Pyrolobus

Pyrolobus fumarii is a species of archaea belonging to the phylum Crenarchaeota. It is notable for being an extremophile, specifically a hyperthermophile, meaning it thrives in extremely high-temperature environments.

Pyrolobus fumarii was first discovered in hydrothermal vents located at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It holds the current record for the highest temperature at which any organism can grow, with an optimal growth temperature of 106°C (223°F) and a maximum growth temperature of 113°C (235°F). It can survive autoclaving at 121°C (250°F) for one hour, but it will not grow at temperatures below 90°C (194°F).

The name Pyrolobus comes from the Greek words "pyro" meaning fire, and "lobus" meaning lobe, referring to its love of fire and its lobed shape. The specific epithet fumarii refers to the fumaroles, or vents, where it was discovered.

Pyrolobus fumarii is a chemolithoautotroph, meaning it obtains energy from inorganic compounds and synthesizes its own organic compounds. It reduces nitrate to ammonia using hydrogen as an electron donor. It is an anaerobic organism, meaning it does not require oxygen to survive. Its metabolism is important for understanding the geochemical cycling that occurs within hydrothermal vent ecosystems.

The study of Pyrolobus fumarii and other hyperthermophiles provides insights into the limits of life on Earth and the potential for life in other extreme environments, such as on other planets or moons. It also has potential biotechnological applications, such as in the development of heat-stable enzymes for industrial processes.