Strain 121

Strain 121 is a single-celled microbe, of the domain Archaea. It is found to be able to survive at 121 °C (250 °F), making it the life form that can tolerate the highest temperature. It metabolizes by reducing iron oxide.

The ability to grow at 121 degrees Celsius is significant because medical equipment is sterilised at this temperature. It was thought that the temperature kills all life forms. Howver Strain 121 thrives at that temperature.

See also

• Autoclave
• August 2003 (August 14) Strain 121 was found 200 miles (300 km) away from Puget Sound in a hydrothermal vent.
• Hyperthermophile

External links and references

• Guardian News

• Pulse of the Planet

• NSF "Microbe from Depths Takes Life to Hottest Known Limit"