cytoplasmic pH than its extracellular environment and the remarkable bioenergetics
that produce ATP much faster than non-alkaliphiles systems are reviewed in detail.
Moreover, the adaptive mechanisms that alkaliphiles employ to keep the structural
and functional integrity of their biomolecules at elevated pH are assessed.
It is undeniable that our understanding of alkaliphiles adaptation mechanisms to
high pH is expanding with time. However, considering that little is known so far
about the adaptation of life in alkaline milieu, it seems that this is just the beginning.
Probably, there is a lot more waiting for discovery, and some of these issues are
raised in the chapter, which not only summarizes the relevant literature but also
forwards new insights regarding high pH adaptation. Moreover, an effort is made to
include the largely neglected eukaryotic organisms’ adaptation to high pH habitats.
Graphical Abstract
Keywords Alkaliphiles, Alkaliphiles adaptation, Antiporter, ATP synthase,
Bioenergetic, Cardiolipin, Cytochrome, Eukaryotes, Extremophiles, pH
homeostasis, Secondary cell wall, S-layer, Squalene, Unsaturated fatty acids
Abbreviations
ADP
Adenosine diphosphate
ATP
Adenosine triphosphate
BMB
Bis(monoacylglycero) phosphate
CPA
Cation/proton antiporters
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G. Mamo