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Multiple Choice
If an archaeal species thrives in a pool containing 0.01 M HCl(aq), which term best describes this organism?
A
Acidophile
B
Methanogen
C
Thermophile
D
Halophile
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the environmental condition described. The pool contains 0.01 M HCl, which means it is acidic due to the presence of hydrochloric acid.
Step 2: Recall the definitions of the terms:
- Acidophile: an organism that thrives in acidic environments (low pH).
- Methanogen: an organism that produces methane, typically anaerobic archaea.
- Thermophile: an organism that thrives at high temperatures.
- Halophile: an organism that thrives in high salt concentrations.
Step 3: Determine the pH of the environment. Since HCl is a strong acid, 0.01 M HCl corresponds to a pH of approximately 2 (pH = -\(\log\)_{10}[H^+]).
Step 4: Match the organism's preferred environment to the options. Because the environment is acidic (low pH), the organism that thrives here is best described as an acidophile.
Step 5: Conclude that the term 'acidophile' best fits an archaeal species thriving in 0.01 M HCl, as it indicates adaptation to acidic conditions.