9529139 Jablonski The haloalkaliphilic archaebacteria play an important ecological role in high pH hypersaline environments. Little is known about these microorganisms at both the biochemical and genetic levels. Many of the enzymes which these organisms synthesize may be biotechnologically important and techniques are needed to manipulate the genes encoding these proteins. The goal of this exploratory research project is to develop a transformation procedure for the haloalkaliphilic arachaebacteria ( Natronococcus and Natronobacterium spp.). This will allow "classical" genetic analysis of these organisms, and the reintroduction of archaebacterial genes into the haloalkaliphiles, including genes that have been altered in vitro.
