Uptake of adenosine in a marine bacterium is not an active transport process

The uptake and intracellular interconversions of [8-14C]adenosine in a marine bacterium Vibrio harveyi were investigated under varying physiological conditions. The results indicated that in contrast with the current views, translocation of adenosine across the cytoplasmic membrane in Vibrio harveyi was not driven by respiration. The uptake of adenosine was dependent upon its intracellular utilization and was inhibited under conditions preventing its metabolic conversions.