Chloride dependence of growth in bacteria.
Chloride is an abundant anion on earth but studies analyzing a possible function of chloride in prokaryotes are scarce. To address the question, we have tested 44 different Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria for a chloride dependence or chloride stimulation of growth. None required chloride for growth at their optimal growth (salt) conditions. However, in hyperosmotic media containing high concentrations of Na+, 11 bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Escherichia coli, Paracoccus denitrificans, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Thermus thermophilus, and Vibrio fischeri) had a strict chloride dependence for growth or were significantly stimulated by chloride. These data show that chloride is essential for growth at high salt (Na+) concentrations in various species of the domain Bacteria.
Roessler
Markus
M
Section Microbiology, Department Biology I, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Maria-Ward-Str. 1a, 80686 Munich, Germany.
Sewald
Xaver
X
Müller
Volker
V
D002712:Chlorides / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003470:Culture Media; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology
D002712:Chlorides; D003470:Culture Media; D012964:Sodium