The uptake of labelled Zn2+ by starved Escherichia coli has two main components. One is energy-independent, subject to quick reversal by exchange for inactive Zn2+ carrier and interpreted as adsorption. The second component appears to consist of carrier-mediated transport into the cell. It depends on metabolic energy and greatly exceeds the first component when exogenous fermentation (glucose + nitrogen), or, better, respiration (glucose + air) is possible. It has a large temperature coefficient and follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Energy-dependent uptake leads to a steady state with slow influx into, and efflux from, the cell. Under conditions of strong uptake into the cell, the toxicity of Zn2+ solutions for E. coli is enhanced.
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Bucheder et al. (1974) studied this question.
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