
Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
Sulfolobus acidocaldarius is a type of microorganism known as an extremophile, meaning it thrives in very harsh environments. It is a single-celled organism (archaea) that lives in hot, acidic places such as volcanic hot springs and sulfur-rich environments, often at temperatures around 80°C (176°F) and pH levels below 3. Despite these extreme conditions, it maintains its biological processes effectively. This organism is important for studying life in extreme conditions, energy production, and biotechnology, as it can help develop new enzymes and processes useful in industrial applications.