Barophillic prokaryotes

Options

A. grow slowly at high altitudes in frozen lakes
B. found in water rich in Ba `(OH)_2`
C. grow and divide in very deep marine sediments
D. found in marine, Barium salt rich water

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Barophilic Prokaryotes**:
- Barophilic prokaryotes, also known as barophiles, are organisms that thrive under high-pressure conditions. They are a type of prokaryote, which means they lack a true nucleus.

2. **Habitat**:
- These organisms are typically found in environments where pressure is significantly high, such as the deep sea. As one descends into the ocean, the pressure increases, making these depths suitable habitats for barophiles.

3. **Growth Conditions**:
- Barophilic prokaryotes grow and divide in deep marine sediments. These sediments are located at the ocean floor where the pressure is at its peak.

4. **Misconceptions**:
- It is important to clarify that barophiles are not found at higher altitudes or in frozen lakes. They also do not specifically require environments rich in barium hydroxide for growth.

5. **Types of Barophiles**:
- Barophilic prokaryotes can include both deep-sea bacteria and archaebacteria that have adapted to survive and thrive in these extreme conditions.

6. **Conclusion**:
- The correct statement regarding barophilic prokaryotes is that they grow and divide in very deep marine sediments, where high-pressure conditions prevail.