title: The enigma of the alkaliphile.
abstract: Alkaliphilic bacteria provide a model system in which to test the basic principles of the chemiosmotic theory. The proton-motive force (delta mu H +) in these bacteria under alkaline conditions appears to be too low to power ATP synthesis assuming normal stoichiometry and a normal H+/F1F0 ATPase. Current data suggest that these bacteria might obviate the problems by harnessing a sodium-motive force (delta mu Na+).
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, University of Leicester, UK.
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Grant
mesh_terms: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000468:Alkalies / Q000378:metabolism; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007424:Intracellular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000468:Alkalies; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D012964:Sodium