upgrade

🦠microbiology review

Halobacteria

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Halobacteria are a class of extremophilic archaea that thrive in highly saline environments. They are known for their unique adaptations to high salt concentrations, such as specialized cell membrane proteins and enzymes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Halobacteria can survive in salt concentrations that would be lethal to most other microorganisms, often exceeding 20% NaCl.
  2. They use light-absorbing molecules like bacteriorhodopsin to generate energy through a process similar to photosynthesis.
  3. The cell walls of Halobacteria contain high levels of glycoproteins rich in acidic amino acids which help stabilize them in salty conditions.
  4. Halobacteria are obligate halophiles, meaning they require high salt concentrations not just to thrive but to survive.
  5. They reproduce through binary fission, similar to other prokaryotes, but exhibit unique genetic mechanisms like horizontal gene transfer.

Review Questions