Thermophilic, Thermotolerant Microorganisms

Abstract

AbstractThermophilic microorganisms are heat-loving microorganisms and grow optimally at temperatures above 50 °C and maximum 80 °C. Thermophilic microorganisms are considered as the “Universal ancestor” and thus bear importance in the evolutionary processes. They are found in thermal springs water, hydrothermal vents, ocean bottom, desert sand, compost, straw, etc. They develop resistance to high temperature by producing specialized proteins known as “Chaperonins” which are thermostable, saturated fatty acids in cell membrane, high melting temperature of DNA, heat shock proteins, etc. They are represented by spore-forming organisms like Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus thermoleovorans, Pyrococcus abyssi, and Thermococcus litoralis. Thermophilic bacteria possess high metabolic rates, higher end product yield, and stable enzymes. Thermostable hydrolytic enzymes have applications in industrial processes.In India, thermal springs are located in Himalayan ranges and many states. Thermophilic bacteria have been extensively studied from Manikaran hot spring in Himachal Pradesh. Thermophilic actinomycetes have been studied from hot springs in Western Maharashtra and explored for production of metalloproteases. Three novel species of thermophilic microorganisms have been reported from India.KeywordsThermophilicThermal springsHydrothermal ventsEvolutionary processOrigin of lifeHeat shock proteinsChaperonins Bacillus stearothermophilus Manikaran hot springThermostable enzymes