Most bacteria grow best around neutral pH values (6.5 – 7.0), but some thrive in very acid conditions and some can even tolerate a pH as low as 1.0. Such acid loving microbes are called acidophiles. Even though they can live in very acid environments, their internal pH is much closer to neutral values.
How does acidity affect bacterial growth?
Moderate changes in pH modify the ionization of amino-acid functional groups and disrupt hydrogen bonding, which, in turn, promotes changes in the folding of the molecule, promoting denaturation and destroying activity. The optimum growth pH is the most favorable pH for the growth of an organism.
What bacteria can grow in acidic pH?
- Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori is a species of bacteria that is found in the human stomach and is responsible for 80 to 90 percent of stomach ulcers (see reference 3). …
- Thiobacillus acidophilus. …
- Acetobacter aceti. …
- Oligotropha corboxydovorans.
