Ignisphaera aggregans DSM 17230

Ignisphaera aggregans (strain DSM 17230 / JCM 13409 / AQ1.S1) is a strictly anaerobic, moderately acidophilic, heterotrophic hyperthermophilic and fermentative archaeon isolated from a near neutral, boiling spring in Kuirau Park, Rotorua, New Zealand. The generic name derives from the Latin word "ignis" meaning "fire", and "sphaera" meaning "ball", referring to coccoid cells found in the high-temperature environment such as hot springs. The species epithet is derived from the Latin word "aggregans" meaning "aggregate forming", referring to the appearance of the cells when grown on mono-, di- or polysaccharides. The cells are regular to irregular cocci which occur singly, in pairs or as aggregates of many cells. They usually have dimensions between 1-1.5 um. I.aggregans grows optimally between 92 and 95 degrees Celsius, the temperature range for growth is 85-98 degrees Celsius. The pH range for growth is 5.4-7.0, with an optimum at pH 6.4. The strain grows in the presence of up to 0.5% NaCl, however, it grows optimally without NaCl. It is resistant to novobiocin and streptomycin but sensitive to erythromycin, chloramphenicol and rifampicin. I. aggregans is of particular interest because it is able to ferment quite a number of polysaccharides and complex proteinaceous substrates. (Adapted from PMID 21304693). (HAMAP: IGNAA)