Bellevue University Partners in Discovery of New Bacterium from Russia's Baikal Rift Zone
Thioalkalicoccus limnaeus strain Um2 could lead to advancements in solar energy, new molecules for biotechnology, and environmental cleanup
Bellevue University, the Winogradsky Institute of Biology, and GEOMAR announced the discovery of Thioalkalicoccus limnaeus strain Um2 in a hydrothermal system in Russia’s Baikal rift zone. Researchers identified its ability to perform photosynthesis in alkaline and slightly salty water. The team sequenced the genome and proposed the strain as a reference for the species.
Key Facts
- Researchers discovered Thioalkalicoccus limnaeus strain Um2 in the Baikal rift zone in Russia.
- The bacterium lives in warm, alkaline, and slightly salty water.
- It contains bacteriochlorophyll b and performs photosynthesis using internal tube-like structures.
- The research team sequenced the genome of a Thioalkalicoccus bacterium.
- Researchers propose strain Um2 as the reference strain for the species.
- The discovery may support research in environmental science and biotechnology.
Discovery of Strain Um2
Bellevue University, in collaboration with the Winogradsky Institute of Biology and GEOMAR, announces the discovery of a bacterium, Thioalkalicoccus limnaeus strain Um2, found in a hydrothermal system from Russia’s Baikal rift zone. The bacterium thrives in warm, alkaline, and slightly salty waters and contains bacteriochlorophyll b, which enables it to perform photosynthesis using internal tube-like structures.
Genome Sequencing and Classification
When compared to similar bacteria, strain Um2 was found to be related to other Thioalkalicoccus species but shows genetic differences. The team has sequenced the first-ever genome of a Thioalkalicoccus bacterium and is proposing strain Um2 as the reference strain for this species.
"This discovery advances our understanding of how bacteria survive in extreme environments," said Dr. John Kyndt, Professor at Bellevue University. "Studying its ability to photosynthesize in harsh conditions and its interactions in complex microbiomes could lead to new ways to harness solar energy, and possibly contribute to environmental cleanup."
Scientific Impact and Applications
The discovery of strain Um2 offers potential applications in environmental science, particularly in removing pollutants from water. Further comparison of its metabolic processes could also help discover molecules for biotechnological practices.
For more details, read the full article here: https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/ijsem/10.1099/ijsem.0.006657#.
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