A 'mesophile' is an
organism that grows best in moderate
temperature, neither too hot nor too cold, typically between 25 and 40
°C (77 and 104
°F). The term is mainly applied to
microorganisms.
The habitats of these organisms include soil, the human body, animals, etc. The optimal temperature of many
pathogenic mesophiles is 37 °C (98 °F), the normal human body temperature.
Mesophilic organisms have important uses in food preparation especially in
cheese and
yogurt making and in
beer and
wine making.
Organisms that prefer cold environments are termed
psychrophilic, those preferring warmer temperatures are termed
thermophilic and those thriving in extremely hot environments are
hyperthermophilic.
See also
★
Anaerobic digestion