A detailed overview of the current state of knowledge about this special group of organisms. Identifies extremophiles, explores their unique ecologies, explains their physiologies, and discusses biotechnological applications. Describes the environments where these organisms reside and sheds light, at the molecular level, on the mechanisms that enable these unique organisms to survive. Covers all known types of extremophiles (including thermophiles, psychrophiles, halophiles, acidophiles, piezophiles, and alkaliphiles). Serves as an essential volume for a variety of scientists, including microbiologists, biochemists, physiologists, biotechnology specialists, ecologists, and physical scientists such as chemists and astronomers.
