Microbiological Aspects of Riboflavin

Abstract

P. riboflavina attacks ribose. but by different enzyme systems from those with which it attacks the ribityl group of riboflavin. Lumiflavin apparently is not attacked. Ribityl groups of a number of other riboflavin homologues and related compounds are also attacked. Some, like 4.5-dimethylphenyl-isoalloxazine, inhibit riboflavin oxidation by this organism. This action is not competitive since it cannot be reversed by higher concs. of riboflavin and it inhibits oxidation of glucose by the P. riboflavina and other bacteria also. It has no anti-vitamin activity in rats.