Investigating the role of the cell envelope in E. coli relating to silver sensitivity and resistance
Date
2018-05-11
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Abstract
Silver (I) is an antimicrobial agent that has established antimicrobial activity, yet the mechanism of action is unclear. This thesis follows up on an observation that Ag+ ions cause the cell membrane to separate from the cell wall in Escherichia coli. Data from a chemical genomic screen was utilized, identifying 6 Ag-responsive cells with single gene deletions (damX, rodZ, minC, sanA, ybhO, tolB), which are genes involved in maintenance of the cell envelope. When these mutants were grown in the presence of Ag+, cells demonstrated extensive cell envelope damage as seen by transmission electron microscopy. Evaluation of kill curves, some mutants conferred resistance and others sensitivity to silver in comparison to wildtype. From the data collected, it was recognized that functions around cell wall and transport across the cell membranes have roles in both silver resistance and sensitivity.
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Keywords
Microbiology, Silver, Silver ions, Antimicrobials
Citation
Westersund, C. (2018). Investigating the role of the cell envelope in E. coli relating to silver sensitivity and resistance (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/31922