Transport properties of two extremely thermophilic species of Thermus.

Thermus flavus and T. ruber grew optimally at 75 and 60 degrees C, respectively, but transport of monosaccharides (D-quinovose) and amino acids (2-aminoisobutyric acid) had optima about 20 degree C lower. Both transports were active, inhibited by 2,4-dinitrophenol but hardly at all by uranyl(2+) ions. Several transport systems are apparently involved with each class of compounds. Preincubation with glucose curtailed subsequent transport severely. Practical cessation of transport below 35 degrees C may be associated with the rather uniform composition of membrane lipids where iso- and anteiso-C15 and C17 acids are practically the only components.