Thermosynthase: Difference between revisions
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Produces | Produces '''[[Glucose]]''' {{CompoundIcon|image=GlucoseIcon.png|internalName=glucose}} using '''Temperature''' {{CompoundIcon|image=TemperatureIcon.png|internalName=temperature}} gradients in the environment. Prokaryotic form of the more efficient '''[[Thermoplast]]'''. | ||
Speculative organelle not found in real life. Unavailable in games with ''LAWK'' (Life As We Know it) turned on. | Speculative organelle not found in real life. Unavailable in games with ''LAWK'' (Life As We Know it) turned on. | ||
It is a grouping of membranous compartments containing thermosensitive enzymes. The enzymes are able to use the energy of rising '''Temperature''' {{CompoundIcon|image=TemperatureIcon.png|internalName=temperature}} in their surroundings to produce ''' | It is a grouping of membranous compartments containing thermosensitive enzymes. The enzymes are able to use the energy of rising '''Temperature''' {{CompoundIcon|image=TemperatureIcon.png|internalName=temperature}} in their surroundings to produce '''[[Glucose]]''' {{CompoundIcon|image=GlucoseIcon.png|internalName=glucose}} in a process called ''thermosynthesis''. | ||
== Requirements == | == Requirements == | ||
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== Processes == | == Processes == | ||
'''Bacterial Thermosynthesis''': '''Temperature''' {{CompoundIcon|image=TemperatureIcon.png|internalName=temperature}} ''increase'' → ''' | '''Bacterial Thermosynthesis''': '''Temperature''' {{CompoundIcon|image=TemperatureIcon.png|internalName=temperature}} ''increase'' → '''[[Glucose]]''' {{CompoundIcon|image=GlucoseIcon.png|internalName=glucose}} | ||
Generates energy from increasing '''Temperature''' {{CompoundIcon|image=TemperatureIcon.png|internalName=temperature}}. The thermosensitive enzymes change shape as the '''Temperature''' {{CompoundIcon|image=TemperatureIcon.png|internalName=temperature}} rises, allowing the | Generates energy from increasing '''Temperature''' {{CompoundIcon|image=TemperatureIcon.png|internalName=temperature}}. The thermosensitive enzymes change shape as the '''Temperature''' {{CompoundIcon|image=TemperatureIcon.png|internalName=temperature}} rises, allowing the conversion of various compounds into '''[[Glucose]]''' {{CompoundIcon|image=GlucoseIcon.png|internalName=glucose}}. As the cell cools, the enzymes return to their previous shape, allowing the process to repeat. Less efficient form of the ''Thermosynthesis'' present in '''[[Thermoplast|Thermoplasts]]'''. | ||
The rate of its ''' | The rate of its '''[[Glucose]]''' {{CompoundIcon|image=GlucoseIcon.png|internalName=glucose}} production scales with '''Temperature''' {{CompoundIcon|image=TemperatureIcon.png|internalName=temperature}} ''delta''. | ||
'''Glycolysis:''' '''Glucose''' {{CompoundIcon|image=GlucoseIcon.png|internalName=glucose}} → '''ATP''' {{CompoundIcon|image=ATPIcon.png|internalName=atp}} | |||
Since '''Thermosynthase''' proteins are suspended directly in the '''[[Cytoplasm]]''', the surrounding fluid performs '''Glycolysis'''. | |||
== Modifications == | == Modifications == | ||
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== Strategy == | == Strategy == | ||
Probably the most mobile form of autotrophy, ''Thermosynthesis'' requires almost constant movement. You need to go from colder areas to hotter ones and back again. After the cell's temperature has stopped increasing, ''' | Probably the most mobile form of autotrophy, ''Thermosynthesis'' requires almost constant movement. You need to go from colder areas to hotter ones and back again. After the cell's temperature has stopped increasing, '''[[Glucose]]''' {{CompoundIcon|image=GlucoseIcon.png|internalName=glucose}} production drops to zero. It is best to activate ''thermal vision'' to see the hot and cold areas around your cell, to most effectively steer through them. Thermosynthase is much more effective in much hotter patches, and so is best used in the Volcanic Vents. | ||
More efficient still is the '''[[Thermoplast]]''', available once a cell evolves a '''[[Nucleus]]'''. Like all prokaryotic organelles with eukaryotic counterparts, we recommend replacing '''Thermosynthase''' with '''[[Thermoplast|Thermoplasts]]''' when possible. | More efficient still is the '''[[Thermoplast]]''', available once a cell evolves a '''[[Nucleus]]'''. Like all prokaryotic organelles with eukaryotic counterparts, we recommend replacing '''Thermosynthase''' with '''[[Thermoplast|Thermoplasts]]''' when possible. | ||
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Thermosynthesis was first proposed by Anthonie Muller in a 1983 paper "Thermoelectric energy conversion could be an energy source of living organisms" (Physics Letters A, vol. 96, Issue 6, p. 319-321). Muller even suggested that thermosynthesis could have been a precursor to the earliest (sulfur-based) photosynthesis (see link: [https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0604084 A Search For Thermosynthesis: Starvation Survival In Thermally Cycled Bacteria]). | Thermosynthesis was first proposed by Anthonie Muller in a 1983 paper "Thermoelectric energy conversion could be an energy source of living organisms" (Physics Letters A, vol. 96, Issue 6, p. 319-321). Muller even suggested that thermosynthesis could have been a precursor to the earliest (sulfur-based) photosynthesis (see link: [https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0604084 A Search For Thermosynthesis: Starvation Survival In Thermally Cycled Bacteria]). | ||
In earlier versions of Thrive this organelle produced ATP directly, however due to game balancing reasons it now produces glucose, but there's no explanation for where the carbon would come from for that. So that's one more Thrive sin against realism. This might get fixed in the far future if someone volunteers to implement an organelle that would turn ATP to glucose for longer term storage. | |||
Latest revision as of 21:24, 10 November 2025
| Organelle Details | |
|---|---|
| Thermosynthase |  |
| |
| Base Cost (MP) | 50 |
| Requires Nucleus | No |
| Processes | Bacterial Thermosynthesis |
| Enzymes | None |
| Size (Hexes) | 1 |
| Osmoregulation Cost | 1 |
| Storage | 0.5 |
| Unique | No |
| Upgrades | None |
| Internal Name | thermosynthase |
Produces Glucose 
using Temperature 
gradients in the environment. Prokaryotic form of the more efficient Thermoplast.
Speculative organelle not found in real life. Unavailable in games with LAWK (Life As We Know it) turned on.
It is a grouping of membranous compartments containing thermosensitive enzymes. The enzymes are able to use the energy of rising Temperature in their surroundings to produce Glucose in a process called thermosynthesis.
Requirements
Thermosynthase only appears in games with "LAWK" turned off in game settings. If organelle unlocks are enabled in game settings, the organelle will be unlocked once the following condition has been met for the player cell:
- Is in a patch with at least 50 °C Temperature .
Processes
Bacterial Thermosynthesis: Temperature increase → Glucose
Generates energy from increasing Temperature . The thermosensitive enzymes change shape as the Temperature rises, allowing the conversion of various compounds into Glucose . As the cell cools, the enzymes return to their previous shape, allowing the process to repeat. Less efficient form of the Thermosynthesis present in Thermoplasts.
The rate of its Glucose production scales with Temperature delta.
Glycolysis: Glucose → ATP 
Since Thermosynthase proteins are suspended directly in the Cytoplasm, the surrounding fluid performs Glycolysis.
Modifications
No modifications.
Effects
Enables thermal vision, which can be toggled on and off. This overlays the relative temperature of the water onto the screen, with hotter areas looking more red.
Upgrades
No upgrades.
Strategy
Probably the most mobile form of autotrophy, Thermosynthesis requires almost constant movement. You need to go from colder areas to hotter ones and back again. After the cell's temperature has stopped increasing, Glucose production drops to zero. It is best to activate thermal vision to see the hot and cold areas around your cell, to most effectively steer through them. Thermosynthase is much more effective in much hotter patches, and so is best used in the Volcanic Vents.
More efficient still is the Thermoplast, available once a cell evolves a Nucleus. Like all prokaryotic organelles with eukaryotic counterparts, we recommend replacing Thermosynthase with Thermoplasts when possible.
Scientific Background
Thermosynthase is a fictional enzyme, but the process of thermosynthesis, while theoretical, is generally regarded as biologically plausible.
Thermosynthesis was first proposed by Anthonie Muller in a 1983 paper "Thermoelectric energy conversion could be an energy source of living organisms" (Physics Letters A, vol. 96, Issue 6, p. 319-321). Muller even suggested that thermosynthesis could have been a precursor to the earliest (sulfur-based) photosynthesis (see link: A Search For Thermosynthesis: Starvation Survival In Thermally Cycled Bacteria).
In earlier versions of Thrive this organelle produced ATP directly, however due to game balancing reasons it now produces glucose, but there's no explanation for where the carbon would come from for that. So that's one more Thrive sin against realism. This might get fixed in the far future if someone volunteers to implement an organelle that would turn ATP to glucose for longer term storage.