The essence of being extremophilic: the role of the unique archaeal membrane lipids |
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| Authors: | Jack L C M van de Vossenberg Arnold J M Driessen W N Konings |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Microbiology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Kerklaan 30, 9751 NN Haren, The Netherlands Tel. +31-50-3632150; Fax +31-50-3632154 e-mail: W.N.Konings@biol.rug.nl, NL |
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| Abstract: | In extreme environments, mainly Archaea are encountered. The archaeal cytoplasmic membrane contains unique ether lipids that
cannot easily be degraded, are temperature- and mechanically resistant, and highly salt tolerant. Moreover, thermophilic and
extreme acidophilic Archaea possess membrane-spanning tetraether lipids that form a rigid monolayer membrane which is nearly
impermeable to ions and protons. These properties make the archaeal lipid membranes more suitable for life and survival in
extreme environments than the ester-type bilayer lipids of Bacteria or Eukarya.
Received: January 22, 1998 / Accepted: February 16, 1998 |
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| Keywords: | Cytoplasmic membrane Permeability Solute transport Bioenergetics |
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