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Galactoside accumulation by Escherichia coli, driven by a pH gradient.

J L Flagg, T H Wilson

Journal of Bacteriology

|March 1, 1976

Summary

External medium acidification causes thiomethylgalactoside accumulation in Escherichia coli mutants lacking energy and adenosine triphosphatase. This finding sheds light on nutrient transport mechanisms in bacteria.

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a model organism for studying bacterial physiology.
Understanding nutrient transport is crucial for bacterial growth and survival.
Adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) plays a key role in cellular energy production and transport processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of external medium acidification on thiomethylgalactoside uptake in E. coli.
To determine the role of energy depletion and ATPase activity in this process.

Main Methods:

Utilizing an energy-depleted, adenosine triphosphatase-negative mutant of Escherichia coli.
Manipulating the external medium's pH to induce acidification.
Measuring the intracellular accumulation of thiomethylgalactoside.

Main Results:

Acidification of the external medium led to significant accumulation of thiomethylgalactoside within the bacterial cells.
This accumulation occurred despite the absence of functional adenosine triphosphatase and depleted energy levels.
Suggests an alternative or modified transport mechanism under acidic conditions.

Conclusions:

External acidification can drive thiomethylgalactoside transport in E. coli, even in the absence of typical energy-dependent mechanisms.
The findings indicate a potential proton motive force-driven transport or a novel mechanism activated by low pH.
Further research is needed to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms involved.

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