Uptake of mercury by Chlorella and its effect on potassium regulation

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Abstract
Addition of mercuric chloride at concentrations which resulted in an overall binding level of about 8 mmoles Hg/l packed cells and above caused a breakdown in the permeability of the cell membrane as indicated by a net efflux of internal K+. Below this level in region of 2 mmoles Hg/l packed cells the rate of K+ transfer across the cell surface was stimulated without affecting the internal K+ level. Maintainence of the stimulation was dependent both on time and dose. Enhancement of the rate of K+ turnover was associated with a fast component of the inorganic mercury uptake which could be removed by washing with cysteine. The mercury stimulated K+/K+ exchange was inhibited by low temperature, by the uncoupler CCCP and the energy transfer inhibitor DCCD. Overall binding concentrations of inorganic mercury below 0.5 mmoles/l packed cells had no effect on the K+ transport system. In contrast to mercuric chloride, methyl mercuric chloride over similar concentration ranges did not seem to induce a breakdown in the permeability barrier or directly interact with the K+/K+ exchange but more likely influenced the latter by inhibiting intracellular processes.