They also contain genes that are found in Eucarya. These researchers have thereby concluded that microorganisms will be found anywhere that liquid water exists. These findings are now leading to researchers attempt to understand how molecules in these high heat microorganisms remain functional. More than one half of the earth's surface is part of this environment, particularly in the Arctic and Antarctic. Microbial communities have been found in the Arctic Sea where their optimal temperature for growth is around 4 degrees C. Acidic and basic conditions also lend themselves to another type of extremophiles organism.
Salt water is yet another place that microorganisms have been found.
The study of these particular organisms has helped in producing crude oil. Present research has begun to harvest the enzymes of extremophiles by using DNA testing without needing large collections from the source. A clone or domesticated microbe is harvested. These enzymes can be produced in a host without the need to culture extremophiles thus not placing them at risk. Some extremophiles are being modified to fit a specific need.