The assimilation of amino-acids by bacteria. 10. Action of inhibitors on the accumulation of free glutamic acid in Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis

Abstract

The accumulation of free glutamic acid within S. aureus requires energy which, under the exptl. conditions is supplied by the fermentation of glucose. Na azide and 2,4-dinitrophenol inhibit the accumulation of free glutamate without inhibiting the fermentation reactions. Na arsenate accelerates the rates of fermentation and of glutamate accumulation. Na azide and 2,4-dinitrophenol increase the amt. of free glutamate within S. faecalis incubated in the presence of glutamic acid and glucose. The effect can be correlated with the inhibition of internal metabolism of glutamic acid in these cells. Concn. of Na azide and 2,4-dinitrophenol producing optimal increase in the internal glutamate concn. in S. faecalis are approx. the same as those producing complete inhibition of glutamate accumulation in S. aureus.[long dash]Auth. summ.