THE BIOTIN REQUIREMENT OF MICROCOCCUS LYSODEIKTICUS

Abstract

Biotin can be considered an essential growth factor for M. lysodeikticus. Aspartic and oleic acids can, in combination, eliminate the need for biotin in a relationship similar to that found in lactic acid bacteria. Biotin-deficient cells do not fix CO2 in oxalacetate in an exchange reaction but regain this ability on the addition of biotin. There is no difference in the ability of biotin-deficient or normal cells to decarboxylate oxalacetic acid. A function for the vit. in the synthesis of the enzyme catalyzing this reaction is not indicated.