Dictyoglomus is a genus ofbacterium,[4] given its own Phylum, called the Dictyoglomi.This organism is extremelythermophilic, meaning it thrives at extremely high temperatures. It ischemoorganotrophic, meaning it derives energy by metabolizing organic molecules. This organism is of interest because it elaborates an enzyme,xylanase, which digests xylan, a heteropolymer of the pentose sugarxylose. By pretreating wood pulp with this enzyme,paper manufacturers can achieve comparable levels of whiteness with much lesschlorine bleach.
It has been described asGram-negative, with a triple-layered wall.[5]
Li, He; Kankaanpää, Anna; Xiong, Hairong; Hummel, Michael; Sixta, Herbert; Ojamo, Heikki; Turunen, Ossi (December 2013). "Thermostabilization of extremophilic Dictyoglomus thermophilum GH11 xylanase by an N-terminal disulfide bridge and the effect of ionic liquid [emim]OAc on the enzymatic performance".Enzyme and Microbial Technology.53 (6–7):414–419.doi:10.1016/j.enzmictec.2013.09.004.PMID24315645.
Zhang, Wei; Lou, Kai; Li, Guan (2010). "Expression and Characterization of theDictyoglomus thermophilum Rt46B.1 Xylanase Gene (xynB) inBacillus subtilis".Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology.160 (5):1484–1495.doi:10.1007/s12010-009-8634-8.PMID19430737.
