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SODIUM PROTON ANTIPORT IS REQUIRED FOR GROWTH OF ESCHERICHIA-COLI AT ALKALINE PH BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA McMorrow, I., Shuman, H. A., Sze, D., Wilson, D. M., Wilson, T. H. 1989; 981 (1): 21-26

Abstract

Evidence is presented indicating that Escherichia coli requires the Na+/H+ antiporter and external sodium (or lithium) ion to grow at high pH. Cells were grown in plastic tubes containing medium with a very low Na+ content (5-15 microM). Normal cells grew at pH 7 or 8 with or without added Na+, but at pH 8.5 external Na was required for growth. A mutant with low antiporter activity failed to grow at pH 8.5 with or without Na+. On the other hand, another mutant with elevated antiporter activity grew at a higher pH than normal (pH 9) in the presence of added Na+ or Li+. Amiloride, an inhibitor of the antiporter, prevented cells from growing at pH 8.5 (plus Na+), although it had no effect on growth in media of lower pH values.

View details for Web of Science ID A1989AA50300004

View details for PubMedID 2541789