But in an unusual twist, the loss of function may have repurposed this set of genes to create conditions that trap antibiotics in E. coli's cell membrane, preventing them from entering the bacteria.

During E. coli cell division, the researchers observed increased mechanical stiffening of the cell division site. The researchers hypothesize this stiffening could be due to localized membrane ...

But in an unusual twist, the loss of function may have repurposed this set of genes to create conditions that trap antibiotics in E. coli's cell membrane, preventing them from entering the bacteria.

In another experiment, they demonstrated that the cell mimics can swallow E.coli bacteria and trap them inside the membrane, potentially offering a new method for fighting bacteria in the body.

Specifically the channel is called the glycerol facilitator (GlpF), from the bacterium Escherichia coli. Bearing three alcohol groups, glycerol is a basic building block for the cell membrane.