Effects of hydrostatic pressure on growth of hyperthermophilic archaebacteria from the juan de fuca ridge.
Two new strains (AL1 and AL2) of hyperthermophilic, sulfur-reducing, heterotrophic archaebacteria from high-temperature (350 degrees C) vents on the Juan de Fuca Ridge were highly barotolerant at their optimal growth temperatures (90 and 100 degrees C, respectively). A trend towards barophily at pressures greater than those encountered in situ at the sea floor was demonstrated for the more extremely thermophilic strain (AL2), implying an ability to thrive in (unexplored) habitats well below accessible vent formations.
Reysenbach
A L
AL
School of Oceanography, WB-10, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195.
Deming
J W
JW