High internal pH conveys ammonia resistance in spirulina platensis

Shimshon Belkin*, Sammy Boussiba

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

Spirulina platensis is an alkalophilic cyanobacterium, often cultivated in mass cultures. Unlike many other photosynthetic microorganisms, it is capable of withstanding and even utilizing ammonia at high environmental pH. It is suggested that high internal pH values limit intracellular accumulation of ammonia, thus preventing uncoupling of photosynthesis. Furthermore, it is suggested that the high average internal pH (7.5) is conferred mainly by the intrathylakoid pH which is approximately 1 pH unit higher than in other cyanobacteria tested.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)167-169
Number of pages3
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume38
Issue number2-3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1991
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cyanobacteria
  • Spirulina plantensis, proton gradients, ammonia, alkalophile

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