Efflux pumps are proteinaceous transporters localized in the cytoplasmic membrane of all kinds of cells. They are active transporters, meaning that they require a source of chemical energy to perform their function.

How are efflux pumps formed?

The AcrAB-TolC efflux pump-encoded genes have been found to be upregulated under growth in biofilms and exposure to several antibiotics. ... This protein, together with the AcrAB proteins, form an efflux pump. The AcrAB-TolC system has been reported to be associated with bacterial colonization and persistence.

What is efflux pump in biology?

Efflux pumps are transport proteins involved in the extrusion of toxic substrates (including virtually all classes of clinically relevant antibiotics) from within cells into the external environment. These proteins are found in both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria as well as in eukaryotic organisms.