[Role of phospholipids in the fractionation of stable sulfur isotopes during oxidation by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans].

The action of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans on elementary suhur was shown to be a step-wise process connected with the formation of its colloidal forms having a different isotope composition. Certain sulfur forms are in complex with phospholipids. Both exogenous and endogenous phospholipids are involved in the dissolving of sulfur and in the fractionation of its isotopes. Exogenous phospholipids are more active. The authors discuss the role of phospholipids in the solution of sulfur and in its transport into the cell in the course of oxidation by T. ferrooxidans.