NA+ H+ ANTIPORT IN BACTERIA AND ARCHAEBAC TERIA/

Cycling of protons and Na+ across bacterial membranes is connected wit h such vital bacterial functions as are ATP synthesis, pH and Na+ home ostasis, motility, and solute transport. The Na+/H+ antiporter is the universal device that couples these H+ and Na+ movements across bacter ial membranes. The review is concerned with the new aspects of molecul ar biology and physiology, regulation of activity as well as expressio n of Na+/H+ antiporters in E. coli, alkalophilis, halophilis, anaerobi c bacteria, and archabacteria. The possible role of Na+/H+ antiporter in bioenergetic processes in these microorganisms is also discussed.