Halophiles

Halophiles are microorganisms, mainly bacteria and archaea, that thrive in environments with very high salt concentrations, such as salt lakes and saline deserts. Unlike most life forms, they have specialized adaptations allowing them to survive and function where salt levels would typically be deadly. These organisms maintain their internal balance by accumulating compatible solutes or using unique proteins that prevent salt from damaging their cells. Halophiles play important roles in their ecosystems, such as breaking down organic material, and are also valuable in biotechnology, like producing salt-tolerant enzymes for industrial processes.