Preparation and characterization of inverted cell envelopes of Halobacterium halobium.

Inside-out cell envelopes from Halobacterium halobium R1M1 have been isolated by sonication and subsequent sucrose-density-gradient fractionation. The inverted cell envelopes transport protons from the exterior of the vesicles by a light-dependent, uncoupler-inhibited process. Enzymes usually facing the inside of the cell are exposed to the external medium in this preparation.