| dc.description.abstract | Escherichia coli (E. coli) has a potassium (K+) channel (kch) and a non-selective ion channel (trkH/G). The goal of this project is to explore the individual function and modes of regulation for each system, which will lead to a more thorough understanding of the role that K+ homeostasis plays in bacterial physiology. Using phage transduction, we generated strains of E. coli that are deficient in each system. Growth and motility of mutant strains were assayed under varying conditions (physiological conditions, ion concentration, [Na+/K+], presence of other cations) and compared to that of wild-type E. coli to determine how K+ transport systems impact other biological processes. Mutants were also assessed for change in antibiotic sensitivity as compared to the wild-type. Upon completion, the project will shed further light on prokaryotic ion transport systems. | en |
