Uptake of adenosine 5'-monophosphate by Escherichia coli

Adenosine 5'-monophosphate is dephosphorylated before its uptake by cells of Escherichia coli. This is demonstrated by using a radioactive double-labeled culture, and with a 5'-nucleotidase-deficient, mutant strain. The adenosine formed is further phosphorolyzed to adenine as a prerequisite for its uptake and incorporation. The cellular localization of the enzymes involved in the catabolism of adenosine 5'-monophosphate is discussed.