Strain 121
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| Species: | Geogemma barossii
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Strain 121 (Geogemma barossii) is a single-celled microbe of the domain Archaea. First discovered 200 miles (320 km) off Puget Sound near a hydrothermal vent, it is a hyperthermophile, able to reproduce at 121 °C (250 °F), hence its name. It was (at the time of its discovery) the only known form of life that could tolerate such high temperatures. 130 °C (266 °F) is biostatic for Strain 121, meaning that although growth is halted, the archaeum remains viable, and can resume reproducing once it has been transferred to a cooler medium.
The ability to grow at 121 °C is significant because medical equipment is exposed to this temperature for sterilization in an autoclave. Prior to the 2003 discovery of Strain 121, a fifteen-minute exposure to autoclave temperatures was believed to kill all living organisms. However, Strain 121 is non-infectious because it cannot grow at temperatures near 37 °C.
Strain 121 metabolizes by reducing iron oxide.
See also
- Methanopyrus kandleri Strain 116
References
- Kashefi, Kazem; Lovley, Derek R. (2003). "Extending the upper temperature limit for life". Science. 301 (5635): 934. doi:10.1126/science.1086823. PMID 12920290.
External links
- Guardian News
- Pulse of the Planet
- New Scientist article
- Science Daily article
- NSF "Microbe from Depths Takes Life to Hottest Known Limit"
- How Hot is Too Hot for Earth-Style Life?