Chemosensory responses of Halobacterium halobium.

Responses of Halobacterium halobium cells to chemical stimuli have been shown by a capillary technique. Cells were attacted by D-glucose and several amino acids and repelled by phenol. Certain chemicals, such as acetate, benzoate, indole, and NiSO4, that are known to act as repellents of Escherichia coli cells served as attractants for Halobacterium. In the presence of ethionine, sensitivity to attractants was reduced. Arsenate prevented the attraction by glucose without lowering the cellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate level. The ability for chemo-accumulation toward glucose and histidine was interfered with by the formation of photosensory systems. Light-induced motor responses and chemosensory behavior toward glucose and histidine became detectable in the late stationary growth phase only. The behavior toward acetate and indole was not connected to photobehavior in that way: both substances acted as attractants already in the late log phase. Inhibition of bacteriorhodopsin synthesis by L-nicotine allowed chemo-accumulation toward glucose and histidine already in the late logarithmic phase.