Thermus aquaticus
Thermus aquaticus is a thermophilic bacterium that is isolated from thermal springs in Yellowstone National Park, California [1]. Isolates of T. aquaticus are gram-negative nonsporulating nonmotile rods which frequently form long filaments at supraoptimal temperatures [2]. This bacterium has revolutionised the PCR technique as from it, the enzyme Taq polymerase has been harvested. Taq polymerase can withstand the high temperatures required to break the hydrogen bonds during PCR and will not denature.
The Thermus aquaticus can survive in temperatures ranging from 50°C to 80°C, and thrives at approximately 70°C. The cylindrical bacterium is a chemotroph whereby it gains energy from the oxidation of electron donors.