Heat-loving bacteria. Coloured freeze-fracture transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of the hyperthermophilic (very high temperature-loving) bacteria, Thermoproteus tenax. Two rod-shaped bacterial cells are seen, freeze-fractured to show the lattice-like cell wall. Extremophile bacteria live in extreme conditions, such as extremes of temperature, pH, pressure, and salt environments. T. tenax is an organism that belongs to the Archaea group (primitive bacteria). It is found growing in hot springs surviving temperatures of up to 96 degrees Celsius, and living & growing optimally at 88 degrees Celsius. Magnification: x11,300 at 5x7cm size.