Anaerobic Replacement of Carbon Dioxide. *

Abstract

Summary

A number of compounds have been found which will replace CO₂, necessary for the anaerobic metabolism of Escherichia coli and Aerobacter aerogenes. The C₅ compounds appear to replace CO₂ more effectively than other compounds tested with the exception of oxalacetic acid and citric acid, the latter in the case of A. aerogenes only. The fact that oxalacetic by-passes the CO₂ requirement to such an extent indicates that this acid may function as the chief substrate for protein synthesis under anaerobic conditions.