Studies on the mode of action of reutericyclin.

The mode of action of reutericyclin was determined with fluorescent dyes that probed the permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane by large molecules, protons, and potassium. A comparison of reutericyclin activity with those of nisin, nigericin, and valinomycin demonstrated that reutericyclin does not form pores but selectively dissipates the transmembrane proton potential.