Halobacterium salinarum

Definition

Halobacterium salinarum is an extremophilic archaeon known for thriving in high-salt environments such as salt lakes and salt mines. It belongs to the domain Archaea and is noted for its unique adaptations to hypersaline conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Halobacterium salinarum requires at least 1.5 M NaCl to grow, making it an obligate halophile.
2. It contains bacteriorhodopsin, a protein that enables it to use light energy to synthesize ATP.
3. The cell wall of Halobacterium salinarum is composed of glycoproteins that are highly stable in saline environments.
4. It reproduces through binary fission similar to other prokaryotes.
5. Its genomic DNA has high GC content, which provides stability in extreme conditions.

Related terms

Archaea:

One of the three domains of life, consisting of single-celled organisms distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes.

Obligate Halophile: Organisms that require high salt concentrations for growth.

Bacteriorhodopsin: A protein used by certain archaea to capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy.