pH

Question 1

Acidophiles

Answer 1

Acidophiles are organisms that thrive in highly acidic environments, accumulating H+ ions as H+ ions diffuse into the cell from the environment. These H+ ions are actively pumped back out of the cell to maintain neutral pH.

Question 2

Alkalophiles

Answer 2

Alkalophiles are organisms that thrive in highly alkaline environments, where H+ ions are diffused out of the cell and have to be actively pumped back in again to maintain neutral internal pH.

Question 3

Neutrophiles

Answer 3

Neutrophiles are organisms that thrive in neutral pH environments, such as most natural habitats and the human body. They have a neutral H+ ion concentration.