Final answer:
Lake Natron's bacteria are alkaliphiles that thrive in highly alkaline conditions due to specialized adaptations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bacteria isolated from Lake Natron, which has a water pH of close to 10, would be categorized as alkaliphiles. These microorganisms thrive in highly alkaline conditions, optimally between a pH of 8 and 10.5. Lake Natron's bacteria have adapted to their environment with evolutionary modifications that allow them to maintain necessary cellular functions despite the extreme pH levels. These adaptations include changes in lipid and protein structure and the use of a sodium ion gradient for energy in place of the more common proton motive force.