Primitive single-celled organisms thought by some to be the oldest life-forms on Earth. They were first known for their ability to survive in a range of extreme environments, such as salty water, hot springs, and sulfur vents at the bottom of the ocean floor, though further research also finds Archaea in a variety of non-extreme environments. [MORE] 1. Archaea - Microbiological journal devoted to original research on the Archaea. Author guide, publication schedule, and text of older articles. 2. Archaea - Introduction to this life form, written at three different levels of complexity for use by educators and students. 3. ArchaeaWeb - Links to popular press and journal articles, research news, and other sources of information about Archaea and extremophiles. Includes user comments. 4. Halobacteria - Detailed discussion of the molecules involved in their cytoplasmic and photosynthetic membrane lipids, structural glycoproteins, ionic relationships, and photosynthetic cycle. 5. Horikoshi Superbugs - Summary of interesting organisms discovered during a search for extremophiles, including a picture of the triangular halophile Haloarcula japonicus. 6. Introduction to the Archaea - Covers their main groupings, chemical differences from other life forms, fossil record, and the structure of their cell walls. 7. Journal of Biological Chemistry: Extreme Halophiles Synthesize Betaine from Glycine by Methylation - Research on the methyltransferase enzymes involved in synthesis of glycine betaine in Actinopolyspora halophila and Ectothiorhodospira halochloris. Transfer of the relevant genes increased salt tolerance in E. coli. 8. Life in Extreme Environments - Links to information about thermophiles, halophiles, and other extremophiles both inside and outside of the domain Archaea. 9. Microbe from Depths Takes Life to Hottest Known Limit - A newly discovered organism thrives near deep-sea ocean vents at temperatures up to 121C, living off dissolved iron. Images, video, and links to related research. Press release from the National Science Foundation. 10. Microbial Wonders Of The Deep - Halophiles - Discusses the unique lipid composition of their cell walls, bacteriorhodopsin photosynthesis, and the use of high concentrations of potassium to combat sodium osmosis. 11. Taxonomy Browser (Archaea) - Shows the relationships among the reconginzed groups, and samples yet to be named or classified. 12. The Scientist: Hot-Vent Microbes: Looking Backward In Evolution For Future Uses - Summary of research into the scientific uses of thermophiles and their heat-tolerant enzymes, such as PCR (polymerase chain reactions), toxic waste cleanup, and biomedical processes. [Free registration required] 13. Archaea - Short, simple introduction to these organisms. 14. Archaea (Archaebacteria) - Taxonomy, description, and extensive references, with particular emphasis on the Crenarchaeota (classified here as a Kingdom.) 15. Archaeal Diversity - Summary of research on non-thermophilic Crenarchaea in soil ecology. 16. Archaeal Diversity - Online textbook chapter from the University of Wisconsin, discussing various species and touching on some of the molecular characteristics that separate them from other life forms. 17. ARCHAIC (ARCHAebacterial Information Collection) - Genome sequences of three Euryarchaeota species, Pyrococcus sp. OT3, Thermoplasma volcanium GSS1, and Archaeoglobus fulgidus, and related papers by the research group. 18. BBC News: Toughest Bug Reveals Genetic Secrets - Reports the decoding of the Pyrococcus abyssi, which lives in the intense pressure and temperature of black smoker vents on the seafloor. 19. Distribution of Archaea in a Black Smoker Chimney Structure - Analysis of different communities in varied microhabitats of a deep-sea vent. Journal article from Applied and Environmental Microbiology 20. Domain Archaea - Systematic discussion of the various phyla within the Crenarchaea, Euryarchaeota, based on RNA differences. 21. Euryarchaeota - Lecture slides discuss the three major phyla (methanogens, halophiles and thermoacidophiles) of this kingdom within the Archaea. 22. Genome News Network: New Amino acid Discovered in Methanosarcina barkeri - Reports on the discovery of a new amino acid, pyrrolysine, coded by UAG (normally a stop codon) in this methanogen. 23. German Jurgens: Molecular phylogeny of Archaea in boreal forest soil, freshwater and temperate estuarine sediment - Academic thesis on the unexpected organisms discovered by ribosomal analysis of non-extreme soil and water samples. 24. Joint Genome Institute: Why Sequence Crenarchaeota? - Brief discussion of the importance of these deep-sea plankton, and of the benefits to be gained by understanding their genome. 25. Nevada Hot Springs: Microbial Interactions and Processes - Research proposal for a study of the ecological functions and implications of CO2 fixation by chemolithoautotrophic alkalithermophilic Crenarchaeota. Includes long list of references. 26. Open Questions: Archaea and Extremophiles - Annotated list of recommended sources. 27. The Archaea - General introduction, mentioning most known genera and species of Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. Includes some technical details such as toxin sensitivities. 28. The Limits to Life Under Dual Extremes of Temperature and Salinity - Abstract of conference speech on Halothermothrix orenii by Dr. Bharat Patel. 29. Wikispecies: Archaea - Taxonomy browser, with some links.

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