Question

What are the four categories for classifying bacteria based on their temperature?

Answer 1

The four categories for classifying bacteria based on their temperature are psychrophiles, mesophiles, thermophiles, and hyperthermophiles. Psychrophiles can survive in extremely cold temperatures, mesophiles have an optimum growth temperature around normal body temperature, thermophiles thrive in high temperatures, and hyperthermophiles can tolerate temperatures exceeding 80°C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The four categories for classifying bacteria based on their temperature are:

1. Psychrophiles: These bacteria can survive and grow in extremely cold temperatures, such as below 0°C. Examples include the bacteria found in Antarctica's Lake Whillans.
2. Mesophiles: These bacteria have an optimum growth temperature between 20-45°C, which is the temperature range usually found in the human body. Many common bacteria, including Escherichia coli, fall into this category.
3. Thermophiles: These bacteria thrive in high temperatures, usually between 55-85°C. They are often found in hot springs and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. An example is Thermus aquaticus, which produces the heat-resistant enzyme used in PCR.
4. Hyperthermophiles: These bacteria can grow in temperatures above 80°C, including those exceeding 100°C. They are found in extreme environments like hydrothermal vents and volcanic areas. Pyrolobus fumarii is an example of a hyperthermophile.