The effect of varying sea salt concentration in the growth medium on the chemical composition of a purified membrane fraction from Planococcus citreus Migula

Abstract

Membrane preparations were prepared from cells of Planococcus citreus grown in the presence of three final concentrations of sea salt in a basic growth medium. The concentration of salt in the medium affects the amount of membrane in the cell. The three preparations were subjected to chemical analysis and no significant changes in chemical composition were seen as the salt concentration in the medium was increased. Values for the various components generally were within normal ranges and were similar to those of non-halophiles rather than extreme halophiles. The protein levels were slightly higher and it it cellular ion balance. Atomic absorption analysis of the major cations associated with the membranes showed that divalent ions were present in a 2:1 ratio with ...