Mechanism of lysis of Escherichia coli by ethanol and other chaotropic agents

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Abstract
Ethanol inhibits the assembly of cross-linked peptidoglycan and induces cell lysis in E. coli. These effects of ethanol appear to result from the weakening of hydrophobic interactions by ethanol rather than from the intercalation of ethanol into membranes. Other chaotropic agents also inhibited cross-linking and induced lysis. The potency of chaotropic anions with regard to this effect followed the expected chaotropic series. Antichaotropic agents, which strengthened hydrophobic interactions, antagonized ethanol-induced lysis. The weakening of hydrophobic interactions by ethanol is proposed as a general mechanism by which ethanol and other chaotropic agents could effect membrane-associated enzyme activities.