Psychrophile

The lichen Xanthoria elegans can continue to photosynthesize at −24 °C.[1]

Psychrophiles or cryophiles (adj. psychrophilic or cryophilic) are extremophilic organisms that are capable of growth and reproduction in low temperatures, ranging from −20 °C (−4 °F)[2] to 20 °C (68 °F).[3] They are found in places that are permanently cold, such as the polar regions and the deep sea. They can be contrasted with thermophiles, which are organisms that thrive at unusually high temperatures, and mesophiles at intermediate temperatures. Psychrophile is Greek for 'cold-loving', from Ancient Greek ψυχρός (psukhrós) 'cold, frozen'.

Many such organisms are bacteria or archaea, but some eukaryotes such as lichens, snow algae, phytoplankton, fungi, and wingless midges, are also classified as psychrophiles.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference BartákVáczi2007 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Neufeld, Josh; Clarke, Andrew; Morris, G. John; Fonseca, Fernanda; Murray, Benjamin J.; Acton, Elizabeth; Price, Hannah C. (2013). "A Low Temperature Limit for Life on Earth". PLOS One. 8 (6): e66207. Bibcode:2013PLoSO...866207C. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0066207. PMC 3686811. PMID 23840425.
  3. ^ Moyer, Craig L.; Collins, Eric R.; Morita, Richard Y. (2017-01-01). "Psychrophiles and Psychrotrophs". Reference Module in Life Sciences. Elsevier. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-809633-8.02282-2. ISBN 978-0-12-809633-8. Retrieved 2022-05-22.