Dependence of sulphate uptake by Anacystis nidulans on energy, on osmotic shock and on sulphate stravation

Abstract

Sulphate uptake by Anacystis nidulans under aerobic conditions in the light was found to be sensitive to metabolic poisons, such as N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone. It was also depressed by darkness. The sulphate absorption is an energy-dependent process. Sulphate uptake was also inhibited by chromate and selenate. Osmotic shock strongly affected sulphate uptake. This effect could be interpreted by a loss of a binding protein involved in the absorption of sulphate. Osmotic shock also depressed oxygen production in light and oxygen consumption in darkness; however, shocked cells were able to grow normally. Sulphate uptake was strongly enhanced by sulphate starvation, but this enhancement was partly prevented by chloramphenicol. Apparently sulphate starvation depressed the synthesis of a carrier involved in the transport of sulphate. During sulphate starvation the membrane potential, measured by the uptake of triphenylmethylphosphonium, increases. This may be due to changes in the membrane.