Effect of selected environmental and physico-chemical factors on bacterial cytoplasmic membranes

• Published in: Journal of Microbiological Methods Vol. 52; no. 2; pp. 149 - 182
• Main Authors: Denich, T.J, Beaudette, L.A, Lee, H, Trevors, J.T
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier B.V 01-02-2003; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Action of physical and chemical agents on bacteria; Bacteria; Bacteria - chemistry; Bacteria - drug effects; Bacteria - metabolism; Bacteria - ultrastructure; Bacteriology; Biological and medical sciences; Cell Membrane - chemistry; Cell Membrane - drug effects; Environment; Environmental; Fatty Acids - chemistry; Fatty Acids - classification; Fluidity; Fluorescent probes; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hot Temperature; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids - analysis; Lipids - classification; Membrane Fluidity - physiology; Membrane Proteins - physiology; Membranes; Microbiology; Molecular Structure; Polarization; Pollutants; Stressors; Water Pollutants, Chemical - metabolism; Water Pollutants, Chemical - toxicity; Xenobiotics - metabolism; Xenobiotics - toxicity; Polarization; Environmental; Membranes; Fluorescent probes; Fluidity; Bacteria; Pollutants; Stressors; Fluorescence polarization; Environmental factor; Lipids; Membrane; Review; Protein
• ISSN: 0167-7012; 1872-8359
• DOI: 10.1016/S0167-7012(02)00155-0

Membranes lipids are one of the most adaptable molecules in response to perturbations. Even subtle changes of the composition of acyl chains or head groups can alter the packing arrangements of lipids within the bilayer. This changes the balance between bilayer and nonbilayer lipids, serving to affect bilayer stability and fluidity, as well as altering lipid–protein interactions. External factors can also change membrane fluidity and lipid composition; including temperature, chemicals, ions, pressure, nutrients and the growth phase of the microbial culture. Various biophysical techniques have been used to monitor fluidity changes within the bacterial membrane. In this review, bacterial cytoplasmic membrane changes and related functional effects will be examined as well as the use of fluorescence polarization methods and examples of data obtained from research with bacteria.