Phosphate transport in Micrococcus lysodeikticus

Abstract

Phosphate accumulates in Micrococcus lysodeikticus cells against a concentration gradient, by an energy-dependent process. The phosphate transport is derepressed during phosphate deprivation. The depression process is inhibited by chloramphenicol. The apparent Km of phosphate transport is 4.3 micronM. The activation energy of the transport is 21 kcal per mol in the temperature range of 0-29degrees C, and 4.9 kcal per mol between 29 and 40degrees C. The rate of the transport increases in presence of K+ and Mg2+. Arsenate is a competitive inhibitor of phosphate transport, having an apparent Ki of 6.0 micronM. Sulfhydryl reagents, respiratory inhibitors and uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation inhibit phosphate transport.