Q 18. Consider the following statements
1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperatures above the boiling point of water.
2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperatures below the freezing point of water.
3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environments with a pH below 3.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: Option (c)
- “Thermophiles” are microorganisms with optimal growth temperatures between 60 and 108 degrees Celsius. They are isolated from a number of marine and terrestrial geothermally-heated habitats including shallow terrestrial hot springs, hydrothermal vent systems, sediment from volcanic islands, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. The boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Microorganisms live in every part of the biosphere, and some of them are even capable of growing at low temperatures, including those below the freezing point. These microorganisms live in the sea or in high mountains. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- Acidophiles are microorganisms that show optimal growth in highly acidic environments. They are of two types. The extreme acidophiles dwell in environments with a pH value <3, and moderate acidophiles grow optimally in conditions having pH values ranging between 3 and 5. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
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