The biosynthesis of streptomycin. Incorporation of 14C-labelled compounds into streptose and N-methyl-l-glucosamine

Abstract

The biosynthesis of streptomycin by Strepto-myces griseus was studied by adding to the growth medium possible precursors containing C14 and degrading the streptomycin produced. The N-methyl group in the N-methyl-L-glucosamine residue of streptomycin arises from the S-methyl group in methionine and not from formate. The streptose residue arises from glucose, and the C-formyl group in this branched-chain sugar arises from C-3 or C-4 of glucose. The C-formyl group does not arise from either formate or the S-methyl group in methionine.