EFFECTS OF MAGNESIUM ION DEFICIENCY ON ESCHERICHIA COLI AND POSSIBLE RELATION TO THE MODE OF ACTION OF NOVOBIOCIN

Abstract

Cells of Escherichia coli ML35 grew in magnesium-deficient medium at an arithmetic rate for 4 to 5 hr. In the later stages of this period the viability of the cells decreased, ribonucleic acid was lost, and the cells became able to hydrolyze o-nitro-phenyl-[beta]-D-galactoside at a much increased rate. Further, the cells became filamentous and stained less intensely with methylene blue. Since magnesium ions are known to stabilize cell membranes, the changes are interpreted as due to alterations in membrane integrity. Novobiocin induced the same changes as magnesium ion deficiency providing further support for the hypothesis that novobiocin acts by inducing a magnesium ion deficiency.