What is the optimal temperature range for psychrophiles?

Study for the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) Certification Exam. Test your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Prepare to succeed in your exam!

Psychrophiles are organisms that thrive at low temperatures, generally found in environments that are typically below 15°C (59°F) and can even grow and reproduce at temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F). They are adapted to survive in cold conditions and have metabolic processes that are optimized for these cooler temperatures, making them significant in fields like food preservation and biochemistry in cold environments.

The characteristics that allow psychrophiles to function in such low-temperature environments include unique molecular structures of their proteins that remain flexible and functional at these temperatures. This adaptation plays a vital role in their survival and metabolic activity, distinguishing them from other microorganisms that are suited to warmer or high-temperature conditions.

Therefore, identifying the optimal temperature range for psychrophiles as cold temperatures is accurate.

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