Which microhabitat supports growth of halophilic microorganisms? Check all that apply.
A Great Salt Lake
B bagoong (fish paste)
C Dead Sea
D fruit jam & jelly
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answers are:
A. Great Salt Lake
B. Bagoong (fish paste)
C. Dead Sea
Explanation:
Halophilic microorganisms are organisms that thrive in high-salinity environments. They are adapted to survive and grow in conditions with high salt concentrations, where most organisms would struggle or fail. Let’s look at each of the options in detail:
- Great Salt Lake (A):
The Great Salt Lake in Utah, USA, is a highly saline body of water. Its salt concentration can vary but often exceeds that of seawater. This environment is home to halophilic microorganisms, especially in the shallow, saline regions. These organisms have evolved mechanisms to survive the high salinity by balancing the osmotic pressure within their cells. - Bagoong (fish paste) (B):
Bagoong is a fermented fish paste commonly found in Southeast Asian cuisine. The fermentation process involves the creation of a high-salt environment, which encourages the growth of halophilic microorganisms. These microorganisms break down proteins in the fish, leading to the characteristic flavors of the paste. The high salinity created during fermentation provides an ideal environment for halophiles. - Dead Sea (C):
The Dead Sea, located between Jordan and Israel, is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, with salt concentrations that can exceed 30%. This extreme salinity is inhospitable to most life forms, but halophilic microorganisms have adapted to thrive in this environment. The high salt content creates an osmotic pressure that selects for organisms that can maintain internal water balance while surviving the harsh conditions. - Fruit Jam & Jelly (D):
While fruit jam and jelly contain sugar, not salt, as the primary preservative, they do not generally provide a favorable environment for halophilic microorganisms. Sugar can create a high osmotic pressure, but this pressure is different from the high salinity conditions required for halophiles. Therefore, fruit jams and jellies do not support halophilic microorganisms.
In summary, environments with high salt concentrations, such as the Great Salt Lake, Bagoong, and the Dead Sea, are conducive to the growth of halophilic microorganisms. However, fruit jam and jelly, with high sugar content rather than salt, do not support halophilic microorganisms.