Permeability of the Escherichia coli outer membrane for ethidium ions and periplasmic alkaline phosphatase during increased synthesis of it
Mikhaleva, N.I.; Zolov, S.N.; Suzina, N.E.; Melkozernov, A.N.; Nesmeianova, M.A.
Biokhimiia 60(7): 1161-1170
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0320-9725 PMID: 7578570 Document Number: 450143
During augmented synthesis of periplasmic alkaline phosphatase by various strains of Escherichia coli, the outer membrane of bacterial cells becomes permeable for both the enzyme and ethidium ions which do not generally penetrate inside the cells of gram-negative bacteria. In the absence of the lipoprotein in the outer membrane, its permeability for these compounds as well as its sensitivity to membranotropic agents increases, thus testifying to the influence of the lipoprotein upon certain properties of the outer membrane. A competitive interaction was found between the lipoprotein and lipopolysaccharide content in the outer membrane and their content and alkaline phosphatase secretion into the external medium. It is suggested that increased permeability of the E. coli outer membrane during augmented synthesis of the secreted protein is due to impaired biogenesis of membrane components.