Scientists have recently discovered the molecular basis of why some organisms can survive in extreme alkaline environments, such as those found in alkaline lakes and hot springs. This discovery may aid in understanding how life has evolved on Earth and can potentially help us to find similar life on other planets. The research team was able to identify the proteins that allow some organisms to be capable of surviving in alkaline conditions. They found that these proteins, known as alkaline-tolerant enzymes, possess an unusual combination of amino acid residues that are not found in enzymes from organisms that live in neutral pH environments. The findings could help us to gain insight into the evolution of life on Earth and provide new opportunities for the development of biotechnologies.

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source: Phys.org