Halotolerant

Definition

Halotolerant organisms can survive and grow in environments with high salt concentrations, although they do not require such conditions for growth. They are capable of maintaining cellular function despite osmotic stress induced by salt.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Halotolerant microorganisms can grow in both low and high salt environments.
2. They employ mechanisms like compatible solute accumulation to counteract osmotic pressure.
3. Examples include certain species of bacteria, archaea, and fungi.
4. Halotolerance is distinct from halophilism; halophiles require high salt concentrations for growth.
5. Studying halotolerant organisms aids in understanding microbial adaptability to extreme environments.

Review Questions

• What mechanisms do halotolerant microorganisms use to survive high-salt environments?
• How does halotolerance differ from halophilism?
• Name one type of microorganism that exhibits halotolerance.

Related terms

Osmotic Stress: The pressure exerted on a cell due to differences in solute concentration across the cell membrane.

Compatible Solutes: Organic compounds that cells accumulate to balance osmotic pressure without interfering with cellular processes.

Halophile: Microorganisms that require high salt concentrations for their growth and metabolic activities.