PROPIONATE INDUCED LYSIS OF PROTOPLASTS OF BACILLUS MEGATERIUM

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Abstract
Propionate, or any one of a variety of other low molecular weight compounds, can induce a rapid lysis of B. megaterium protoplasts in 0.25 [image] sucrose. The cytoplasmic membranes so liberated are intact, and appear almost free of contamination with other microscopically detectable cell components. Propionate lysis occurs at 30[degree]C, but not at 4[degree]C, and is completely inhibited by 2 x 10-3 [image] 2, 4-dinitrophenol. The results are consistent with the active transport of propionate across the permeability barrier of the protoplast, and the concentration of propionate to a level sufficient to render the extracellular medium hypotonic with respect to the protoplast. The protoplast then imbibes water, swells, and eventually bursts. Propionate inhibits the growth of B. megaterium. No propionate oxidation was detected. Like propionate, the lysis induced by acetate, butyrate, glucose, L-glutamate, L-asparagine, or L-aspartate is completely inhibited by 2 x 10-3 [image] 2, 4-dinitrophenol.