Induced synthesis of phosphatases in microalgae by antibiotic inhibitor of protein synthesis: Mechanism of action

Abstract

Massive synthesis of phosphatases induced by antibiotic inhibitors of protein synthesis can be shown in microalgae by biochemical methods. These results confirm those that we have previously obtained by cytochemical methods. The mechanism of action of the antibiotics, in this case, could prevent the penetration of inorganic phosphorus into the cell, before acting on the protein synthesising system. This suggests a new way in which antibiotics may be used to study cell membranes.