Analysis of organotin uptake in Escherichia coli K-12

The effect of tributyltin chloride (TBT) was potentiated by the presence of Tris ions in the growth medium compared with phosphate ions. The growth of Escherichia coli in the presence of Tris ions was inhibited completely at a concentration of 25 microM TBT whereas 79% growth was recorded in the presence of phosphate ions. Tris ions caused more protein to be released into the medium than phosphate ions. However, apart from protein release the rate of organotin uptake was less in Tris than in phosphate ions. Phosphate ions may play a positive role in the active accumulation of organotin into E. coli cells by providing cellular energy.