Energized Uptake of Ascorbate and Dehydroascorbate From the Apoplast of Intact Leaves in Relation to Apoplastic Steady State Concentrations of Ascorbate

Abstract: Transport of ascorbate (AA) and dehydroascorbate (DHA) through the petiole into detached leaves of Lepidium sativum and other plant species via the transpiration stream, and energized uptake into leaf tissue, were measured indirectly by recording changes in membrane potential and apoplastic pH simultaneously with substrate‐stimulated respiration and transpiratory water loss. When 25 mM AA or DHA was fed to the leaves, steady state respiration at 25 °C was transiently increased by more than 50 % with AA and 70 % with DHA. Stimulation of respiration was accompanied by a transient breakdown of membrane potential followed by alkalinization of the leaf apoplast suggesting energized uptake at the expense of the transmembrane proton motive force. The average CO₂/AA ratio calculated from stimulated respiration during ascorbate uptake was 0.76 ± 0.26 (n = 17). The corresponding ratio for DHA was 1.38 ± 0.28 (n = 11). Far lower CO₂/substrate ratios were observed when NaCl or KCl were fed to leaves. The differences indicate either partial metabolism of AA and DHA in addition to energized transport, or less likely, higher energy requirement for transport of AA and DHA than for the inorganic salts. Maximum rates of energized AA transport into leaf tissue (deduced from maxima of extra respiration and calculated on the basis of CO₂/AA = 0.76) were close to 650 nmol m^‐2 leaf area s^‐1, i.e. far higher than most previously reported rates of transport. When the apoplastic concentration of AA was decreased below steady state levels during infiltration/centrifugation experiments, AA was released from leaf cells into the apoplast. This suggests that AA oxidation to DHA in the apoplast (as occurs during extracellular ozone detoxification) triggers energized transport of the DHA into the symplast and simultaneously AA release from the symplast into the apoplast, perhaps together with protons in a reversal of the energized uptake process.     

Energy-Dependent Solute Transport from the Apoplast into the Symplast of Leaves during Transpiration

Inorganic and organic salts, amino acids, sugars, and phosphate esters (concentrations usually 25 mM) were fed via the transpiration stream through the petiole into detached leaves of Lepidium sativum and Solanum tuberosum. While water was lost by transpiration, solutes did not accumulate in the apoplast. Uptake into leaf cells was indicated by stimulation of respiration and by changes of membrane potential and apoplastic pH. Apoplastic alkalinization (followed by transient acidification) and membrane depolarization (followed by repolarization) indicated energization of transport at the expense of the proton motive force (PMF) across the plasma membrane in all examined cases. Loss of ATP in the symplast during proton extrusion into the apoplast by the plasmalemma ATPase is thought to be responsible for stimulation of respiration. Even unphysiological solutes such as -morpholinoethane sulfonate (Mes), or potentially toxic salts such as CdCl₂ or AlCl₃, and metabolites involved in energy conservation such as AMP and NAD, were readily transported into leaf cells at the expense of metabolic energy. At the maximum stimulation of CO₂ release by D-serine (which is unlikely to be metabolized) respiration exceeded basal respiration by an average of 33%. Occasionally, and with other solutes, basal respiration was almost doubled. The ratio of transported solute to released extra CO₂ was 6.9 ± 1.1 (n = 11) in the case of D-serine. From this, maximum energized transport of D-serine was calculated to be close to 500 nmol/(m² leaf area s). Solute/CO₂ ratios similar to those observed with D-serine were also obtained for sucrose. Lower ones were observed with organic solutes such as L-glycine, pyruvate, malate or citrate where secondary metabolic conversions may contribute to CO₂ release.     

Sugar uptake by protoplasts isolated from tomato fruit tissues during various stages of fruit growth

The uptake of radioactive glucose and sucrose by protoplasts isolated from pericarp and placenta tissues of tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Counter) fruit was investigated in relation to the dry matter accumulation rates of these tissues. Uptake of glucose by protoplasts isolated from pericarp tissue was highest in fruit of around 20 g fresh weight or 25 days after anthesis. Sucrose uptake by pericarp protoplasts was lower than that of glucose and did not show a peak of uptake. The maximum rate of glucose uptake by protoplasts from the pericarp was at the time when the tomato fruit was accumulating dry matter at the highest rate. Glucose uptake by placenta protoplasts was lower and at a similar level as sucrose.
Protoplast uptake of glucose, but not of sucrose, was partially inhibited by (1) p -chloromercuribenzene sulphonic acid, a sulphydryl group modifier; (2) erythrosin B, an H⁺-ATPase inhibitor; and (3) valinomycin, a K⁺-ionophore, suggesting that membrane transport of glucose by tomato fruit sink cells may be a carrier-mediated, energy-dependent process.
The main route of carbohydrate accumulation by tomato fruit during the period of rapid fruit growth may be by cleavage of sucrose by apoplastic acid invertase prior to hexose transport across the plasma membrane.     

Energized Uptake of Sugars from the Apoplast of Leaves: A Study of Some Plants Possessing Different Minor Vein Anatomy

Solutions of sucrose, glucose, raffinose, and stachyose were fed via the petiole to detached leaves of plant species known to transfer sugars during photosynthesis into the phloem using either the apoplastic or the symplastic pathway of phloem loading. Symplastic phloem loaders, which translocate raffinose-type oligosaccharides and sucrose in the phloem, and apoplastic plants, translocating exclusively sucrose, were selected for this study. As the sugars arrived with the transpiration stream in the leaf blade within little more than a minute, dark respiration increased. Almost simultaneously, fluorescence of a potential-indicating dye, which had been infiltrated into the leaves, indicated membrane depolarization. Another fluorescent dye used to record the apoplastic pH revealed apoplastic alkalinization that occurred with a slight lag phase after respiration and membrane depolarization responses. Occasionally, alkalinization was preceded by transient apoplastic acidification. Whereas membrane depolarization and apoplastic acidification are interpreted as initial responses of the proton motive force across the plasma membrane to the advent of sugars in the leaf apoplast, the following apoplastic alkalinization showed that sugars were taken up from the apoplast into the symplast in cotransport with protons. This was true not only for glucose and sucrose, but also for raffinose and stachyose. Similar observations were made for sugar uptake not only in leaves of plants known to export sugars by symplastic phloem loading but also of plants using the apoplastic pathway. Increased respiration during sugar uptake revealed tight coupling between respiratory ATP production and ATP consumption by proton-translocating ATPase of the plasma membrane, which exports protons into the apoplast, thereby compensating for the proton loss in the apoplast when protons are transported together with sugars into the symplast. The extent of stimulation of respiration by sugars indicated that sugar uptake was not limited to phloem tissue. Ratios of the extra CO₂ released during sugar uptake to the amounts of sugars taken up were variable, but lowest values were lower than 0.2. When a ratio of 0.2 is taken as a basis to calculate rates of sugar uptake from observed maxima of sugar-dependent increases in respiration, rates of sugar uptake approached 350 nmol/(m² leaf surface s). Sugar uptake rates were half-saturated at sugar concentrations in the feeding solutions of about 10–25 mM indicating a low in vivo affinity of sugar uptake systems for sugars.     

Yeast mitochondria import ATP through the calcium-dependent ATP-Mg/Pi carrier Sal1p, and are ATP consumers during aerobic growth in glucose

Sal1p, a novel Ca²⁺-dependent ATP-Mg/Pi carrier, is essential in yeast lacking all adenine nucleotide translocases. By targeting luciferase to the mitochondrial matrix to monitor mitochondrial ATP levels, we show in isolated mitochondria that both ATP-Mg and free ADP are taken up by Sal1p with a K _m of 0.20 ± 0.03 mM and 0.28 ± 0.06 mM respectively. Nucleotide transport along Sal1p is strictly Ca²⁺ dependent. Ca²⁺ increases the V _max with a S _0.5 of 15 μM, and no changes in the K _m for ATP-Mg. Glucose sensing in yeast generates Ca²⁺ transients involving Ca²⁺ influx from the external medium. We find that carbon-deprived cells respond to glucose with an immediate increase in mitochondrial ATP levels which is not observed in the presence of EGTA or in Sal1p-deficient cells. Moreover, we now report that during normal aerobic growth on glucose, yeast mitochondria import ATP from the cytosol and hydrolyse it through H⁺-ATP synthase. We identify two pathways for ATP uptake in mitochondria, the ADP/ATP carriers and Sal1p. Thus, during exponential growth on glucose, mitochondria are ATP consumers, as those from cells growing in anaerobic conditions or deprived of mitochondrial DNA which depend on cytosolic ATP and mitochondrial ATPase working in reverse to generate a mitochondrial membrane potential. In conclusion, the results show that growth on glucose requires ATP hydrolysis in mitochondria and recruits Sal1p as a Ca²⁺-dependent mechanism to import ATP-Mg from the cytosol. Whether this mechanism is used under similar settings in higher eukaryotes is an open question.     

Na+-driven ATP synthesis of a psychrophilic marine bacterium, Vibrio sp. strain ABE-1

Abstract: In vivo ATP synthesis of a psychrophilic marine bacterium, Vibrio sp. strain ABE-1, derived from endogenous respiration, was examined. ATP was synthesized at both pH 6.5 and 8.5 after the start of the endogenous respiration by supplying O₂ to the anaerobic cell suspension. The ATP synthesis at pH 6.5, but not at pH 8.5, was completely inhibited by a H⁺ conductor, carbonylcyanide m -chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). The CCCP-resistant ATP synthesis at pH 8.5 was strongly inhibited by an inhibitor of the respiration-dependent primary Na⁺ pump, 2- n -heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N -oxide, and essentially required Na⁺. These results show that this bacterium synthesizes ATP at pH 6.5 by electrochemical potentials across the membrane Δ ∼ μ _H+, whereas at pH 8.5 by Δ ∼ μ _Na+ but not Δ ∼ μ _H+.     

Effects of apoplastic sucrose on carbohydrate pools and sucrose efflux of mesophyll protoplasts of pea (Pisum sativum)

The effects of the apoplastic, i.e. external, concentration of sucrose (0–30 m M ) on O₂ evolution, O₂ consumption, starch, sucrose, glucose and fructose content, and uptake and efflux of sucrose in mesophyll protoplasts of Pisum sativum L. cv. Fenomen were studied. Neither photosynthesis, dark respiration, sucrose nor starch content change with increased apoplastic sucrose concentration. The contents of glucose and fructose in the protoplasts increase with increased apoplastic sucrose concentration. The sucrose efflux increases with increased external sucrose concentrations between 1 and 5 m M , but above this range the efflux decreases with increased external sucrose concentrations. These findings indicate that although external sucrose does not enter the protoplasts, there is a relationship between the external sucrose pool and the internal pools of sugars in the mesophyll protoplasts. The results suggest an active sucrose efflux from the protoplasts at physiological concentrations of apoplastic sucrose (max 5 m M ) and a simple diffusion mechanism at higher concentrations.     

Functional asymmetry of the F0 motor in bacterial ATP synthases

F₁F₀ ATP synthases use the electrochemical potential of H⁺ or Na⁺ across biological membranes to synthesize ATP by a rotary mechanism. In bacteria, the enzymes can act in reverse as ATP-driven ion pumps creating the indispensable membrane potential. Here, we demonstrate that the F₀ parts of a Na⁺- and H⁺-dependent enzyme display major asymmetries with respect to their mode of operation, reflected by the requirement of ∼100 times higher Na⁺ or H⁺ concentrations for the synthesis compared with the hydrolysis of ATP. A similar asymmetry is observed during ion transport through isolated F₀ parts, indicating different affinities for the binding sites in the a/c interface. Together with further data, we propose a model that provides a rationale for a differential usage of membrane potential and ion gradient during ATP synthesis as observed experimentally. The functional asymmetry might also reflect an important property of the ATP synthesis mechanism in vivo . In Escherichia coli , we observed respiratory chain-driven ATP production at pH 7–8, while P -site pH values < 6.5 were required for ATP synthesis in vitro . This discrepancy is discussed with respect to the hypothesis that during respiration lateral proton diffusion could lead to significant acidification at the membrane surface.     

Apoplastic and membrane‐associated Ca2+ in leaves and roots as affected by boron deficiency

A combination of fluorescein‐isothiocyanate (FITC), coumarin‐benzothiazol (BTC), and chlorotetracycline (CTC) fluorescence was used to simultaneously monitor apoplastic pH, apoplastic free Ca²⁺, and plasma membrane‐bound Ca²⁺. As early boron deficiency reactions supposedly include alterations of plasma membrane‐bound transport processes besides rapid effects on cell wall physical properties, the corresponding changes were followed in leaves and roots of Vicia faba L. cv. Troy.
Boron deficiency did not alter the apoplastic pH, but it reduced plasma membrane‐bound Ca²⁺ in roots at 4 h and leaves at 3 days after starting the deficiency treatment. The decrease in plasma membrane‐bound Ca²⁺ coincided with an increase in apoplastic free Ca²⁺ and K⁺, and occurred before the first visible symptoms were noticed.
It is proposed that less Ca²⁺ is bound to the plasma membrane due to a reduction of specific Ca²⁺‐binding sites (borate esters with vic ‐diols or polyhydroxy‐carboxylates) before plasma membrane integrity deteriorates.     

Enhanced H+/ATP coupling ratio of H+-ATPase and increased 14-3-3 protein content in plasma membrane of tomato cells upon osmotic shock

Modulation of proton extrusion and ATP-dependent H⁺ transport through the plasma membrane in relation to the presence of 14-3-3 proteins in this membrane in response to osmotic shock was studied in tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Pera) cell cultures. In vivo H⁺ extrusion by cells was activated rapidly and significantly after adding 100 m M NaCl, 100 m M KCl, 50 m M Na₂SO₄, 1.6% sorbitol or 2 µ M fusicoccin to the medium. The increase in H⁺ extrusion by cells treated with 100 m M NaCl was correlated with an increase of H⁺ transport by the plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.35), but not with changes in ATP hydrolytic activity of this enzyme, suggesting an increased coupling ratio of the enzyme. Immunoblot experiments showed increased amounts of 14-3-3 proteins in plasma membrane fractions isolated from tomato cells treated with 100 m M NaCl as compared to control cells without changing the amount of plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase. Together, these data indicate that in tomato cells an osmotic shock could enhance coupling between ATP hydrolysis and proton transport at the plasma membrane through the formation of a membrane 14-3-3/H⁺-ATPase complex.     

The membrane potential is the driving force for siderophore iron transport in fungi

Abstract Respiratory inhibitors and uncouplers severely impair [⁵⁵Fe]ferricrocin uptake by Neurospora crassa . parallel measurements of ATP decay and ferricrocin uptake, however, disprove the idea that direct input of metabolic energy in the form of ATP is required for transmembrane movement of siderophores. The role of the membrane potential for siderophore uptake was demonstrated using iron-deficient cells, which were derepressed in the glucose-II uptake system. Addition of high amounts of glucose (1 mM) to glu-II-derepressed cells leads to a membrane depolarization of about 120 mV, followed by a significant inhibition of ferricrocin uptake, which recovered after some minutes. Full transport inhibition occurred after membrane depolarization in the presence of plasma membrane ATP-ase inhibitors (DCCD or DES), indicating that the membrane potential is essential for siderophore transport in fungi.     

Facilitated diffusion drives transport of oxidised ascorbate molecules into purified plasma membrane vesicles of Phaseolus vulgaris

Recently, the presence of a carrier‐mediated transport system for ascorbate was demonstrated in the plant plasma membrane. To investigate the possible physiological importance of this system in apoplastic ascorbate metabolism we further characterized this carrier. Transport of Asc was measured by incubating freshly‐purified plasma membrane vesicles from hypocotylar hooks of Phaseolus vulgaris together with [¹⁴C]‐labelled Asc. In this paper we show that ascorbate transport is detectable over a relatively broad pH range (6 to 7.5) and is not affected by protonophore addition. [¹⁴C]‐Ascorbate is not taken up into vesicle fractions consisting of sealed inside‐out oriented vesicles, suggesting that it is transported only from the apoplast to the cytoplasm. Asc uptake into vesicles previously loaded with ascorbate was also tested. Surprisingly, uptake of radioactive molecules was up to 3‐fold higher in the ascorbate‐loaded vesicles compared to non‐loaded control vesicles ( P < 0.001). The uptake of [¹⁴C]‐ascorbate in both the ascorbate‐loaded as the non‐loaded membrane vesicles was inhibited by addition of DTT and not by glutathione or ferricyanide. Based on various observations such as cis ‐inhibition, trans ‐stimulation and insensitivity towards proton gradients, a facilitated uptake mechanism is suggested. Our results strongly indicate that dehydroascorbate is the preferred transported species from the apoplastic to the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. This transport system is possibly involved in the regeneration of apoplastic ascorbate.     

pH homeostasis and bioenergetic work in alkalophiles

Abstract A Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter catalyses coupled Na⁺ extrusion and H⁺ uptake across the membranes of extremely alkalophilic bacilli. This exchange is electrogenic, with H⁺ translocated inward > Na⁺ extruded. It is energized by the Δψ ² component of the ΔμH⁺ that is established during primary proton pumping by the alkalophile respiratory chain complexes. These complexes abound in the membranes of extreme alkalophiles. Combined activity of the respiratory chain, the antiporter, and solute transport systems that are coupled to Na⁺ re-entry, allow the alkalophiles to maintain a cytoplasmic pH that is several pH units more acidic than optimal external pH values for growth. There is no compelling evidence for a specific and necessary role for any ion other than sodium in pH homeostasis, and although there is very high cytoplasmic buffering capacity in the alkaline range, active mechanisms for pH homeostasis are crucial. Energization of the antiporter as well as the proton translocating F ₁ F ₀-ATPase that catalyses ATP synthesis in the extreme alkalophiles must accommodate the problem of the low net ΔμH⁺ and the very low concentrations of protons, per se, in the external medium. This problem is by-passed by other bioenergetic work functions, such as solute uptake or motility, that utilize sodium ions for energy-coupling in the place of protons.     

Substrate stabilization of lysophosphatidylcholine-solubilized plasma membrane H+-ATPase from oat roots

Plasma membrane vesicles with H⁺-ATPase activity were purified from 8-day-old oat ( Avena sativa L. cv. Brighton) roots using an aqueous polymer two-phase system. Of several detergents tested, only lysophosphatidylcholine solubilized the H⁺-ATPase in an active form. Solubilization of the H⁺-ATPase with lysophosphatidylcholine was possible in the absence of glycerol, but the ATPase activity decreased about 4–5 times as rapidly in the absence as in the presence of 30% (w/v) glycerol. The solubilized enzyme was further stabilized by ATP and protons. Addition of 1 m M ATP to the plasma membranes halted inactivation of the H⁺-ATPase. Even in the absence of polyol compounds and ATP, the enzyme was stable for hours at relatively low pH with an optimum around pH 6.7 at room temperature. The curve for the stability of soluble H⁺-ATPase as a function of pH closely resembles the pH curve for the activity of the H⁺-ATPase. This suggests that binding of protons to transport sites may stabilize the soluble H⁺-ATPase in an enzymatically active form.     

Aluminum impairs morphogenic transition and stimulates H(+) transport mediated by the plasma membrane ATPase of Yarrowia lipolytica

The effect of aluminum on dimorphic fungi Yarrowia lipolytica was investigated. High aluminum (0.5–1.0 mM AlK(SO₄)₂) inhibits yeast–hypha transition. Both vanadate-sensitive H⁺ transport and ATPase activities were increased in total membranes isolated from aluminum-treated cells, indicating that a plasma membrane H⁺ pump was stimulated by aluminum. Furthermore, Al-treated cells showed a stronger H⁺ efflux in solid medium. The present results suggest that alterations in the plasma membrane H⁺ transport might underline a pH signaling required for yeast/hyphal development. The data point to the cell surface pH as a determinant of morphogenesis of Y. lipolytica and the plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase as a key factor of this process.     

Accumulation and conversion of sugars by developing wheat grains. 3. Non-diffusional uptake of sucrose, the substrate preferred by endosperm slices

Abstract. Starch synthesis by developing wheat endosperm slices incubated in liquid media was more rapid, at optimum concentration, from sucrose as external substrate than from glucose and/or fructose. Fructose inhibited conversion of sucrose or glucose. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that sucrose is not hydrolysed in the apoplast before uptake.
Besides a diffusional influx and efflux of labelled sucrose there was a non-diffusional influx; it was inhibited by dinitrophenol, potassium arsenate, potassium iodide, and parachloromercuribenzene sulphonate (PCMBS). PCMBS inhibited both uptake and conversion of label from 150 molm⁻³¹⁴C-sucrose by 75%. Uptake and conversion of sucrose were stimulated by lowering pH and by fusicoccin, a promoter of proton extrusion.
Extracellular solutes like raffinosc and polyethylene glycol stimulated net uptake of label from ¹⁴C-sucrose — the larger molecule being more effective — this being due to a non-specific inhibition of diffusional efflux. At too high an osmotic concentration such solutes reduced net uptake; the larger the molecule the lower this transitional concentration.
In conclusion, wheat endosperm is better equipped to convert apoplastic sucrose rather than the hydrolysis products to starch; active loading of sucrose possibly involves proton co-transport; and large molecules in the extracellular solution reduce the diffusional elllux of loaded substrate.     

Sugar transport in leaf discs of Phaseolus coccinius

Kinetic profiles for sucrose, glucose and 3-OMG glucose were determined in leaf discs of Phaseolus coccinius L. (cv. Scarlet). All three sugars exhibited identical uptake kinetics. At sugar concentrations below 25 m M , transport was due to an active, carrier-mediated transport system. A linear component was the dominant mode of uptake at sugar concentrations above 25 m M . Sucrose and glucose carriers were specific for these sugars, since no uptake inhibition was observed from competing sugars. Sucrose was not hydrolyzed by leaf tissue because the label in asymetrically labeled sucrose was not randomized. Furthermore, no label was present in hexose fractions when tissue was incubated with [⁸⁴C]-sucrose. Therefore, [¹⁴C]-sucrose uptake did not reflect hexose uptake.
Both saturable and linear components of uptake contribute significantly to total uptake rates. The former, however, is more important when apoplastic sugar concentrations are low. The molecular nature of the linear component is not well understood but accounts for most of the uptake at high sugar concentrations.     

Plasma membrane ATPase activity during pepino (Solanum muricatum) ripening

Plasma membrane-enriched samples were extracted from pepino fruit (cv. El Camino) by phase partitioning. H⁺-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.35) activity in these samples increased during late fruit development (immediately before the onset of ripening) and western blotting confirmed there was an increase in enzyme abundance at this time. H⁺-ATPase activity decreased during early ripening and then increased again in the final phase of ripening. Immunolocalisation showed the plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase was most abundant in the outer cell layers of the fruit, which are considered to have a major role in determining fruit texture. Fruit softening was not accelerated by harvest and there was no stimulation of H⁺-ATPase activity by harvest. An in vitro tensile test using fruit rings showed tissue softening proceeded faster at low apoplastic pH (4.5) than at pH 6.5; and tissue buffered at pH 6.5 softened less than unbuffered rings. Erythrosin B, an inhibitor of the plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase, also retarded softening in vitro. These data suggest that plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase activity may contribute to the onset of pepino softening through a reduction in apoplastic pH.     

Characterization of reconstituted plasma membrane H+-ATPase from maize roots

Corn ( Zea mays L.) plasma membranes from KI-washed microsomal fractions were further purified by isopycnic sucrose density centrifugation. An examination of separated fractions indicated that vesicles with nitrate-insensitive proton transport copurified with fractions containing vanadate-sensitive ATPase activity. The ATPase in purified plasma membrane was reconstituted into liposomes by a detergent dilution technique using deoxycholate. The reconstituted ATPase exhibited characteristics similar to those of the native enzyme. However, reconstituted preparations showed an enhanced sensitivity to vanadate, a diminished phosphatase activity and a high specific rate of ATP-dependent H⁺-transport. Apparent K_i values of reconstituted and native enzymes with respect to vanadate were 20 and 50 μ M , respectively; the KJ value of the H+-pumping of reconstituted ATPase was 30 μ M. The proton pumping of reconstituted vesicles could be discharged rapidly by p -trifluoromethoxyphenyl hydrazone (FCCP), hexokinase and vanadate. The hydrolysis of Mg-ATP by both native and reconstituted ATPases obeyed simple Michaelis-Menten plots with a K_m between 0.5 and 0.6 m M. The reconstituted ATPase retained a pH profile similar to that of native enzyme with a maximum of pH 6.5.     

Accumulation of carbohydrate by Escherichia coli B/r/1 during growth at low water activity

The carbohydrate content of Escherichia coli B/r/1, grown in a glucose or arabinose-limited salts medium in a chemostat, increased by a factor of 2–4 when the water activity (a_w) of the medium was reduced to 0.986 by addition of NaCl, KCl or sucrose. The biomass decreased by 30–45%. The sucrose system resulted in the lowest biomass and carbohydrate content. The monosaccharide part of the accumulated carbohydrate consisted of glucose or glucose and arabinose in the cultures fed glucose and arabinose, respectively, and accounted for 50% or more of the total carbohydrate in the NaCl and KCl systems and 16.79% in the sucrose system. In addition, the K⁺ content depended on the solute and related inversely to the monosaccharide content, being highest in the sucrose system. The combined molarity of the monosaccharide and K⁺ was deduced to be far in excess of that required for osmotic equilibration of the cultures, especially in the sucrose system. These observations are discussed in the context of osmoregulation, the effects of solutes on glucose metabolism and the morphological changes that occur in cultures at low a_w.