A Microbe Is Discovered Growing near a Deep Sea Thermal

question 73

Multiple Choice

A microbe is discovered growing near a deep sea thermal vent. When researchers bring a sample up to the surface and try to grow it in a lab at room temperature in a normal incubator, they are unsuccessful. Why?

• A) The pressure isn't the same at sea level as it is on the ocean floor and the microbe may require a very specific pressure.
• B) Oxygen concentrations are very different between the two environments-it's possible the microbe is a strict anaerobe and is poisoned by the air (oxygen) in the lab.
• C) Salt concentrations might be different in the media the researchers are attempting to use and the salt water the microbe is used to living in. This might be causing osmotic pressure differences that the microbe can't tolerate.
• D) The temperature is probably different-the thermal vent would be very hot, while these researchers are trying to grow this microbe at room temperature. 
• E) All of the answer choices are correct.