Heat-stable enzymes such as Taq polymerase from Thermus aquaticus enable PCR.
Taq polymerase, from Thermus aquaticus in Yellowstone hot springs, withstands PCR denaturation at 95 °C. Heat-stable enzymes are used in detergents and industrial processes.
Taq polymerase transformed molecular biology. Thermostable enzymes work in washing powders and biofuel production.
Example: Pfu polymerase has proofreading activity.
Heat-stable enzymes such as Taq polymerase from Thermus aquaticus enable PCR.
Thermophilic Enzymes is one of the 54 topics in Microbiology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Extremophiles, Yeast, Metagenomics.
Kary Mullis received the Nobel Prize in 1993 for PCR.
Work through the Beginner topics in Microbiology first, such as Microorganisms, Bacteria, Archaea, then return to Thermophilic Enzymes. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Thermophilic Enzymes are Extremophiles, Yeast, Metagenomics, 16S rRNA Sequencing. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Thermophilic Enzymes. To practise the whole of Microbiology, use the Microbiology quiz.
Thermophilic Enzymes: Heat-stable enzymes such as Taq polymerase from Thermus aquaticus enable PCR. Extremophiles: Organisms thriving in extremes of heat, acidity, salt or pressure, with specialised enzymes. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Extremophiles and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Microbiology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Organisms thriving in extremes of heat, acidity, salt or pressure, with specialised enzymes.
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