CHED 834 |
| Elizabeth Michealson, Nicole Miller, Michael A. Butkus, John T. Bays, Teresa Snyder-Leiby, and Michael P. Labare. |
| The effects of increased CO2 partial pressures on a deep-sea microbe, 9NA, were examined. CO2 concentrations (0.0208 - 0.0416 M) inhibited growth of 9NA at 2750 psi (equivalent to a depth of 1849 m), which was likely due to a reduction the pH of the growth medium by the H2CO3/CO2 equilibrium. Models of this system have suggested the pH of the medium would drop below a pH of 5. In situ pH measurements under growth conditions have been conducted spectrophotometrically using standard indicator dyes to validate our models of the system. The wild type strain of 9NA does not grow below a pH of 5, but several acid resistant strains can grow down to 4.5. Exposure of the cells to acidified conditions by inorganic acids or CO2 does damage the plasma membrane but proteins are not released to the environment. We will be determining if the damaged 9NA cells lose ions and/or exhibit morphological damage. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Environmental Chemistry
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, 27 March 2006 Georgia World Congress Center -- Ex. Hall B4, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |