Why in the news: The study of archaea, a domain of ancient microorganisms, has provided scientists with valuable insights into survival strategies that enable microorganisms to adapt to harsh conditions. A specific focus has been on their toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, which play a key role in helping these organisms manage environmental and biological stressors.
Sulfolobus acidocaldarius: Researchers have investigated the TA system in a heat-loving archaeon called Sulfolobus acidocaldarius to understand how it aids survival in extreme heat. This microorganism thrives in environments such as the volcanic hot springs of Barren Island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India, and other volcanic regions worldwide, where temperatures can reach as high as 90°C.
VapBC4 TA system: A detailed analysis of the VapBC4 TA system in S. acidocaldarius highlights its crucial role in heat stress survival, offering insights into the resilience mechanisms of life in extreme conditions.
Significance of archaea: As the planet’s climate changes rapidly, with rising ocean and surface temperatures, understanding how early heat-loving organisms like archaea adapted to extreme environments has become increasingly important.
About Archaea: The term “archaea,” derived from the Greek word for “ancient things,” refers to one of the three domains of life, alongside Bacteria and Eukarya. Archaea are among the oldest life forms on Earth and are particularly suited for studying survival mechanisms in extreme environments.
Found in extreme environment: These microorganisms are found in some of the harshest conditions on the planet. For example, some archaea thrive in the digestive tracts of cows, termites, and marine life, where they produce methane. Others endure the desiccating effects of highly saline waters. Unlike the programmed cell death observed in more complex organisms, archaea employ diverse TA systems to combat stress caused by environmental factors and interactions with other living organisms.
Source: PIB
