Thermophilic

Thermophiles are microorganisms that are adapted to survive in high temperatures, typically those over 45 °C (113 °F). They are found in various geothermally heated regions of the earth, such as geysers, hot springs, and hydrothermal vents. They can also be found in decaying plant matter, such as peat bogs and compost.

Classification

Thermophiles can be classified into three main types:

• Facultative thermophiles can thrive at high temperatures, but also at lower temperatures.
• Obligate thermophiles require high temperatures to grow.
• Hyperthermophiles are a type of thermophile that can survive at temperatures above 80 °C (176 °F).

Adaptations

Thermophiles have unique adaptations that allow them to survive in extreme heat. These include proteins that are resistant to heat denaturation, lipids in their membranes that are saturated and have a high melting point, and DNA repair mechanisms that can fix damage caused by heat.

Applications

Thermophiles have many applications in biotechnology, including the production of enzymes for use in detergents, biofuels, and polymerase chain reactions.

See also

• Extremophile
• Psychrophile
• Mesophile

References

Thermophilic Resources
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