There is an immense paucity of information on cytoplasmic
membrane polarization values in microorganisms
grown in the presence of toxic compounds (e.g., solvents,
metals) and antibiotics, diverse C-sources, various pH
values, temperature, freezing–thawing cycles and other
environmental conditions. To the best of our knowledge,
we have measured some of the first polarization values for
Arthrobacter sp. ATCC 21908, B. cereus NRC 3045, P.
fluorescens R2F, P. putida NRC 2986 and E. coli C600
under normal growth conditions and in the presence of
tetracycline (with the exception of E. coli). As a larger
knowledge base becomes available on membrane polarization
in bacteria, a better understanding of bacterial physiology
should emerge under diverse growth and starvation
survival conditions. For example, by combining membrane
polarization values with gene expression analysis using
microarray technology, new knowledge will emerge on
bacterial physiology.