Thermophiles energetics

The energetics depicted in this way are in accord with the microbial ecology observed at deep sea hydrothermal systems (e.g., Kelley el al., 2002 Huber el al., 2003 Schrenk et al, 2003). Sediments and black smoker walls invaded by hydrothermal fluids there contain sparse microbial populations of mostly thermophilic methanogens and sulfate reducers. Abundant populations of mesophilic aerobes dominated by sulfide reducers, in contrast, are found in the open ocean where hydrothermal fluids mix freely with seawater. 

Solubilization, uptake, and precipitation of Ca and Si are directly (or at least energetically) linked to the photosynthetic and respiratory cycling of C, H, and O. Acids from nitrification and sulfur oxidation aid phosphorus mobilization photosynthesis or respiration is required for the uptake and conversion of phosphorous into high-energy phosphate. Sulfur is oxidized (with the concomitant reduction of nitrate) by Thiobacillus denitrificans, likewise, some extremely thermophilic methanogens can transfer hydrogen not only to CO2, but also to S. These are a few examples of interrelations involved in biogeochemical cycles. 

Energetics of Archaeoglobus and Pyrococcus - non-methanogenic thermophilic archaea related to methanogens... 

The 7-kDa Sulfolobus chromatin proteins are especially amenable to studies of both protein stability and DNA-binding. They unfold reversibly over a wide range of temperature, pH, and salt concentration, thus permitting an extensive characterization of thermophile protein stability.In addition, they bind to DNA with a relatively small site size, which facilitates a detailed study of the energetics of DNA-binding by site-directed mutagenesis. 

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