Sequencing and Assembly of Multiple Reported Metal-Biooxidizing Members of the Extremely Thermoacidophilic Archaeal Family Sulfolobaceae

The archaeal family Sulfolobaceae contains extremely thermocidophilic microbes isolated from terrestrial, acidic geothermal features. In particular, these environments are typically in excess of 65 °C with pH below 3.5. Specifically, these microorganisms have all been reported to be metal-mobilizing microbes with either strictly chemolithoautotrophic, mixotrophic, or facultatively lithotrophic metabolisms. The goal of this study is to provide researchers with new information for studying the environmental, industrial, and evolutionary contexts of these organisms. Additionally, we seek to define the genetic determinants of extremophily in these organisms and specifically the determinants responsible for their relatively unique metabolic and physiological capabilities.