Oxidative Assimilation and C 14 Distribution in Azotobacter agilis

Abstract

Summary

Azotobacter agilis oxidatively assimilates various substrates, generally to an extent of 20-25%. Most of the C-1 carbon of both glucose and pyruvate is given off as CO₂, assimilation to slightly different extents occurring from the other carbons and from acetate carbons. A lag period, probably involving formation of inducible enzymes, is noted with some substrates and is dependent upon the nature of the growth substrate. This lag is very marked for utilization of glucose by acetate- or succinate-grown cells, the adapted cells are not highly active, and adaptation is dependent upon more than the induced formation of a permease. The assimilated carbon, in resting or growing cells, is found to the greatest extent in materials insoluble in hot TCA, smaller amounts being present in cellular components soluble in cold and hot TCA and ethanol.