ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
acidophilic algae
;
carbon dioxide supply
;
cell wall
;
heavy metals
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Highly acidic environments are inhabited by acidophilic as well as acidotolerant algae. Acidophilic algae are adapted to pH values as low as 0.05 and unable to grow at neutral pH. A prerequisite for thriving at low pH is the reduction of proton influx and an increase in proton pump efficiency. In addition, algae have to cope with a limited supply of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis because of the absence of a bicarbonate pool. Therefore, some algae grow mainly in near terrestrial situations to increase the CO2-availability or actively move within the water body into areas with high CO2. Beside these direct effects of acidity, high concentrations of heavy metals and precipitation of nutrients cause indirect effects on the algae in many acidic environments.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1004054317446
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