Mechanism of Action of Phenethyl Alcohol: Breakdown of the Cellular Permeability Barrier

doi:10.1128/jb.93.2.560-566.1967

Paper

Mechanism of Action of Phenethyl Alcohol: Breakdown of the Cellular Permeability Barrier

Published Feb 1, 1967 · S. Silver, L. Wendt

Journal of Bacteriology

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193

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Abstract

Phenethyl alcohol (PEA) caused Escherichia coli to take up greatly increased amounts of acriflavine, a compound to which healthy growing cells are impermeable. PEA also caused an increased rate of efflux (leakage) of cellular potassium under conditions which do not greatly alter the influx of potassium via the energy-dependent potassium pump. We therefore propose that the primary effect of PEA is a limited breakdown of the cell membrane. The inhibition of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and other cellular functions would then be secondary consequences of the alteration in the membrane structure.

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Study Snapshot

Phenethyl alcohol (PEA) causes limited breakdown of the cell membrane, leading to increased permeability and increased cellular potassium efflux, with secondary consequences such as inhibition of DNA synthesis and other cellular functions.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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Paper

Mechanism of Action of Phenethyl Alcohol: Breakdown of the Cellular Permeability Barrier

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References

Membranes as expressions of repeating units.

Membranes serve as repeating units in cell development, playing a crucial role in various biological processes.

Action of Phenethyl Alcohol on the Synthesis of Macromolecules in Escherichia coli

Phenethyl alcohol first and most affects RNA synthesis in Escherichia coli, with little preferential inhibition of -galactosidase synthesis.

Inhibition of the Development of the Spore Septum and Membranes in Bacillus cereus by β-Phenethyl Alcohol

-phenethyl alcohol completely inhibits the development of the spore septum and forespore membranes in Bacillus cereus, suggesting that its primary site of inhibition may be the bacterial membrane.

Cation Transport in Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli cells' cation transport is primarily influenced by the medium's osmolality, while cell Na concentration is independent of medium osmolality and largely dependent on the medium's Na concentration.

The requirement for potassium for bacteriophage T4 protein and deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis.

Potassium is essential for bacteriophage T4 growth in Escherichia coli B mutants, allowing for protein and deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis, but not ribonucleic acid synthesis.

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