Biology Exam 2: #4

Question 1

Extremophiles

Answer 1

Organisms of the domain Archaea that are associated with extreme conditions; we characterize them based upon the extreme environmental conditions where they are found

Question 2

Thermophiles

Answer 2

Organisms of the Extremophiles under Domain Archaea that are associated with EXTREMELY high temperatures; found in hot springs, geysers, and hydrothermal vents; grows between 104-175 degrees F(60-80 C); have heat stabilizer enzymes to allow for normal metabolism, growth and reproduction at these temps; metabolize substrates unusable by other organisms

Question 3

Example of a Thermophile

Answer 3

Pyrococcus furiosus; enzymes contain tungsten(highest melting point of any element);high heat stability

Question 4

Acidophiles

Answer 4

Extremophile under the Domain Archaea associated with extremely low ph(high acidity <2.0); lives in acidic areas like pine forests/bogs; can create bright orange coloring in water/water drainage that is highly acidic; found in foods like sour cream and yogurt

Question 5

Example of an Acidophile

Answer 5

Picrophilus spp; found in acid mine drainage streams; grow best at a ph of 0; can block hydrogen ion uptake (from deadly hydorgen ions in these high acidity systems) due to specialized cell walls and membranes

Question 6

Halophiles

Answer 6

Extremophile under the Domain Archaea that is associated with extremely high salinity/salt levels; grow best at 35-40% salinity(more than ocean); found in lakes(like Great Salt Lake in Utah) and can create pink coloring in it; found in soy sauce and sauerkraut; has special protein coating to reduce water loss and salt gain, while still allowing things they want to eat to come in

Question 7

Methanogens

Answer 7

major producers of methane, an atmospheric greenhouse gas; natural sources are found in wetlands, ocena microbes, termite digestive tracts; humand driven sources are found through cows, landfills, and fossil fuel combustion(MOST COMMON)