[Dimethylaminochalcone, an indicator of the structural changes in the cellular envelop of E. coli under the action of Ca2+ cations and tris buffer].

An attempt was made to detect possible structural changes in E. coli cell envelope induced by Ca2+ treatment with the help of an uncharged fluorescent probe 4-dimethylaminochalcon (DMC). The effects of the treatment with tris buffer (0.01 M) at 0 degrees C and other agents (Mg2+ and EDTA) were also studied for the purpose of comparison. It is shown that Ca2+ treatment of E. coli cells results in structural changes in the cell envelope surface, whick differ from those induced by tris-buffer at 0 degrees C, Mg2+ and EDTA. DMC can be used successfully as a suitable probe for monitoring structural changes in biomembranes.