(c) Nate Holland 2007

Thermus aquaticus is a bacteria commonly found in the thermal springs at Yellowstone National Park. It thrives in hot, wet environments and was first discovered in 1969 by Thomas D. Brock. The discovery of Thermus aquaticus was especially important, because it derailed the theory that life couldn't exist in temperatures above 163 degrees fahrenheit.

Quick Facts About Thermus Aquaticus:

Thrives in hot springs

Heat compatability

Enzyme extracted to replicate DNA

Rapidly destroyed by sodium lauryl sulfate

Minerals, unessesary, but usefull for the replication of cells

Used to learn more about extremophiles

Spheres formed by isolataes

Aerobic

Quite resistant to osmotic lysis

Used for criminal investigation

Aquaticus derived from the Latin word aqua

Thomas D. Brock discovered

Identifies deceased people

Classified as Deinococcus-Thermus

Used by doctors to diagnose and treat genetic diseases

Slow-spreading colonies