Domain Archaea
Thermoplasmales

The Thermoplasmales live in extreme environments without a protective cell wall. Somehow they survive with only a plasma membrane yet retain a near neutral cytoplasm.

They grow best at 140ºF in highly - even extremely - acidic conditions.

They have flagella and are mobile, although it is unclear what structure can produce flagellar rotation under these conditions. The plasma membrane allows them to change shape.

Thermoplasmales metabolize energy through sulfur respiration. They can also scavange organic molecules. They are acid-loving and help accelerate the rate of disintegration of metallic sulfide minerals.

Strands of Thermoplasmales have been isolated from hot springs as well as self-heating coal refuse piles.