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Name: Christina
Status: Other
Grade:  Other
Location: Outside U.S.
Country: United Kingdom
Date: Fall 2010
Question:
Why does a low pH prevent the growth of certain micro-organisms?


Replies:
The growth and survival of micro-organisms, that is, the various meabolic functions, frequently depend upon the acidity of growth environment. The pH = - log(H+) = log1/(H+) measures the acidity. Often the survival of the micro-organism is very sensitive to that parameter. Various functions are retarded (or accelerated) by a change in pH.

Vince Calder


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