The broad objectives of this program are to explore the molecular basis and physiological functions of ion transport in microorganisms. There is now strong evidence that in bacteria the linkage between metabolism and transport is usually indirect, effect by a circulation of protons across the cytoplasmic membrane (chemiosmotic theory). At the same time we have come to recognize a second major class of transport systems that are energized by a phosphoryl donor, possibly ATP. Indeed, some important systems including those for K ion, Na ion and Pi minus require both ATP and the proton circulation. I propose to study the molecular basis of ATP-linked transport, its interaction with the proton circulation and its significance in the economy of bacterial cells. We shall employ both intact cells and membrane vesicles of Streptococcus faecalis, an organism that offers technical as well as conceptual advantages.
NIH ExPorter
NIH ExPorter