The production of polyacetylenic compounds by basidiomycetes: glucose conversion

Abstract

The polyacetylenic compounds produced by the Basidiomycete B. 841 during growth and in various replacement cultures are formed from glucose; they are not metabolic end-products but can be broken down by the fungus at rates comparable with their rates of synthesis. They are formed in highest yield in replacement cultures supplied with 4% aqueous glucose only, and the extent of their synthesis is reduced when cornsteep liquor (a source of essential growth factors for the fungus) is added. It is suggested that the synthesis of polyacetylenes by the fungus B. 841 represents an alternative metabolic pathway for some intermediate in glucose breakdown, the other metabolic routes of which show a partial requirement for factors present in cornsteep liquor.