Thermophilic bacteria are microorganisms that thrive in environments with extremely high temperatures, such as hydrothermal vents and geothermal hot springs. In these habitats, temperatures can exceed 70°C , which would normally cause most proteins in living organisms to break down or lose function. Which structural feature helps thermophilic bacteria maintain function at high temperatures?
A
light-absorbing pigmentsB
chlorophyll-based systemsHigh temperatures can cause proteins to unfold and stop working. Thermophilic bacteria have heat-stable enzymes whose structures remain functional at temperatures that would damage ordinary enzymes. Therefore, the correct choice is heat-stable enzymes.
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