Aquificae

Aquificae is a phylum of bacteria. Members of this phylum are obligate thermophiles, meaning they require high temperatures to survive. They are often found in hot springs and hydrothermal vents. Aquificae are chemoautotrophs, deriving energy from chemical reactions and carbon from inorganic sources like carbon dioxide. They play a role in the global carbon and sulfur cycles.

The most well-known genus within Aquificae is Aquifex. These bacteria are typically rod-shaped and can be motile. Their metabolic pathways involve the oxidation of hydrogen or hydrogen sulfide. Aquificae are considered to be among the earliest branching lineages of bacteria, making them of great interest in evolutionary biology. They are characterized by their unique cellular structures and genetic makeup, which reflect their adaptation to extreme environments. Research into Aquificae continues to shed light on the limits of life and the early evolution of prokaryotes.