ABSTRACT
Microorganisms have the ability to adapt stringent growth parameters and utilize all spectrums of nutrients as the sole source of energy. Extreme ecological niches rarely favor the life of higher organisms, while being beneficial to the microbial community that harbors tremendous biotechnological potential. Extreme conditions of acute pH, salinity, lethal temperatures, and high pressures lead to physiological distress. Halophiles possess inherent properties to survive under the extreme conditions and yet produce certain novel biomolecules of industrial importance. The halophilic bacteria have evolved by various adaptive strategies, such as physiological changes, specific structural features, and molecular traits. In this chapter, we describe the different modes of adaptations and possible biotechnological potential of halophilic bacteria.
