Aciduliprofundum sp. MAR08-339 Genome sequencing. Aciduliprofundum sp. MAR08-339

Over the past 30 years, countless microorganisms exhibiting various metabolisms and physiologies have been isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. One of the more recent isolates, Aciduliprofundum boonei, is the first true acidophile to be isolated from deep-sea vents and is the sole described isolate of the deep-sea hydrothermal vent Euryarchaeota group 2 (DHVE2). The DHVE2 have been detected at vent sites from around the globe using molecular surveys of 16S rRNA genes and appear to be endemic to the deep-sea. Understanding the metabolism and physiology of this organism through whole genome analysis of A. boonei will allow us to make inferences about the ecology of this unique group. In addition, obtaining a genome sequence of a second member of this group from a geographically distant vent site will allow us to compare these isolates and link differences / similarities to geochemical parameters of the vent fluids.