Differential sensitivity to tributyltin of cytochrome-containing and cytochrome-deficient cells ofEscherichia coli SASX76

Summary The effect of tributyltin (TBT) chloride on the growth of cytochrome-deficient and cytochrome-containing cells ofEscherichia coli SASX76 was examined. The former cells were found to be at least 20 times more sensitive to TBT. It is proposed that the differential sensitivity of these two cell types to the biocide, TBT, may be due to a different mode of energy generation by cytochrome-deficient and cytochrome-sufficient cells. In addition to the energy state, the pH change caused by the presence and absence of cytochromes which occurred during growth also resulted in a differential sensitivity of these cells.Acknowledgments. This research was financially supported by a grant from the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India, to APS. The authors thank the Head, Department of Botany, B.H.U. for facilities.