Extremophiles

Abstract

Extremophiles are extreme nature devotees, mostly bacteria and archaea, which bloom with extreme environmental parameters like temperature, pH, pressure, and salinity. Extremophiles are responsible for the beginning of geographical structures throughout the evolution and establishment of all presently known ecological units. They are classified into several categories like acidophiles, alkaliphiles, psychrophiles, thermophiles, xerophiles, piezophiles/barophiles, halophiles, and many more, as given in this chapter. The subsistence of these microorganisms in extreme environments produces extremolytes and extremozymes that have the potential of valued resources for the enlargement of a bio-based economy. In addition to their solicitations, extremophiles offer treasured information regarding the physiochemical limitations of natural life. This chapter mainly evaluates extremophiles, the classification of extremophiles, and their biotechnological applications in grey, white, and red biotechnologies with the perspective of exploring celestial life.