Thermophile
Thermophile
Thermophile (pronunciation: /ˈθɜːrməˌfaɪl/; from the Greek: θερμός, thermos, meaning "hot" and φίλος, philos, meaning "love") is an organism — a type of extremophile — that thrives at relatively high temperatures, between 41 and 122 degrees Celsius (106 and 252 degrees Fahrenheit).
Etymology
The term "thermophile" comes from the Greek words thermos meaning "hot" and philos meaning "love". It was first used in the late 19th century to describe bacteria that thrived in hot springs.
Classification
Thermophiles are classified into three main types: facultative thermophiles, obligate thermophiles, and hyperthermophiles. Facultative thermophiles can survive at high temperatures but also at normal or low temperatures. Obligate thermophiles can only survive at high temperatures. Hyperthermophiles are a type of thermophile that can survive at temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius.
Adaptation
Thermophiles have unique adaptations that allow them to survive in extreme heat. These include protein stability, DNA repair mechanisms, and lipid bilayer modifications.
Related Terms
- Extremophile: An organism that thrives in physically or geochemically extreme conditions that are detrimental to most life on Earth.
- Mesophile: An organism that grows best in moderate temperature, neither too hot nor too cold.
- Psychrophile: An organism that is capable of survival, growth or reproduction at temperatures below -15°C.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Thermophile
- Wikipedia's article - Thermophile
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