Students could be encouraged to gather information that supports both sides of the issue. An extension of this discussion could include the use of the geysers as a source of geothermal energy. Students could also discuss the role of microbes in providing potential clues to the origins of life on Earth and whether life could exist elsewhere in our solar system. This clip could introduce a debate on legal issues. These enzymes have extra stabilizing bonds that enable them to survive harsh conditions.
Bacteria living in hot springs are unable to grow at the temperature of the human body.
Each bacterial strain has an optimal growth temperature. These microbes thrive in highly acidic and fiercely hot thermal pools and geysers, environments that are found in many industrial processes. The enzymes produced by these microbes have potential use in the manufacture of products from pharmaceuticals to paper. Your team has heard about a thermophilic bacterium that appears to require aluminum and is trying to isolate it from the hot springs. Describe the procedures you would design to keep this organism alive.