pHtolerance
pHtolerance describes the capacity of an organism or system to withstand environmental pH levels outside its optimum. It is typically defined as the range of pH values over which survival, growth, or metabolic activity is maintained, often reported as minimum and maximum pH.
Measurement and context: The observed pHtolerance depends on many factors, including temperature, ionic strength, nutrient availability,
Biological mechanisms: Microbes and plants maintain pH by modulating proton transport across membranes (for example via
Examples: Acid-tolerant bacteria used in dairy fermentation can operate at relatively low pH, while alkaliphiles thrive
Applications: Understanding pHtolerance informs strain selection for food and industrial fermentation, crop management and breeding for