Generation of a transmembrane gradient of Na+ in Methanosarcina barkeri
- PMID: 3026814
- DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1987.tb10624.x
Generation of a transmembrane gradient of Na+ in Methanosarcina barkeri
Abstract
A transmembrane Na+ gradient was generated by Methanosarcina barkeri during methanogenesis. The intracellular Na+ concentration amounted to approximately one fifth of the extracellular one. A secondary Na+/H+ antiport system was shown to be responsible for Na+ extrusion. This system could be inhibited by amiloride. In the presence of amiloride the delta pH across the cytoplasmic membrane increased and a transmembrane Na+ gradient could neither be generated nor maintained. The possible role of Na+ in the oxidation of methanol to the level of formaldehyde is discussed.
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