Glucose transport of Haloferax volcanii requires the Na(+)-electrochemical potential gradient and inhibitors for the mammalian glucose transporter inhibit the transport.

The uptake of glucose and its non-metabolizing analogues by Haloferax volcanii, one of the glucose-utilizing Halobacteria, was examined using intact cells and envelope vesicles. Results obtained were: (1) The transport system is inducible. (2) The uptake requires the gradient of Na(+)-electrochemical potential. (3) Inhibitors for mammalian glucose transport also have an effect on this system, implying that the transporters resemble each other. (4) It is suggested that the mobility of the transporter is regulated by the membrane energization.