Study on the toxic mechanism of La3+ to Escherichia coli

Abstract

The toxic mechanism of La^sup 3+^ to Escherichia coli is investigated by detecting the concentration change of La^sup 3+^ in E. coli cells growing in La^sup 3+^-containing medium. Stimulatory action and inhibitory effect of La^sup 3+^ in different concentrations can be attributed to the permeability alteration of the cell. Low concentration of La^sup 3+^ increases the nutrition absorbability of the cells from the cultures as a result of increased cell permeability, and high concentration of La^sup 3+^ causes the accumulation of La^sup 3+^ in cells, resulting in the toxic effects on the E. coli cells.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]