BIOTECHNOLOGY OF THE ARCHAEA

The Archaea, designated since 1979 as a separate Super-Kingdom (the highest taxonomic order), are a highly novel group of microorganisms which look much like bacteria but have many molecular and genetic characteristics that are more typical of eukaryotes. These unusual organisms can be conveniently divided according to their 'extreme' environmental niche, into three broad phenotypes: the thermophiles, methanogens and extreme halophiles. Each group has unique biochemical features which can be exploited for use in the biotechnological industries. The extreme molecular stability of thermophile enzymes, the novel C1 pathways of the methanogens and the synthesis of organic polymers by some halophiles are all currently or potentially valuable examples of the biotechnology of the Archaea.