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. 1980 Jan;141(1):26–32. doi: 10.1128/jb.141.1.26-32.1980

Protonmotive force and bacterial sensing.

J B Miller, D E Koshland Jr
PMCID: PMC293524  PMID: 6766440

Abstract

The role of the proton gradient and external pH in the motility and chemotaxis of Bacillus subtilis was investigated. Presence of a substantial proton gradient is not necessary for motility or chemotaxis, as long as the electrical potential is sufficient to maintain motility. Changes in the proton gradient do, however, lead to changes in swimming behavior, and these changes are mediated by two processes. One is sensitive to external pH and probably operates through a pH receptor. The second is sensitive to changes in the proton gradient. When the level of the protonmotive force is high enough to maintain motiligy, changes in the components of the protonmotive force are sensed by the bacteria and lead to behavioral changes, but changes in the protonmotive force are not necessary for chemotaxis.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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