Heat-loving bacteria. Coloured freeze-fracture transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of the hyperthermophilic (very high temperature-loving) bacteria, Thermoproteus tenax. The rod-shaped bacterial cell is 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: x16,000 at 6x4.5cm size.