So what?
Well, for one, the thermophilic bacteria live in really, really hostile hot environments.
Because of that, they have all sorts of tricks up their sleeves for DNA repair and homeostasis.
Those slimy little hot bacteria might hold the key to immortality.
PCR technology (Polymerase Chain Reaction) has been used to multiply DNA segments. That’s why alot of folks lately are getting off after being convicted years ago for something, because PCR can make trace DNA samples much more identifiable.
And PCR owes it’s very discovery and existence to Thermus Aquaticus Polymerase, an enzyme that comes from a lowly bacteria in Yellowstone - a bacteria that lives in water well over 150 degrees F.
But Sea Monkies lived on my dresser!