Effects of temperature inactivation of penicillin-binding protein 2 on envelope growth in Escherichia coli

D. Buchnik, C. L. Woldringh, A. Zaritsky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The transition from rod-shaped to spheroidal cells was studied in a temperature-sensitive strain (SP45) of Escherichia coli K12, carrying a mutation (pbpA) in the gene coding for penicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP-2). This transition imposed by the restrictive temperature was associated with reduction of peptidoglycan/surface area and of cellular osmotic stability. Addition of nalidixic acid (20 μg/ml) at the temperature shift from 30 to 42°C resulted in lysis of some cells and appearance of spheroidal bulges along the cylinders in other cells, consistent with the hypothesis of envelope weakening due to inactivation of PBP-2.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)537-547
Number of pages11
JournalAnnales de l'Institut Pasteur Microbiology
Volume138
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 1987

Keywords

  • Cell wall
  • Escherichia coli
  • Inactivation
  • PBP-2
  • Penicillin
  • Protein
  • Spheroidal form

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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