Which type of bacteria thrives in cold temperatures?

Psychrophilic bacteria are specifically adapted to thrive in cold environments, typically at temperatures ranging from about -12 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius (10°F to 68°F). These bacteria possess unique biochemical adaptations that allow them to maintain fluidity in their cellular processes and metabolic functions at low temperatures. This capability is crucial for their survival and proliferation in habitats such as polar regions, deep-sea environments, and refrigerated foods.

In contrast, mesophilic bacteria prefer moderate temperatures, usually between 20 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius (68°F to 113°F), making them more suited to human body temperatures and soil environments. Thermophilic bacteria, on the other hand, thrive in high-temperature environments, often above 45 degrees Celsius (113°F), and are commonly found in hot springs and compost heaps. Hyperthermic is not a standard classification in microbiology and does not refer to a recognized category of bacterial temperature adaptation. Thus, the designation of psychrophilic bacteria correctly identifies the group that flourishes in cold temperatures.