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Chapter 24: Problem 11

A thermophile is an organism that lives in extremely __________ environments. a. salty b. hot c. cold d. dry

Short Answer

Expert verified
Option b: hot

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Term 'Thermophile'

A thermophile is a type of organism. The prefix 'thermo-' relates to heat. Therefore, the term ‘thermophile’ clearly suggests an affinity for heat.
02

Identify the Environment

The suitable environment for thermophiles must be associated with high temperatures. Think about various environmental conditions that can be extreme.
03

Analyze the Options

Review each option: a. salty, b. hot, c. cold, d. dry. Considering the prefix 'thermo-', the correct answer should relate to heat.
04

Select the Correct Answer

Among the given options, 'hot' (b) aligns with high-temperature environments. Thus, thermophiles live in extremely hot environments.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Extremophiles
Extremophiles are fascinating organisms that thrive in conditions that are extreme and typically uninhabitable for most forms of life. They can live in environments with extreme temperatures, pH levels, salinity, pressure, and even radiation. Among the different types of extremophiles, thermophiles are particularly interesting because they specifically thrive in high-temperature environments.
  • Examples include hot springs, hydrothermal vents, and even man-made environments like industrial compost heaps.
  • These environments often exceed temperatures of 45°C (113°F), which is inhospitable for most other forms of life.
Understanding extremophiles helps us learn about the limits of life on Earth and potentially other planets.
High-Temperature Environments
Thermophiles thrive in high-temperature environments, often exceeding 45°C (113°F). Such high temperatures denature proteins and nucleic acids in most organisms, making life nearly impossible. However, thermophiles possess unique biochemical adaptations that allow them to endure and even thrive in these settings.
  • These adaptations include heat-stable enzymes and proteins, uniquely structured cell membranes, and efficient DNA repair mechanisms.
  • Typically, thermophiles are found in natural high-temperature habitats like hot springs and hydrothermal vents, as well as in human-made environments such as compost piles and industrial reactors.
Their ability to survive and function in such extreme conditions makes them a topic of significant scientific interest.
Biological Adaptation
Biological adaptations enable thermophiles to survive and flourish in incredibly hot environments. These adaptations can be structural, physiological, or biochemical.
  • Structural adaptations might include the presence of unique cell envelope proteins and membranes that maintain stability at high temperatures.
  • Physiological adaptations can involve the production of specialized heat-shock proteins that protect the organism’s vital proteins and enzymes.
  • Biochemical adaptations include the presence of highly stable enzymes that do not denature at high temperatures, often referred to as thermozymes.
By understanding these adaptations, scientists can develop industrial processes that make use of these stable enzymes, benefiting fields such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

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