This Microbe Magazine article promotes the study of extremophiles, such as halophiles on Earth, as a way to provide helpful insights in our search for life elsewhere in the universe. It reports that halophiles commonly contain a preponderance of acidic proteins, introduces Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 as a model halophile, and suggests that retinal-based phototrophy - first discovered in halophiles - may be one of the oldest metabolic capabilities on Earth. The article includes links to a detailed author profile and a list of advantages for using Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 for teaching basic microbiology.
Subject: Biology:Evolution, Diversity, Astrobiology, Microbiology Resource Type: Scientific Resources:Overview/Reference Work Grade Level: Graduate/Professional, College Upper (15-16), College Lower (13-14) Extreme Environments: Hypersaline
