The Role of Osmolytes and Membrane Lipids in the Adaptation of Acidophilic Fungi

Acidophiles maintain near-neutral intracellular pH using proton pumps. We have suggested the protective role of osmolytes and membrane lipids in adaptation to an acidic environment. Previously we observed, for first time, high levels trehalose acidophilic basidiomycete Sistotrema brinkmannii. Here, studied composition both two more fungi. Trehalose polyols were among main during growth under optimal conditions (pH 4.0) Phlebiopsis gigantea ascomycete Mollisia sp. Phosphatidic acids, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylcholines, sterols, predominant P. had a narrow optimum at 4.0, resulting sharp decline rate 2.6 5.0, accompanied by decrease number significant changes lipids. In contrast, broad range 3.0–5.0), either stayed same (at 6.0) or increased 2.6), while remained unchanged. Thus, data obtained indicate participation