Reduced ribosomal thermal denaturation in Listeria monocytogenes following osmotic and heat shocks.

Increased thermotolerance of Listeria monocytogenes induced by exposure to a high NaCl concentration or a sublethal heat shock was concurrent with increased thermal stability of the 30S ribosomal subunit as measured by differential scanning calorimetry. It is proposed that protection of the 30S subunit is a critical mechanism for increased thermotolerance.