Abstract
Summary
1) Various microorganisms were studied for ability to metabolize myricyl palmitate (beeswax), tubercle wax, and tributyrin. All cultures except one produced positive results varying only in rate and extent to which they attacked these substrates. A pronounced lag phase in utilization of substrate by 3 microorganisms tested was attributed to saturation of enzyme sites with endogenous substrates. 2) With the exception of Candida albicans intact cells did not show esterase activity. However, positive results were obtained with extracts which suggested that deesterification was an initial step in utilization of waxes as sources of energy for the various microorganisms tested.
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