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thermophile

biology
Also known as: thermophilic organism

Quick Summary

A thermophile is an organism that thrives in high temperatures. These organisms, often prokaryotic like archaea and bacteria, have adapted to live optimally in conditions that would be lethal to most life forms.12

Thermoplasma is a genus of archaea that exemplifies thermophily. These organisms can grow in environments with temperatures ranging from approximately 45 to 60 °C (113 to 140 °F) and are also acidophilic, preferring a pH between 0.8 and 4.0. They are chemoorganotrophs, obtaining energy from organic compounds, and can utilize sulfur respiration in anaerobic conditions. The study of thermophiles is important in understanding the limits of life on Earth and has implications for astrobiology, suggesting possibilities for life in extreme extraterrestrial environments.32

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