When studies of biological organisms in hot springs began in the 1960s, scientists thought that the life of thermophilic bacteria could not be sustained in temperatures above about 55 °C (131 °F).

In 1969, Thomas D. Brock and Hudson Freeze of Indiana University reported a new species of thermophilic bacteria which they named Thermus aquaticus.

Recognizing the scientific and financial potential of Yellowstone's extremophiles, biotechnology companies like Diversa signed agreements with the National Park Service for bioprospecting.

Overall, Brock's initial discovery in Yellowstone's hot springs paved the way for significant scientific breakthroughs, demonstrating the importance of basic research in driving innovation and technological advancements.

However, since its range of temperature overlaps somewhat with that of the photosynthetic cyanobacteria that share its ideal environment, it is sometimes found living jointly with its neighbors, obtaining energy for growth from their photosynthesis.

[5] The genetic material of T. aquaticus consists of one chromosome and four plasmids, and its complete genome sequencing revealed that it contains two full and two partial prophages, as well as numerous CRISPR loci.

Their exact function in the survival of T. aquaticus remains unknown but has been theorised to include temporary food and nucleotide storage, or they may play a role in the attachment and organisation of colonies.

[6] Thermus aquaticus is a typical gram-negative bacterium, which indicates that its cell walls have considerably less peptidoglycan compared to gram-positive counterparts.

In the presence of sunlight, Thermus can display hues ranging from yellow to pink or red, which are visible in hot springs.

[10] Use of the term Taq to refer to Thermus aquaticus arose at this time from the convention of giving restriction enzymes short names, such as Sal and Hin, derived from the genus and species of the source organisms.