An organism which thrives in extreme chemical or physical conditions which would be harmful to most life forms.
21
votes
2answers
238 views
How do biological communities at deep-ocean hydrothermal vents migrate between vents?
Much interest in the astrobiology community has been generated by the discovery of biological communities populating deep-ocean hydrothermal vents (i.e. "black smokers"). (1) These ecosystems rely on ...
10
votes
3answers
284 views
What is the most heat-tolerant organism?
What is the most heat-tolerant (or heat loving - hyperthermophile) organism so far identified? What adaptations does this organism have in order to endure such high temperatures?
9
votes
3answers
143 views
Does GFAJ-1 use Adenosine triarsenate as its energy currency?
Regarding the bacteria found in Mono Lake, CA that scientists believe uses or can use arsenic in its DNA backbone where life as we know it uses phosphorus (according to their experiments depriving the ...
5
votes
1answer
306 views
What's the opposite of a thermophile?
Thermophiles, heat-loving organisms, have been a popular topic of research for decades due in large part to the utility of their enzymes in various chemical reactions (Taq Pol single-enzymedly made ...
