The Carbon Metabolism of the Crown-Gall and Hairy-Root Organisms

Abstract

CO2, gum and gum-like products were formed from glucose by the crown-gall organism (Phytomonas tumejaciens). In addition to these products the hairy root bacteria (P. rhizogenes) form small amounts of acetic and pyruvic acids. CO2 accounted for less than 2% of the glucose in crown gall fermentations but reached over 20% in hairy root cultures. Most of the glucose (70-80%) was accounted for by gum-like products. These do not appear to be polysaccharides and were very inert toward hydrolysis, acetylation and other chemical treatments. The gum on the other hand was readily hydrolyzed, chiefly to glucose but also yielded small amts. of uronic acid.