STIMULATION OF GROWTH INITIATION BY HEAT DEGRADATION PRODUCTS OF GLUCOSE

Abstract

Heat-catalyzed interaction of glucose and phosphate results in a shortening of the initial stationary phase of Lactobacillus fermenti strain 36. No effect on the exponential phase of growth or on the final cell yield was seen. The stimulatory effect is roughly proportional to the time and temperature of heating. Maximal effect is produced at pH 6.4. Ether-extraction of the heated glucose-phosphate mixture at pH 6.4 removes a toxic factor also formed during the heating process. The active compound was not isolated, but it does not appear to be an aldehyde or ketone, a phosphorylated derivative of glucose, a reducing agent, a volatile compound or an acidic compound.