Question

How does some organisms survive in hot sulphur springs and deep sea hydrothermal vents as at extreme temperatures far exceeding 100 degree Celsius denaturation of enzymes and nucleic acids can take place ?

Answer 1

Hi friend,

Generally, enzymes are very sensitive to pH and temperature.Their optimum temperature is 20-35°C.

But there are some enzymes who are "isolated from those organisms who normally live under extremely high temperatures" say for eg. hot vents and sulphur springs, they are stable and "retain their catalytic power" even at high temperatures(upto 80°C-90°C).

Hence here "thermal stability is important quality of such enzymes isolated from thermophilic organisms".


Hope I am able to satisfy you.!!!

#shati