Question

How are some microbes able to live in habitats with temperatures exceeding 100°C?

Answer 1

Some microbes, specifically archaebacteria, can live in habitats with temperatures exceeding 100°C, such as hot springs and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. These microbes survive due to their special biochemical adaptations: they possess heat-stable lipids, low free water in their cells, and heat-tolerant enzyme systems. These adaptations enable their metabolic reactions and physiological functions to proceed optimally even at extremely high temperatures.