Characterization of bacteria of the genus Thermus and their biotechnological importance

Gram-negative, aerobic bacteria of the genus Thermus which have been isolated from many natural and artificial, thermal environments are used as a source of thermostable restriction nucleases and DNA polymerase, as well as can be exploited for the production of many other enzymes with a great industrial importance. The strains belonging to the genus Thermus utilize carbohydrates, amino acids, carboxylic acids and peptides and their optimal growth temperatures ranged from 55 to 85°C. This review is focused on the adaptation of Thermus strains to thermostability and on characterisation and possible application of their enzymes.