Cell division in a species of Erwinia: XIII. Leakage of proteins from the peripheral area of filamentous cells

Abstract

Cells of Erwinia sp. made filamentous by growth in the presence of d-serine are deficient in cell wall mucopeptide and leak proteins into the medium. Leakage is defined as release of proteins from the outside peripheral area of the cell as opposed to movement of proteins from the cytoplasm through a damaged cell membrane. Three compounds (pantoyl lactone, spermine and Carbowax-400) which can prevent or reverse division inhibition induced by d-serine, do not cause repair of mucopeptide synthesis, but do allow retention of the peripheral area proteins; most particularly pantoyl lactone. Maximum release of proteins appears to occur after filamentous growth is initiated. Attempts to stimulate division activity by adding released proteins to non-dividing cells were unsuccessful. Also, addition of antibodies, prepared against released proteins, does not inhibit division of cells growing in the absence of division inhibiting compounds.