Methanothermococcus

Methanothermococcus is a genus of archaea that belongs to the family Methanococcaceae. The members of this genus are thermophilic, meaning they thrive in extremely high temperatures, and methanogenic, meaning they produce methane as a metabolic byproduct.

Characteristics

The cells of Methanothermococcus are typically coccoid (spherical) in shape. They are non-motile and lack flagella. The cell wall is composed of pseudomurein, a substance similar to peptidoglycan but distinct in its chemical structure.

Methanothermococcus species are strictly anaerobic, meaning they cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. They are also chemoautotrophic, meaning they obtain energy by oxidizing chemical compounds, and they use carbon dioxide as their sole carbon source.

Metabolism

Methanothermococcus species are known for their unique metabolic process, known as methanogenesis. This process involves the reduction of carbon dioxide to methane using hydrogen as an electron donor. This reaction is facilitated by a series of specialized enzymes, including coenzyme M and coenzyme B.

Habitat and Distribution

Methanothermococcus species are typically found in high-temperature environments such as hydrothermal vents and hot springs. They have been isolated from various locations around the world, including the Guaymas Basin in the Gulf of California and the Rainbow hydrothermal vent in the Atlantic Ocean.

Significance

Methanothermococcus species play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by converting carbon dioxide into methane, a potent greenhouse gas. They are also of interest for their potential applications in biotechnology, such as the production of biofuels and the treatment of waste.

File:Methanothermococcus okinawensis.jpg

Methanothermococcus okinawensis, a species of Methanothermococcus isolated from a hydrothermal vent.

See Also

• Methanogenesis
• Archaea
• Thermophile
• Methanococcaceae