Indole prevents Escherichia coli cell division by modulating membrane potential

► Indole induces charge transport across reconstituted lipid membranes. ► Indole reduces the E. coli membrane potential. ► Membrane potential is required for the formation of the macromolecular divisome. ► Indole blocks the formation of the macromolecular divisome. ► Indole reversibly blocks Escherichia coli cell division.