Meet Thermus aquaticus: The Biotech Superstar
Brian W. Schaller/Wikimedia Commons
Brian W. Schaller/Wikimedia Commons
Thermus aquaticus is a bacterium discovered in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park. It gained fame for its heat-resistant enzyme, Taq polymerase, which is essential for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique.
PCR is a cornerstone of modern genetic research, allowing scientists to amplify DNA sequences rapidly. This humble bacterium has had a profound impact on biotechnology, demonstrating how extremophiles can contribute to scientific innovation.