Which best describes thermophiles' temperature profile?

Which best describes thermophiles' temperature profile?

• A. 5-15°C
• B. Minimum around 45°C, commonly 50-85°C, with some above 100°C
• C. 0-20°C
• D. 15-30°C

Answer: (B)

Thermophiles grow best at high temperatures, so their temperature profile shows a minimum in the tens of Celsius above room temperature and a peak at relatively high temperatures. In practice, growth begins around 45°C, many thermophiles prefer about 50–85°C, and some can even grow above 100°C. This pattern fits the description described in the option: a minimum near 45°C, commonly 50–85°C, with some above 100°C. The other ranges—5–15°C, 0–20°C, and 15–30°C—reflect organisms adapted to cold environments (psychrophiles), not thermophiles.

Thermophiles grow best at high temperatures, so their temperature profile shows a minimum in the tens of Celsius above room temperature and a peak at relatively high temperatures. In practice, growth begins around 45°C, many thermophiles prefer about 50–85°C, and some can even grow above 100°C. This pattern fits the description described in the option: a minimum near 45°C, commonly 50–85°C, with some above 100°C. The other ranges—5–15°C, 0–20°C, and 15–30°C—reflect organisms adapted to cold environments (psychrophiles), not thermophiles.