Interaction between Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus and the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli B.

Adsorption of Bdellovibrio bacteriovours (Bdv) on the surface of Escherichia coli is accompanied by a sharp decrease in the initial rate of entry of alpha-methylglucoside-C-14 and thiomethlgalactopyranoside-C-14 into the host cell. Interaction between the parasite and E. coli leads to the rapid departure of previously accumulated labeled glucosides and beta-galactosides from the bacteria. Meanwhile the ATPcontent in E. coli falls sharply. Adsorption Bdv E.coli spheroplasts was established as a fact. The possible mechanisms of interaction between Bvd and the host cell at the cytoplasmic membrane level are discussed.