Proton conductance of cell membranes

Several workers have suggested that cell membranes have a high proton conductance. Our interest in this concept arose from the possibility that the nutrient (submucosal-facing) membrane of the gastric mucosa may have a high proton or hydroxyl ion conductance which would play a role in the regulation of the acid-base balance of the cell. We found that wide changes in the H⁺ concentration of the fluid bathing the nutrient side of the in vitro frog gastric mucosa did not result in significant changes in p.d. However, a maintained change of the H⁺ concentration of the bathing fluid would be expected to produce only a temporary change in p.d. Since a diffusion barrier is present on the nutrient side the temporary change in p.d. might be masked. An analysis of this possibility was made on the basis of a conceptual model and as a result of the analysis it is concluded that the proton (and/or OH^?) conductance of the nutrient membrane of the frog gastric mucosa is not a significant fraction of its total conductance. The present status of the proton conductance hypothesis with respect to striated muscle and to the secretory membrane of the gastric mucosa is reviewed.     

Potential sites of geosmin production by streptomycetes in and around reservoirs

Water from several oligotrophic reservoirs of the North West Water Authority at Longridge, Lancashire, supported only sparse growth of streptomycetes isolated from the reservoirs. Growth was enhanced by nutrient-amendment of the water and one common isolate, identified as Streptomyces albidoflavus , produced geosmin in water which was supplemented with sufficient concentrations of available carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. The minimum concentrations required for geosmin production were higher than those recorded in natural reservoir water. Synthesis of geosmin in water also required a minimum temperature of about 15dEC. Sterilized samples of reservoir sediment, sediment extract, plant debris from banks and surrounding soil also supported geosmin production by S. albidoflavus. Both bank debris and exposed sediment developed earthy odours without inoculation. The structure of reservoir banks influenced the quantity of plant growth and accumulation of litter, and therefore also the potential for contamination of reservoir water by geosmin. The potential of these various sites of geosmin production to contaminate reservoir water is assessed.