EN
The mechanisms responsible for microorganisms' death under high pressure conditions are still not clear. Pressure in the range of 5-40 MPa does not usually lead to death of cells, but causes changes in their shape, dimensions and motility. In the case of some microorganisms, mainly of moulds and yeast, elongation of the cell may cause injury in the cell wall and therefore lead to their death. Changes in the cytoplasmic membrane permeability are considered to be the main reason for pressure-induced inactivation of microorganisms. According to some authors, inactivation of key enzymes leads to the inhibition of metabolic processes and the death of microorganisms. Pressure influences ribosomes and the biosynthesis of proteins. Some bacteria may be adapted to elevated pressure by regulation of protein expression. Among the new proteins, so-called PIPs (pressure-induced proteins), are identified heat-shock proteins and cold-shock proteins.