Alkaliphiles are microbes classified as extremophiles that thrive in alkaline environments with a pH of 9 to 11 such as soda lakes and carbonate-rich soils. To survive, alkaliphiles maintain a relatively low alkaline level of about 8 pH inside their cells by constantly pumping hydrogen ions (H+)in the form of Hydroxonium ions (H3O+) across their cell membranes into their cytoplasm.
External links
- http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0212089/alk.htm
Last updated: 09-12-2005 02:39:13