Chapter 6, Problem 1QC

Summary Introduction

To explain: Whether the stream is considered sterile.

Introduction: The microorganisms are found abundantly in nature. To maintain the Earth’s ecosystem, microorganisms are extremely important. Microorganisms are very minute that cannot be seen with naked eyes. They may be unicellular, multicellular, and even found as cell clusters. Microorganisms may be beneficial or hazardous to humans.

Explanation of Solution

The streams are the bodies of water that originate from the mountains. The stream water consists of microorganisms since the microbes are found everywhere on the Earth. The temperature of the stream water is cold when compared to other water bodies. Microbes can live in both hot and cold environment. The microbes that live in hot temperature are called thermophiles and the microbes living in cold temperatures are called psychotrophs. Even though the stream water is cold, it must contain some of the psychotrophs. Hence, it is not considered sterile.