Newly Discovered Fire Amoeba Survives in Water at 158 Degrees Fahrenheit, Breaking Previous Records
Learn more about the fire amoeba, a newly discovered eukaryote that can survive in extreme temps.
A newly discovered amoeba species has been found to thrive in water temperatures up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, shattering previous records for eukaryotes. The fire amoeba, Incendiamoeba cascadensis, was discovered in hot springs within Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. Thriving in temperatures ranging from 117 to 147 degrees Fahrenheit, the amoeba can also withstand higher heat by forming a protective outer layer and shape-shifting.
This adaptation allows it to recover from exposure to extreme temperatures, such as 158 degrees Fahrenheit. The amoeba's genome revealed additional genes linked to protein maintenance and DNA repair, aiding its survival in harsh conditions. Researchers hope these findings inspire further exploration into organisms' tolerance limits.
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