General information
The Escherichia coli bacteria have three inducible H+-consuming Acid Resistance (AR) systems (Gad, Adi, Cad). The entire mechanisms and importance of AR systems in the formation of bioenergetic parameters, and interaction with other H+ consuming complexes (such as formate hydrogen lyase) and ion transport mechanisms are not well-known. In the current project, the involvement of AR systems in the formation of bioenergetic parameters in E. coli during fermentation or respiration at different pHs (pH 4.4-7.5) will be understood. Proton motive force and its variation in the E. coli mutants lacking AR systems (鈭唃adE, 鈭哻adC and 鈭哸diY) will be detected. The role of AR systems in the formation of ion fluxes and ionic homeostasis will be understood. Moreover, the interaction between the production of metabolic end-products (acids and molecular hydrogen) and AR systems during fermentation of different carbon sources (glucose, glycerol) will be described. Based on the acquired data, a mechanism will be presented and a prototype will be suggested elucidating how bacteria regulate bioenergetic parameters and implement AR systems to withstand mild and extreme acidic conditions.