Extremophiles

  • Extremophiles are such microorganisms that have been discovered with optimal growth in extreme environmental conditions and it is challenging to survive.
  • These extreme environments include intense heat, highly acidic environments, extreme pressure and extreme cold.
  • Thermophile is an organism with optimal growth at temperatures above 45 °C (113 °F).
  • Psychrophile/Cryophile is such an organism with optimal growth at temperatures of 15 °C (59 °F) or lower.
  • Osmophile/Osmotolerant is an organism with optimal growth in environments with a high sugar concentration. It is able to tolerate an environment of high osmotic concentration.