Reversal of Fluoroacetate Inhibition by Vitamin B 12 in a Strain of Escherichia coli

Abstract

Summary

1. The rate of acetate oxidation in aged, glucose-grown cells of Escherichia coli strain 113-3 was stimulated by addition of vit. B₁₂. Stimulation of glucose oxidation was not observed. Upon addition of fluoroacetate with either glucose or acetate as substrate, oxidation was inhibited. This inhibition was partially prevented by the simultaneous supplementation with vit. B₁₂. 2. Acetate-adapted cells of this mutant failed to show a stimulatory effect of vit. B₁₂ on oxidation of acetate. However, in the presence of fluoroacetate, oxidation of acetate and glucose was stimulated by vit. B₁₂.