Effects of oxygen and methyl viologen on Thermus aquaticus

Abstract

Under increased oxygen tensions, Thermus aquaticus exhibited a lag period in growth of 80 min, during which the specific activities of catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase increased. Methyl viologen increased the lag period, decreased the maximum population density, increased cell lysis, and induced catalase and superoxide dismutase. Methyl viologen, in conjunction with chloramphenicol, decreased cell viability.