[The effect of dimethylsulfoxide and thiourea on the water diffusion permeability of the E. coli membrane]

It is shown that diffusive water permeability of E. coli cell membranes at 4-24 degrees C is in the range from 16.6 to 35.0 microM.s-1, that is close to erythrocyte membrane water permeability, but higher than that of lipid bilayers. Cryoprotectants (DMSO and thiourea) at the concentration of 1.0 M considerably decrease water bacterial membrane permeability. 1.5- and 2-fold, respectively. The obtained results are discussed in relation to two possible water transport ways through pores of the protein nature or lipid bilayer damages.