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

Question

Most living organisms cannot survive at temperatures above 45°C. How are some microbes able to live in habitats with temperatures exceeding 100°C?

Answer 1

In hot water springs and deep sea hydrothermal vents, archaebacteria (thermophiles) grow. They are able to survive in high temperatures (which far exceed 100°C) because their bodies have adapted to such environmental conditions. Organisms that withstand high temperatures contain enzymes with specialized thermal-resistance in order to perform metabolic functions.