[Effect of a beryllium complex on growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens (types R and S). II. Competition with magnesium].

A study of the inhibitory action of beryllium on the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens reveals that the observed effect can be partly explained by competition between beryllium and magnesium in various processes which are indispensable to cellular metabolism. In addition, an "adaptation" phenomenon is observed which appears to be based on the selection of cells which are more highly resistant towards the inhibitor.