Cell membrane factors affecting transport through

The uptake and accumulation of various amino acids in Lactobacillus arabinosus have been described. Deficiencies of vitamin B6, biotin, and pantothenic acid markedly alter the operation of these transport systems. Accumulation capacity is decreased most severely by a vitamin B6 deficiency. This effect appears to arise indirectly from the synthesis of abnormal cell wall which renders the transport systems unusually sensitive to osmotic factors. Kinetic and osmotic experiments also exclude biotin and pantothenate from direct catalytic involvement in the transport process. Like vitamin B6, they affect uptake indirectly, probably through the metabolism of a structural cell component. The evidence presented supports a concept of pool formation in which free amino acids accumulate in the cell through the intervention of membrane-localized transport catalysts. 

Electroosmotic effects also influence current efficiency, not only in terms of coupling effects on the fluxes of various species but also in terms of their impact on steady-state membrane water levels and polymer structure. The effects of electroosmosis on membrane permselectivity have recently been treated through the classical Nernst-Planck flux equations, and water transport numbers in chlor-alkali cell environments have been reported by several workers.Even with classical approaches, the relationship between electroosmosis and permselectivity is seen to be quite complicated. Treatments which include molecular transport of water can also affect membrane permselectivity, as seen in Fig. 17. The different results for the two types of experiments here can be attributed largely to the effects of osmosis. A slight improvement in current efficiency results when osmosis occurs from anolyte to catholyte. Another frequently observed consequence of water transport is higher membrane conductance, " " which is an important factor in the overall energy efficiency of an operating cell. 

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