termofiilien

Termofiilen, often referred to as thermophiles, are microorganisms that grow best at high temperatures. The term encompasses both bacteria and archaea that thrive in hot environments. Thermophiles typically have optimal growth between 45 and 80 degrees Celsius; hyperthermophiles grow best above 80 C, with some isolated from deep-sea vents thriving above 100 C under high pressure.

They inhabit hot springs, geothermal soils, compost piles, and hydrothermal vents. Some species live in industrial processes that involve heat or chemical stress.

Biology and adaptations: Termofiilen maintain stable cellular components through thermostable enzymes, heat-shock proteins, and membrane lipids with saturated isoprenoids and ether linkages in archaea. DNA stabilization is aided by proteins such as reverse gyrase and robust DNA repair. Metabolic strategies vary: many thermophiles are chemolithoautotrophs using sulfur, hydrogen, or reduced minerals; others are organotrophs metabolizing organic compounds. They can be aerobic, anaerobic, or facultatively anaerobic; many hyperthermophiles are anaerobic.

Notable examples include Thermus aquaticus, the source of Taq DNA polymerase used in PCR; Thermococcus kodakarensis and Pyrococcus furiosus, both hyperthermophilic archaea; Sulfolobus solfataricus, a thermoacidophile; and Methanopyrus kandleri, one of the most heat-loving archaea known.

Termofiilen are of interest for biotechnology because their enzymes function at high temperatures, enabling processes that reduce contamination and increase reaction rates, such as thermostable DNA polymerases and other industrial enzymes.