Generation of a transmembrane gradient of Na+ in Methanosarcina barkeri.
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.
D000584:Amiloride / Q000494:pharmacology; D001693:Biological Transport, Active / Q000187:drug effects; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D019605:Euryarchaeota / Q000378:metabolism*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007700:Kinetics; D008697:Methane / Q000378:metabolism; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism*; D017923:Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D017923:Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers; D000584:Amiloride; D012964:Sodium; D008697:Methane