The dead-cell protease cannot cross the cell membrane, and can only be measured in culture media after cells have lost their membrane integrity.

They are obligate acidophiles and are unable to maintain their membrane integrity at pH values higher than 4.

The net outcome is the disruption of membrane integrity and function, which ultimately leads to the lysis of microorganisms.

Excess copper causes a decline in the membrane integrity of microbes, leading to leakage of specific essential cell nutrients, such as potassium and glutamate.

It appears likely that the cumulative damage of these agents could lead to the irreversible loss of mitochondrial membrane integrity and structure.

Additionally loss of contact site and inner membrane integrity could indirectly cause alterations in ion exchange and lead to the flow of water into the matrix.

An assay of the ability of a cell line to adhere and divide may be more indicative of incipient damage than membrane integrity.

The cells may undergo necrosis, in which they lose membrane integrity and die rapidly as a result of cell lysis.

Cells undergoing necrosis typically exhibit rapid swelling, lose membrane integrity, shut down metabolism and release their contents into the environment.

Alternatively, membrane integrity can be assessed by monitoring the passage of substances that are normally sequestered inside cells to the outside.