Nonjabulo Vidima
Hot springs are geothermal features where water, heated by the Earth's internal heat, emerges at the surface. These environments are characterized by high temperatures, often exceeding 50°C, and can be found in geothermal regions worldwide.
Scientific Name: Thermus aquaticus
Classification:
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Deinococcota
Class: Deinococci
Order: Thermales
Family: Thermaceae
Genus: Thermus
Species: T. aquaticus
T. aquaticus is a rod-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium that thrives at 50–80°C. It’s an obligate aerobe and chemoorganotroph, meaning it gains energy from organic compounds. Its key feature is thermostable enzymes like Taq polymerase, making it crucial for high-temperature applications. Found in hot springs, it plays a role in organic matter decomposition.
T. aquaticus contributes to high-temperature ecosystems by breaking down organic material. Though not directly involved in nitrogen cycling, it supports microbial diversity. Its enzymes may aid biodegradation in hot environments. It interacts with thermophiles, forming stable microbial communities in extreme habitats.
_T. aquaticus _is best known for Taq polymerase, essential for PCR in genetic research, disease diagnosis, and forensic science. Its thermostable enzymes are valuable in industrial bioprocesses, such as biofuel production and bioremediation in high-temperature conditions.
The commercialization of Taq polymerase raised ethical concerns about bioprospecting in protected areas. Sustainable use and fair distribution of benefits remain key issues. Additionally, pollution and climate change could alter geothermal ecosystems, affecting thermophilic bacteria populations.
