Defence mechanisms of three Pseudomonas putida strains growing in the presence of toluene up to 50% (v/v) were investigated. The three strains reacted to toxic concentrations of toluene by accumulating trans unsaturated fatty acids in the membrane instead of the cis isomers. The membranes of the toluene-adapted cells possessed a higher trans/cis ratio and had a higher lipid-ordering since the transition temperature was about 7 centigrade degrees higher compared to the non-adapted cells.