Methanococcoides burtonii DSM 6242

The eurypsychrophilic (psychrotolerant) Methanococcoides burtonii (strain DSM 6242) is a strictly anaerobic, slightly halophilic archeon that was isolated from the anoxic and methanesaturated hypolimnion of Ace Lake (Antarctica). It is the best-characterized psychrophilic and methylotrophic archaeon. Motility is via a single monotrichous flagellum. Growth occurs at a temperature between 1.7-29.5oC with optimal growth at 23.4oC. In addition this organism requires 0.1-0.5 M NaCl and either magnesium sulfate or magnesium chloride at a concentration greater than 0.01 M for growth. The genome sequence of the methanogen M. burtonii will enable researchers to identify genes that are required for survival and adaptation of these archaea at cold temperature. Proteins from psychrophiles have more non-charged polar amino acids (Gln and Thr) and less hydrophobic amino acids (Leu). Structural flexibility might be due to fewer salt bridges and fewer Pro residues in loops. (HAMAP: METBU)