Lethla effect of nitrous acid on Escherichia coli

The effect of nitrous acid (NA) on viability, integrity of cellular DNA and on membrane transport were studied in 5 strains of Escherichia coli. Stationary phase cells, grown on mineral salts medium, were exposed to NA. The viability of strains decreased in thefollowing order: W3110 wild-type greater than WP2 wild-type, WP2 uvrA greater than NG30 recA greater than P3478 polA. Alterations were found in the DNA sedimentation profile in alkaline sucrose gradient. Disturbance of DNA synthesis was measured by 3H-labelled thymidine ([3H]Thd) incorporation. No degradation of DNA was found after NA treatment. Low doses of NA caused significant inhibition of leucine and glucose transport into whole cells. The results are interpreted in terms of the multi-target action of NA causing the death of cells.