Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Methods to Inhibit Bacterial Pyomelanin Production and Determine the Corresponding Increase in Sensitivity to Oxidative Stress
Published on: August 31, 2015
[Participation of beta-carotene in antioxidant defense of bacterial cells]
N N Gessler1, A V Sokolov, T A Belozerskaia
1Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskii pr. 33, Moscow, 119071 Russia. gessler@inbi.ras.ru
Abstract:
The effect of recombinant beta-carotene on the resistance of E. coli culture to menadione and paraquat was studied. The presence of beta-carotene in the E. coli cell significantly prevented an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase induced by redox mediators but had no effect on the culture growth. The findings suggested the involvement of beta-carotene in the cell defense against oxidative stress.
Related Concept Videos
Prokaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic Cells
Like eukaryotic cells, all prokaryotic cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane, have genetic material in the form of single, circular DNA, a cytoplasm that fills the interior of the cell, and ribosomes that synthesize proteins.
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Bacterial Cell Wall
Bacterial Phylum Bacteroidota
Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis

