Q177 / 180 · NEET 2016 (Phase 2) · Zoology
The primary producers of the deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystem are
- AGreen algae
- Correct answerBChemosynthetic bacteria
- CBlue-green algae
- DCoral reefs
Solution
The primary producers of the deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystem are Archaebacteria, they have a chemosynthetic mode of nutrition. In most of the animals, the metabolic reactions or entire physiological functions proceed optimally in a narrow temperature range. In humans, it occurs at 37oC temperature. However, there are microbes like Archaebacteria that flourish in hot springs and deep-sea hydrothermal vents where temperatures far exceed 100oC. Archaebacteria sustain their life under extremes of temperature and pH. The cell membrane contains branched-chain lipids (phytanyl side chains) which decrease membrane fluidity. This chemical composition of the cell membrane enables these organisms to withstand extremes of temperature and pH.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.