Relationship between Glycosyl Hydrolase Inventory and Growth Physiology of the Hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus on Carbohydrate-Based Media

Utilization of a range of carbohydrates for growth by the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus was investigated by examining the spectrum of glycosyl hydrolases produced by this microorganism and the thermal labilities of various saccharides. Previously, P. furiosus had been found to grow in batch cultures on several α-linked carbohydrates and cellobiose but not on glucose or other β-linked sugars. Although P. furiosus was not able to grow on...