Finite groups are big as semigroups. (Q641811)

A finite semigroup is `big' if it is a maximal subsemigroup of some countably infinite semigroup. The terminology was introduced in a general context by \textit{R. Freese, J. Ježek} and \textit{J. B. Nation} [Algebra Univers. 45, No. 2-3, 221-310 (2001; Zbl 0980.06003)]. The authors first prove that if the kernel of a finite semigroup \(S\) contains a subgroup of order at least three, then \(S\) is big, from which the statement in the title follows (for groups of order at least three, of course). The proof makes essential use of the existence of 2-generated, infinite periodic groups. -- It is also shown that no group of order less than three is big.