How can bacteria remain active in high-temperature environments like hot springs?

Bacteria that thrive in high-temperature environments such as hot springs are known as thermophiles. These organisms have evolved enzymes that are specifically adapted to function optimally at elevated temperatures. The structure of these enzymes is more stable and less likely to denature, or lose their shape and functionality, at high temperatures compared to those found in bacteria that thrive in moderate or low temperatures.

Enzymes are crucial for catalyzing the biochemical reactions necessary for cellular processes, including metabolism and reproduction. The specialized adaptations in thermophilic bacteria ensure that their metabolic processes can proceed efficiently in conditions that would normally be detrimental to other forms of life. This ability allows them to maintain their biological functions and thrive in extreme environments where most other organisms cannot survive.

In this context, the other choices do not accurately represent how thermophilic bacteria adapt to high temperatures. A thicker cell wall may provide some structural support but is not the primary mechanism for function at elevated temperatures. Producing more energy at lower temperatures would be counterproductive for thermophiles, as they are specifically adapted to higher heat conditions. Absorbing nutrients more efficiently is not a characteristic that is unique to thermophiles and does not directly address their survival in high-temperature environments.