Mesophile

A mesophile is an organism that grows best in moderate temperature, neither too hot nor too cold, typically between 20 and 45 °C (68 and 113 °F). The term is mainly applied to microorganisms. Organisms that prefer extreme environments are known as extremophiles. Mesophiles are often found in soil and water environments.

Characteristics

Mesophiles have adapted to thrive in temperatures close to that of their host organism, which is often a mammal such as a human. They have a variety of structures that make them suited to their moderate environments, including certain types of lipids in their cell membranes to maintain fluidity, and enzymes that function optimally at their preferred temperature range.

Examples

Examples of mesophilic organisms include many common bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as many yeasts and molds. These organisms are often responsible for food spoilage and can cause foodborne illness if not properly controlled.

Applications

In industry, mesophiles are used in fermentation processes, including the production of beer, wine, and certain types of cheese. They are also used in waste treatment processes, where they help break down organic materials.

See also

• Psychrophile
• Thermophile
• Extremophile