E. coli cells (VIDEO) Washington University in St. Louis This video is under embargo. Please login to access this video. Caption Video/Image of E. coli cells shifted to nutrient-free conditions for 2 hours and shifted back to nutrient-rich conditions. These cells contain fluorescent protein fusions that make the cytoplasm green and the periplasm, the space between the cell membrane and the outer membrane, red. As cells starve the cytoplasm shrinks, most likely due to water loss, and the periplasm expands. Cells resume growth and expand the cytoplasm again when they see fresh nutrients again. Time lapse length 2 hours and 50 minutes. Credit Kerwyn Casey Huang laboratory, Stanford University Usage Restrictions For editorial purposes License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.