Thermophile

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Thermophylic)

Thermophile

A Thermophile is an organism — a type of extremophile — that thrives at relatively high temperatures, between 41 and 122 °C (106 and 252 °F). Many thermophiles are archaea, though there are also bacterial thermophiles.

Classification[edit | edit source]

Thermophiles can be classified into three main categories:

  • Obligate thermophiles (also called extreme thermophiles): These organisms can only function at high temperatures and are found in various geothermally heated regions of the earth, such as deep sea hydrothermal vents and hot springs.
  • Facultative thermophiles: These organisms can thrive at high temperatures, but also at lower temperatures (below 40 °C).
  • Hyperthermophiles: These organisms grow optimally at temperatures above 80 °C.

Adaptation[edit | edit source]

Thermophiles have unique adaptations that allow them to survive in extreme heat. These include protein stability, membrane stability, and the presence of chaperone proteins.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Thermophiles have many applications in biotechnology, including their use in PCR, a DNA amplification technique, and in enzyme production.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

Thermophile Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD