Structural features and mechanisms for sensing high osmolarity in microorganisms

During their lifetime, most organisms experience osmotic stress, mostly due to fluctuating external osmolarities, but also as a result of desiccation or freezing. Under these conditions, the ratio of osmolytes to water and macromolecules in the cells is significantly altered. To survive, cells must...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current opinion in microbiology 2004-04, Vol.7 (2), p.168-174
Main Authors: Heermann, Ralf, Jung, Kirsten
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacterial Physiological Phenomena
Bacterial Proteins - chemistry
Bacterial Proteins - physiology
Osmotic Pressure
Water-Electrolyte Balance - physiology
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Summary:During their lifetime, most organisms experience osmotic stress, mostly due to fluctuating external osmolarities, but also as a result of desiccation or freezing. Under these conditions, the ratio of osmolytes to water and macromolecules in the cells is significantly altered. To survive, cells must continuously sense these alterations and adapt accordingly. Osmolarity is a physico-chemical parameter that causes pleiotropic alterations in cell physiology. Recent research has revealed various mechanisms to sense high external osmolarity, based on monitoring cellular changes that are associated with the altered environment.
ISSN:1369-5274
1879-0364
DOI:10.1016/j.mib.2004.02.008