Escherichia coli cells treated with the essential oil from the plantAchillea fragrantissima released five polypeptides as well as K+ ions into the incubation medium. The oil also inhibited the respiration ofE. coli cells and reduced their ATP content. Electron micrographs showed that oil-treated cells were permeable to uranyl acetate. The effect of the essential oil on the cell membrane is discussed.

cells treated with the essential oil from the plant released five polypeptides as well as K ions into the incubation medium. The oil also inhibited the respiration of cells and reduced their ATP content. Electron micrographs showed that oil-treated cells were permeable to uranyl acetate. The effect of the essential oil on the cell membrane is discussed.