| Accession | ARO:3003956 |
| Definition | Amongst the diverse and potent biological activities of free fatty acids (FFAs) is the ability to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. The antibacterial properties of FFAs are used by many organisms to defend against parasitic or pathogenic bacteria. The prime target of FFA action is the cell membrane, where FFAs disrupt the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Besides interfering with cellular energy production, FFA action may also result from the inhibition of enzyme activity, impairment of nutrient uptake, generation of peroxidation and auto-oxidation degradation products or direct lysis of bacterial cells. |
| Classification | 1 ontology terms | Show |
| Parent Term(s) | 1 ontology terms | Show |
| Sub-Term(s) | 3 ontology terms | Show |
| Publications | Desbois AP, et al. 2010. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 85(6):1629-42 Antibacterial free fatty acids: activities, mechanisms of action and biotechnological potential. (PMID 19956944) |