Tuesday, May 12, 2015

ARCHAEA

Hi guys! Last week, before I went to Terengganu for my BAKSIS project, I learn about Archaea and Bacteria. Thanks to Malik's group for the nice presentation about archaea! :)

Archaea can be classified into 2 phylum which are Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota but recently scientist found that there is an additional phyla which is Thaumarchaeota. Unique features of archaea include :
  • Cell wall
  • Membrane lipids
  • Metabolism
  • Genetics

Phyla Euryarchaeota

Dominant group : Methanogens

It is the largest group of archaea. We can find them in anoxic environment rich in organic matters such as :
  • Deep soil
  • Intestinal tract
  • Marine sediment
  • Sewage treatment facilities

Methanogens can produce methane which can generate energy for heat and electricity. BUT, methane can absorbs infrared radiation thus causing global warming!!

Dominant group : Halophiles

Halobacteria that usually aerobic and their habitat are salt lakes and salted fish. The example of halobacteria is Halobacterium salinarium. They can carry out photosysthesis without chlorophyll or bacteriochlorophylls.

Great Salt Lake, Utah


Phyla Crenarchaeota

Most of them are thermophiles, hypothermophiles, extremely thermophilic, acidophiles and sulfur dependent. They are strictly anaerobes. There are 2 representative genera :
  • Geogemma
  • Pyrodictium


Lastly, we look for a journal regarding the SCL questions and share with other coursemate. That's all for today. Bye! :)