Methanocaldococcus sp. FS406-22

Names Methanocaldococcus sp. FS406-22
Accession numbers NC_013887, NC_013888
Background Methanocaldococcus sp. (strain FS406-22) is an anaerobic, piezophilic, diazotrophic, hyperthermophilic marine archaeon isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal vent fluid. It is able to reduce N2 to NH3 at up to 92 degrees Celsius, which is 28 degrees higher than the current upper temperature limit of biological nitrogen fixation. Methanocaldococcus sp. grows at temperature between 58 to 92 degrees Celsius with N2 as the sole source of nitrogen. Maximal growth occurred at 90 degrees Celsius, and no growth is detected at 55 and 95 degrees Celsius. It is also able to produce methane. The 16S ribosomal RNA genes of Methanocaldococcus sp. is 99% similar to that of non-nitrogen fixing Methanocaldococcus jannaschii DSM 2661. At its optimal growth temperature of 90 degrees Celsius, Methanocaldococcus sp. expresses nifHDK genes which encode the nitrogenase enzyme complex. This increase in the temperature limit of nitrogen fixation could reveal a broader range of conditions for life in the subseafloor biosphere and other nitrogen limited ecosystems than previously estimated. (Adapted from: 17170307). (HAMAP: METSF)
Taxonomy
Kingdom:Archaea
Phylum:Euryarchaeota
Class:Methanococci
Order:Methanococcales
Family:Methanocaldococcaceae
Genus:Methanocaldococcus
Species:FS406-22
Strain FS406-22
Complete Yes
Sequencing centre (02-FEB-2010) US DOE Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive B310, Walnut Creek, CA 94598-1698, USA
(21-FEB-2010) National Center for Biotechnology Information, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
Sequencing quality Level 6: Finished
Sequencing depth NA
Sequencing method NA
Isolation site Deep-sea hydrothermal vent from Pacific Ocean Axial volcano on the Juan de Fuca Ridge
Isolation country NA
Number of replicons 2
Gram staining properties NA
Shape Cocci
Mobility No
Flagellar presence Yes
Number of membranes 1
Oxygen requirements Anaerobic
Optimal temperature 90.0
Temperature range Hyperthermophilic
Habitat Specialized
Biotic relationship Free living
Host name NA
Cell arrangement NA
Sporulation Nonsporulating
Metabolism Methanogen
Nitrogen fixation
Energy source Lithotroph
Diseases NA
Pathogenicity No