Understanding Extremophiles

What are extremophiles?

• Organisms that cannot survive in extreme conditions

• Organisms that thrive in extreme abiotic conditions

• Complex organisms found in moderate environments

• Microorganisms that only live in freshwater

How do thermophiles survive in high temperatures?

• By reducing their metabolic rate

• By evolving proteins that fold tightly

• By using antifreeze proteins

• By having proteins that unfold easily

What adaptation helps psychrophiles survive in freezing temperatures?

• Proteins that reduce pressure

• Proteins that act like antifreeze

• Proteins that increase salinity

• Proteins that fold tightly

Why are halophiles able to survive in high salinity environments?

• They have a thick cell wall

• They avoid osmosis altogether

• They have a high metabolic rate

• They use organic compounds to neutralize osmotic pressure

What is one potential application of extremophiles in laboratories?

• Increasing the cost of chemical processes

• Slowing down reactions

• Optimizing processes like PCR and biofuel production

• Reducing the need for catalysts