Summary auto-generated
Researchers isolated and characterized a novel extremely halophilic archaeon from Lake Tebenquiche in the Atacama Saltern, Chile, designated Halorubrum tebenquichense sp. nov. (strain ALT6-92T). The microorganism grows optimally in saturated salt concentrations (5.2 M NaCl) at 40°C in alkaline conditions (pH 7.0-10.0) and does not require magnesium for growth. Cells are irregularly disc-shaped and orange-red in color. The strain was characterized through multiple approaches including morphological examination, physiological and biochemical testing, lipid analysis, DNA sequencing, and genetic hybridization. Polar lipid composition revealed the characteristic glycolipid mannosyl-2-sulfate-(1-4)-glycosyl-archaeol alongside two novel unidentified glycolipids. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene placed the strain within the Halorubrum genus cluster with 96% similarity to Halorubrum sodomense. DNA-DNA hybridization values of 38-55% with existing Halorubrum species, combined with differential phenotypic characteristics and unique lipid composition, justified classification as a distinct new species. The DNA G+C content was 63.2 mol%.
Key findings
- Novel extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from Lake Tebenquiche in the Atacama Saltern, Chile, designated Halorubrum tebenquichense sp. nov.
- Cells are irregularly disc-shaped, require saturated NaCl concentrations for growth, do not require magnesium, and grow optimally at pH 7.0-10.0 and 40°C
- Polar lipid analysis identified the characteristic Halorubrum glycolipid S-DGD-3 plus two previously unknown glycolipids (X1 and X2)
- 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis confirmed genus Halorubrum affiliation with 96% similarity to H. sodomense but DNA-DNA hybridization values of 38-55% indicating distinct species status
- DNA G+C content of 63.2 mol% and differential phenotypic characteristics from known Halorubrum species support new species designation
This summary was generated automatically from the article PDF and is not part of the original publication. Refer to the PDF for the authoritative text.
Abstract
A novel extremely halophilic archaeon was isolated from Lake Tebenquiche, situated in the northern part of the Atacama Saltern, Chile. The cells of these micro-organisms were mostly irregularly disc-shaped. They grew in medium containing saturated concentrations of NaCl and did not require magnesium for optimal growth. The polar lipid composition revealed the presence of mannosyl-2-sulfate-(1-4)-glycosyl-archaeol, the main glycolipid of the genus Halorubrum, and two new glycolipids. The G+C content of the DNA was 63.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene placed strain ALT6-92(T) within the Halorubrum cluster. The low DNA--DNA hybridization value justified classification in a new species for which the name Halorubrum tebenquichense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ALT6-92(T) (=CECT 5317(T)=DSM 14210(T)).