thermus aquaticus

[aztectgirl]

Ok.. so how do the enzymes of this bacteria compare with other microorganisms' enzymes?? I know they are function at high temp and reproduce very fast! but what else?? How might they prove to be valuable in the future? Any help appreciated. I have been searching online forever.

[mith]

pcr

[BDeis]

As mentioned above, the dna polymerase of this org. is used in pcr. Hence, the Taq bead. Since they live in high temps the polymerase can handle the high denaturing temps of pcr. If you were using mesophilic proteins they would denature during each cycle. This would leave you a big gooey mess and no dna amplification. That is the current use. As for future uses I don't know. Perhaps you can expand on future uses of pcr technology.

[mith]

I just learnt this today, pcr was invented by a surfer dude. Rad!

[MrMistery]

karry mullis or the guy he stole the idea from?

[victor]

Karry Mullis is a surfer? wow....
I also wondering, what force that makes Taq polymerase can withstand high temperature? how can it's 3D structure can does that....

[Jammerz]

Probably a large number of S-S disulfide bonds in addition to much hydrogen bonding. But I'm only guessing, don't quote me on that.

[MrMistery]

I was gonna make exact the same guess

[victor]

thanks for the informations boss...
hmm....there must be another else that makes this thing soooo strong
I really curious about those force....

[MrMistery]

http://www.rcsb.org/pdb/explore.do?structureId=1TAQ
Here, download the structure and explore it. I do not have Chimera on this computer, but you should be able to deduce by analysing it with Chimera what are the main bonds.

[mith]

chimera is free

[MrMistery]

i know, but this is my sister's laptop and she has a strict "No biochemistry geekish stuff on my laptop" rule