Figure 15.2 A Model Signal Transduction Pathway
SignalSolutes enter the space betweenthe two membranes throughlarge pores in the outer membraneof E. coli.
EnvZ
ReceptorThe EnvZ membrane proteinchanges shape in response to thehigh solute concentration,catalyzing the addition of aphosphate from ATP.
TransductionThe phosphate from EnvZ istransferred to the OmpR protein…
…and the phosphorylatedOmpR changes shape,
enabling it to bind to DNAand stimulate transcriptionof the ompC gene.
OmpC protein inserts into theouter membrane, preventingsolute entry and keeping thecell’s exterior osmoticallybalanced.
Outermembraneof bacterium
Cellwall
Intermembranespace
Plasmamembrane
Pores
EnvironmentSolute
OmpR
ompCDNA
mRNA
OmpCprotein