PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL CANNOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PHOSPHATIDYLGLYCEROL IN SUPPORTING CELL-GROWTH OF ESCHERICHIA-COLI

Escherichia coli cells are dependent on the anionic phospholipid phosp hatidylglycerol for cell growth. Introduction into cells of the abilit y to make phosphatidylinositol did not suppress the need for naturally occurring phosphatidylglycerol. Therefore, the requirement for phosph atidylglycerol must be more than maintenance of the proper membrane su rface charge.