled some extremophilic enzymes to function in the presence of non-aqueous organic solvents, with potential for design of useful catalysts. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge of extremophilic enzymes functioning in high salinity and cold temperatures, focusing on their strategy for function at low water activity. We discuss how the understanding of extremophilic enzyme function is leading to the design of a new generation of enzyme catalysts and their applications to biotechnology.     

Resting forms of gram negative chemolithoautotrophic bacteria Thioalkalivibrio versutus and Thioalkalimicrobium aerophilum

The haloalkaliphilic chemoautotrophic gram-negative bacteria Thioalkalivibrio versutus, strain AL2, and Thioalkalimicrobium aerophilum, strain AL3, were shown to possess the capacity to produce resting forms, namely cyst-like refractile cells (CRC), whose production was controlled by the level of the d1 extracellular factors, exhibiting the function of anabiosis autoinducers. The conditions were elucidated that promoted the formation of CRC in the developmental cycles of the cultures studied, in condensed cell suspensions undergoing autolysis, and under the action of exogenously introduced chemical analogues of anabiosis autoinducers (alkylhydroxybenzenes). The peculiarities of the fine structure of the resting cells obtained were studied. Distinctions were revealed (with respect to viability and thermotolerance) between the CRC formed under different conditions. The relationship between the growth strategy and survival strategy of extremophilic bacteria is discussed with taking into account the effect of the d1 autoregulatory factors. A new model of CRC formation is proposed: CRC production in the life cycle of bacteria developing under conditions of increased concentration of anabiosis autoinducers.     

Transcriptional regulation in Archaea

During the past few decades, it has become clear that microorganisms can thrive under the most diverse conditions, including extremes of temperature, pressure, salinity and pH. Most of these extremophilic organisms belong to the third domain of life, that of the Archaea. The organisms of this domain are of particular interest because most informational systems that are associated with archaeal genomes and their expression are reminiscent of those seen in Eucarya, whereas, most of their metabolic aspects are similar to those of Bacteria. A better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of gene expression in Archaea will, therefore, help to integrate the body of knowledge regarding the regulatory mechanisms that underlie gene expression in all three domains of life.     

Production of Resting Forms by the Gram-Negative Chemolithoautotrophic Bacteria Thioalkalivibrio versutusand Thioalkalimicrobium aerophilum

The haloalkaliphilic chemolithoautotrophic gram-negative bacteria Thioalkalivibrio versutus, strain AL2, and Thioalkalimicrobium aerophilum, strain AL3, were shown to possess the capacity to produce resting forms, namely cystlike refractile cells (CRC), whose production was controlled by the level of the d₁ extracellular factors exhibiting the function of anabiosis autoinducers. The conditions were elucidated that promote the formation of CRC in the developmental cycles of the cultures studied, in condensed cell suspensions undergoing autolysis, and under the action of exogenously introduced chemical analogues of anabiosis autoinducers (alkylhydroxybenzenes). The peculiarities of the fine structure of the resting cells obtained were studied. Distinctions were revealed (with respect to viability and thermotolerance) between the CRC formed under different conditions. The relationship between the growth strategy and survival strategy of extremophilic bacteria is discussed taking into account the effect of the d₁ autoregulatory factors. A new model of CRC formation is proposed: CRC production in the life cycle of bacteria developing under conditions of increased concentration of anabiosis autoinducers.     

Psychrophilic enzymes: hot topics in cold adaptation

More than three-quarters of the Earth's surface is occupied by cold ecosystems, including the ocean depths, and polar and alpine regions. These permanently cold environments have been successfully colonized by a class of extremophilic microorganisms that are known as psychrophiles (which literally means cold-loving). The ability to thrive at temperatures that are close to, or below, the freezing point of water requires a vast array of adaptations to maintain the metabolic rates and sustained growth compatible with life in these severe environmental conditions.     

Interrupted Genes in Extremophilic Archaea: Mechanisms of Gene Expression in Early Organisms

Extremophilic Archaea populate biotopes previously considered inaccessible for life. This feature, and the possibility that they are the extant forms of life closest to the last common ancestor, make these organisms excellent candidates for the study of evolution on Earth and stimulate the exobiological research in planets previously considered totally inhospitable. Among the other aspects of the physiology of these organisms, the study of the molecular genetics of extremophilic Archaea can give hints on how the genetic information is transmitted and propagated in ancient forms of life. We review here the expression of interrupted genes in a recently discovered nanoarchaeon and the mechanisms of reprogrammed genetic decoding in Archaea. Presented at: National Workshop on Astrobiology: Search for Life in the Solar System, Capri, Italy, 26 to 28 October, 2005.     

Recent advances in biodegradation in China: New microorganisms and pathways,biodegradation engineering,and bioenergy from pollutant biodegradation

We are facing serious environmental challenges, and environmental biotechnology is an enabling technology to reduce or eliminate pollution. In recent years, environmental pollution in China has been receiving great attention, and this paper provides an up-to-date review on progress in biodegradation research in China. This progress includes the isolation of extremophilic microorganisms for pollutant degradation in extreme conditions and the study of genes and enzymes related to biodegradation pathways. Biodegradation engineering has potential as an interesting and powerful platform, where genetic engineering, process engineering, and signal transduction engineering are applied together. In addition, pollutant treatment combined with the production of renewable sources of bioenergy by microorganisms is attractive.     

The production of biocatalysts and biomolecules from extremophiles

The discovery of life in seemingly prohibitive environments continues to challenge conventional concepts of the growth-limiting conditions of many cellular organisms. The diversity of extremophiles has barely been tapped –estimates generally agreeing that <1% of the microorganisms in the environment have been cultivated in pure cultures to date. The production of extremophilic biomass is very important to provide sufficient material for enzyme and biomolecule isolation and characterization, eventually revealing particular features of industrial interest. Hence, special equipment and custom-tailored processes have been developed and are currently under evaluation for the improvement of fermentation productivity. Despite the remarkable opportunities that these uncommon organisms present for biotechnological applications only few instances can be reported for actual exploitation. This lack of progress from the research findings at a laboratory-scale to the actual development of pilot and large-scale production is correlated with the difficulties encountered in extremophile cultivations. Here, we report recent achievements in the production of biomass and related enzymes and biomolecules from extremophile sources, especially focusing on the application of novel fermentation strategies.     

Histochemical Differentiation of Anterior Pituitary Cell Types by Contrasting Azocoupling and Mucoprotein Stains

Azo compounds couple with aromatic amino-acid nuclei in the cytoplasmic proteins of human anterior pituitary acidophile and basophile cells. In acidophile cells the reaction appears to be due primarily to tyrosine, but also in part to histidine. Procedures are given for the use of naphthanil diazo blue B (tetrazotized di-ortho-anisidine), with or without a second coupling agent (H acid; 8-amino-1-naphthol-3, 6-disulfonic acid), to demonstrate acidophile cells, in contrast to mucoprotein stains (periodic acid oxidation followed by leukofuchsin or leukothionin) for the cytoplasm of basophile cells. Evans blue can also be used to give a contrasting color to basophile cells.     

Histochemical Differentiation of Anterior Pituitary Cell Types by Contrasting Azocoupling and Mucoprotein Stains

Azo compounds couple with aromatic amino-acid nuclei in the cytoplasmic proteins of human anterior pituitary acidophile and basophile cells. In acidophile cells the reaction appears to be due primarily to tyrosine, but also in part to histidine. Procedures are given for the use of naphthanil diazo blue B (tetrazotized di-ortho-anisidine), with or without a second coupling agent (H acid; 8-amino-1-naphthol-3, 6-disulfonic acid), to demonstrate acidophile cells, in contrast to mucoprotein stains (periodic acid oxidation followed by leukofuchsin or leukothionin) for the cytoplasm of basophile cells. Evans blue can also be used to give a contrasting color to basophile cells.