Abstract
In patch-clamp experiments on giant protoplasts of the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis, membrane stretch resulted in an initial transient collapse of the membrane resistance, after which stretch-activated, voltage modulated, high-conductance channels could be observed. The channel open probability increased exponentially with applied suction and positive voltage, as a result of variations of both the mean open and the mean closed times. The substate structure and other characteristics of the electrical activity suggested the presence of a family of pores exhibiting cooperative behavior. A role in osmotic protection is suggested. In the intact bacteria, the pores may be part of an unidentified envelope apparatus, having other functions as well.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.