Physiological Analysis of Bacterial Mechanosensitive Channels

Ian R. Booth*, Michelle D. Edwards, Susan Black, Ulrike Schumann, Wendy Bartlett, Tim Rasmussen, Akiko Rasmussen, Samantha Miller

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Bacterial mechanosensitive (MS) channels play a significant role in protecting cells against hypoosmotic shock. Bacteria that have been diluted from high osmolarity medium into dilute solution are required to cope with sudden water influx associated with an osmotic imbalance equivalent to 10 to 14 atm. The cell wall is only poorly expansive and the cytoplasmic membrane even less so. Thus, swelling is not an option and the cell must rapidly eject solutes to diminish the osmotic gradient and thereby preserve structural integrity. This chapter describes cellular assays of MS channel function and their interpretation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOsmosensing and Osmosignaling
PublisherAcademic Press Inc.
Pages47-61
Number of pages15
ISBN (Print)9780123739216
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameMethods in Enzymology
Volume428
ISSN (Print)0076-6879

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