Characteristics
The phylum Thermotogae is composed of gram-negative staining, anaerobic, mostly thermophilic and hyperthermophilic bacteria. The name of this phylum is derived from the existence of many of these organisms at high temperatures along with the characteristic sheath structure, or “toga”, surrounding the cells of these species. Recently, some Thermotogae existing in mesophilic temperatures have also been identified. Although Thermotogae species exhibit Gram-negative staining, they are bounded by a single unit lipid membrane, hence they are monoderm bacteria. Because of the ability of some Thermotogae species to thrive at high temperatures, they are considered attractive targets for use in industrial processes. The metabolic ability of Thermotogae to utilize different complex-carbohydrates for production of hydrogen gas led to these species being cited as a possible biotechnological source for production of energy alternative to fossil fuels.
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