Related Experiment Videos
Surface potential changes on energization of mycoplasma cell membranes
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
|November 1, 1985
Summary
Energizing mycoplasma cells increases their outer membrane negative charge. This surface potential change is linked to the proton motive force, specifically the delta pH across the membranes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mycoplasma are bacteria with unique cell membrane structures.
- Understanding membrane potential is crucial for cellular function.
- The surface charge of microbial membranes influences interactions and processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the membrane surface potential of mycoplasma cells.
- To determine how cellular energization affects this potential.
- To explore the relationship between surface potential and transmembrane proton gradients.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the impermeable cationic spin probe 4-(N,N-dimethyl-N-nonyl)ammonium-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (CAT9).
- Measured changes in probe partitioning between the membrane and aqueous phases.
- Analyzed the effects of cellular energization and uncouplers on surface potential.
Main Results:
- Energization of glycolyzing mycoplasma cells led to increased negative charge on the outer membrane surface.
- The observed change in membrane surface potential was dependent on the presence of a delta pH.
- Uncoupler experiments supported the link between surface potential and proton motive force.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma membrane energization results in a more negative surface potential.
- This phenomenon is closely associated with the transmembrane proton gradient (delta pH).
- The findings provide insights into the bioenergetics and surface properties of mycoplasma membranes.