extremophile

(noun)

an organism that lives under extreme conditions of temperature, salinity, etc; commercially important as a source of enzymes that operate under similar conditions

Related Terms

Examples of extremophile in the following topics:

  • Extremophiles and Biofilms

    • Other bacteria and archaea are adapted to grow under extreme conditions and are called extremophiles, meaning "lovers of extremes."
    • Because they have specialized adaptations that allow them to live in extreme conditions, many extremophiles cannot survive in moderate environments.
    • There are many different groups of extremophiles.
    • Other extremophiles, like radioresistant organisms, do not prefer an extreme environment (in this case, one with high levels of radiation), but have adapted to survive in it.
    • Discuss the distinguishing features of extremophiles and the environments that produce biofilms

  • The Diversity of Life

    • Many organisms belonging to the Archaea domain live under extreme conditions and are called extremophiles.

  • Temperature and Water

    • Such bacteria are examples of extremophiles: organisms that thrive in extreme environments.