title: Physiological analysis of bacterial mechanosensitive channels.
abstract: Bacterial mechanosensitive (MS) channels play a significant role in protecting cells against hypoosmotic shock. Bacteria that have been diluted from high osmolarity medium into dilute solution are required to cope with sudden water influx associated with an osmotic imbalance equivalent to 10 to 14 atm. The cell wall is only poorly expansive and the cytoplasmic membrane even less so. Thus, swelling is not an option and the cell must rapidly eject solutes to diminish the osmotic gradient and thereby preserve structural integrity. This chapter describes cellular assays of MS channel function and their interpretation.
authors: School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
authors: Ian R
authors: IR
authors: Booth
authors: Michelle D
authors: MD
authors: Edwards
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Black
authors: Ulrike
authors: U
authors: Schumann
authors: Wendy
authors: W
authors: Bartlett
authors: Tim
authors: T
authors: Rasmussen
authors: Akiko
authors: A
authors: Rasmussen
authors: Samantha
authors: S
authors: Miller
mesh_terms: D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D015640:Ion Channel Gating; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular / Q000502:physiology*; D009997:Osmotic Pressure
chemical_list: D007473:Ion Channels