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Biology/bacteria / microbe living conditions.

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Expert: - 10/14/2007


Question
Hi,

some bacteria/microbes live near underwater vulcano eruptions, there must be extreme heat at these places. My question is. What is the max temperature a bacteria has been found living?

Thank you in advance.

Regards
Jan Chu

Answer
Dear Jan,

The bacteria (actually known as Archaeans) that you're referring to are known as extreme thermophiles (meaning they thrive at extremely high temperatures.  Optimum temperature for their reproduction is between 65 - 85 degrees Celsius, but some that live at extreme depths can survive at temperatures that are actually over the boiling point (100 degrees Celsius), since the pressure at that depth drives the boiling point of water higher.

Hope that helps.

Dana

Biology

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Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

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I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!

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At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).

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I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980). I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.

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I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.

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