Transfer of xenobiotics through cell membranes of luminous bacteria

The influence of some chemical substances on luminous bacteria was studied to elucidate the interrelation between the xenobiotics action on bacterial luminescence and cell ultrastructure. Such substances as quinones, phenols, chlorides of heavy metals (in concentrations of substances inhibiting luminescence by 50%) resulted in damaging effects upon bacteria: a lot of cells had damage of membranes due to changes in their permeability. It was found that the high concentration of EDTA and toluene decreased the luminescence and caused the condensation of DNA-fibrils and the cell damage after long-term and short-term action. The low concentration of EDTA and toluene did not decrease the bacterial luminescence; the noticeable damage of cell membranes did not take place during short-term treatment. However, the long action of these substances changed the membrane permeability resulting in increased sensitivity of bacterial luminescence to some toxic substances.