Valinomycin Is an Antibiotic That Kills Bacteria by Surrounding K⁺

Valinomycin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria by surrounding K⁺ ions and shuttling them down their concentration gradient and across membranes. Which might be a cause of cell death?

A) Disruption of secondary transport processes that depend on the K⁺ concentration gradient.
B) Change in the pH of the bacterial cytosol.
C) Blocking of bacterial pores with K⁺ ions.
D) Massive denaturation of bacterial proteins upon change of the K⁺ concentration.

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free