Essential Biochemistry

"The chemical reactions of living systems take place across a wide range of conditions. Although many microbial species can tolerate extreme heat, multicellular organisms require much more temperate habitats. One exception is Alvinella pompejana, the Pompeii worm, which lives near deep-sea hydrothermal vents and thrives at 42ÀC (107ÀF). Hair-like colonies of symbiotic bacteria may help insulate its body"--