Questions: (Alkaliphiles)
Alkaliphiles, are a class of extremophilic microbes, that thrive in highly alkaline environments , growing optimally around a pH of 10. (pH; potential hydrogen) .These alkaline organisms that survive in high pH environments also have the capability of neutralizing strong acids. Most living creatures could not survive in this environment, as their tissue would breakdown.
These alkaline thriving organisms survive in conditions that are not suitable for most living creatures. These organisms possess alkaline-resilient enzymes (specialized cytoplasm and efficient cell membranes to protect their cells from damage) and have specific adapters, such as, negatively charged polymers to actually combat high concentrations of hydroxyl ions to allow for proper ATP to take place. This chemical reaction neutralizes the hydroxyl ions.
A soda lake or alkaline lake is a lake is an example of this environment. These types of environments can be found through out the world, usually in arid regions (severe lack of available water) such as, Lake Shala, in the East African Rift Valley or Tufa columns at Mono Lake, California
Alkaliphiles have thermostability, and tolerance to oxidants which makes it ideal for colouring your hair. When the alkaline present within the hair colour is mixed with the hydrogen peroxide developer (hydroxyl ions), a chemical action occurs where the hydroxyl ions are being broken down, (heating up of the suspension) and swelling the hair- the hair is being deteriorated, creating damaged hair. Hair as many things are not meant to thrive in alkaline environments like Alkaliphiles do.