The Barrier Properties of Biological Membranes Dictate How Cells Experience Oxidative Stress
James A. Imlay
Abstract
Molecular oxygen, superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide are related oxidants that can each impair the growth of microorganisms. Strikingly, these species exhibit large differences in their abilities to cross biological membranes. This Perspective explains the basis of those differences, and it describes natural situations in which the permeability of membranes to oxidants determines the amount of stress that a bacterium experiences.
Topics & Concepts
MembraneBiologyHydrogen peroxideOxidative stressReactive oxygen speciesBacteriaSuperoxideBiophysicsMembrane permeabilityBiochemistryCell biologyEnzymeGeneticsMicrobial Fuel Cells and BioremediationChemical Analysis and Environmental ImpactPhotosynthetic Processes and Mechanisms