RADIOACTIVE STUDIES OF THE PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM OF ESCHERICHIA COLI

Abstract

The synthesis of nucleic acids in a growing E. coli culture has been followed quantitatively using radioactive P. To do this, the P uptake has been correlated with the number of viable bacteria during the several stages of a typical growth curve. The avg. P contents are in general agreement with the results of u.-v. absorption and chemical methods. Expts. indicate that the measured uptake of P is not primarily used for buffering, and that P once taken up by the bacteria does not exchange with the nutrient medium. Uptake and a corresponding cell multiplication continue through the stationary phase until the onset of logarithmic decay.