Microbial Diversity Flashcards
Why study extremophile microbes?
remedial strategy development for contaminated sites
imitating/applying enzyme adaptations for harsh environments
understanding evolutionary history
astrobiology
Acidic environments
low pH (1.4 to 4)
cells have to regulate the internal pH-neutral levels
How do acidophiles respond to acidic conditions?
As protons are pumped out of the cell, they will import K+ ions through an antiport system
Hydrothermal systems
High pressure, high temperature
vast ranges of pH
How do microbes in hydrothermal systems respond to conditions?
They have adapted to use the “toxic” chemical species as their nutrients, “cleaning up” the species to be better used by nearby species
Polar/extremely cold environments/Ice
salt is left in highly concentrated lenses between frozen water molecules. The salt reduces the freezing point of water, so little pocket of water are left in those lenses creating a highly concentrated brine.
What life is found in polar environments?
slower growing
smaller communities of microbes
Why are we interested in polar microbial activity?
Can guide and inform astrobiological investigations.
Supersaline and Alkaline Conditions
Very salty
high pH (excess carbonate)
How do microbes respond to saline and alkaline conditions?
pump out Na and pump in protons (saline)
pump out K, pump in protons (alkaline)
(need to keep internal system pH neutral)
