[Measurement of ATP in intact Escherichia coli cells, containing recombinant firefly luciferase]

Recombinant firefly luciferase was expressed in E. coli and its properties inside the intact cells were studied. At low concentrations, antibiotic polymyxin B increases permeability of E. coli cell membrane and concentrations of luciferase substrates inside the cells can thus be varied. Effect of intracellular ATP concentrations on intensity of bioluminescence was studied. Recombinant cells expressing the firefly luciferase gene can be used for investigation of substances which influence synthesis and hydrolysis of ATP inside the cells and cell membrane transport.