Phosphate transport system in paracoccus denitrificans

Abstract

Pi uptake in cells or spheroplasts of Paracoccus denitrificans is biphasic; only the first rapid phase represents net Pi transport. The second phase is limited by the rate of Pi utilization inside the cell, i.e., mainly by its esterification, and as such it was inhibited by DCCD. The Pi/dicarboxylate antiporter does not seem to be operative, and its inhibitor n-butylmalonate did not exert specific inhibition. Pi transport is inhibited by SH reagents; the most potent inhibitor is PCMB, and mersalyl is much less effective. However, neither inhibitor affects efflux of accumulated Pi. The gradient of potassium ions may be involved in the Pi uptake, which is lowered in the presence of valinomycin. FCCP alone does not release accumulated Pi from spheroplasts unless they are preincubated with SCN-. The results indicate that Pi enters the cell by symport with protons.