Thermophilic and Halophilic Enzymes

摘要

Some species of microorganisms survive under heat and saline conditions that would denature the proteins of less tolerant counterparts. In this report, we analyze numerous small changes in a class of proteins from thermophilic and halophilic bacteria to elucidate the biochemical traits that confer stability. Major advances in chemical-biological detection and contamination control depend on the proper functioning of proteins such as antibodies, enzymes, and receptor sites. If protein-based detectors and decontaminants are to reach the soldier in the field, the biomolecules will have to be heat- and salt-tolerant. Knowledge of how naturally resistant molecules achieve their stability will enable biotechnologists to introduce precise stabilizing characteristics into needed, but otherwise fragile, proteins.