Multidisciplinary Studies of Archaebacteria from Submarine Hydrothermal Environments
Abstract
During the period of this contract we have completed three submersible expeditions to the Endeavour region of the Juan de Fuca Ridge and a surface ship operation to study the microbiology and chemistry in thermophilic environments and oceanic plumes associated with this vent field. Research was concentrated on isolation and characterization of extremely thermophilic bacteria, their activity under in situ conditions, and the rates of microbial oxidation of methane in both the vent field and in the plumes. We have obtained evidence that thermophilic bacteria are abundant at the Endeavour vent field. Viable hyperthermophiles (growth above 80 C) were isolated from sulfides associated with smokers, within flange structures, on surfaces and in guts of animals living on sulfide structures, and in hot waters. In addition, biochemical evidence including total DNA, lipid and protein content was used to show presence of intact bacteria even in extreme environments where attempts at culturing hyperthermophiles, such as areas in the flange where the temperature was greater than 200 C, were unsuccessful.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 17, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA246321
Entities
Organizations
- University of Washington