The effect of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the membrane lipids of Pseudomonas stutzeri

► We compared the bacterial adaptation responses in the presence of PCBs. ► The addition of PCBs at the time of inoculation evoked no adaptation mechanisms. ► Addition of PCBs to three-days old culture increased adaptation responses. ► Biphenyl and carvone together with PCBs gave similar results.