PRODUCTION AND PROPERTIES OF 2,3-BUTANEDIOL: XXV. DISSIMILATION OF GLUCOSE BY BACTERIA OF THE GENUS SERRATIA

Abstract

The genus Serratia may be divided into 3 groups on the basis of 3 characteristic fermentations found under anaerobic conditions. The 1st group, comprised of all strains of S. marcescens, S. anolium, and S. indica tested and one strain named S. kielensis, dissimilates glucose as follows: C6H12O6 [forward arrow] CH3CHOHCHOHCH3 + HCOOH + CO2. The 2d group, containing S. plymouthensis and some unnamed strains, dissimilates glucose according to the equation: C6H12O6 [forward arrow] CH3CHOHCHOHCH3 + 2CO2 + H,. The 3d group containing only the most typical strain of S. kielensis carries out the reaction: C6H12O6 + 2H2O [forward arrow] 2CH3COOH + 2CO2 + 4H2. These reactions account for approx. 1/2 of the glucose utilized, the remainder being accounted for chiefly by the ethanol and lactic acid fermentations which are found in varying proportions with different strains. All strains form some succinic acid, probably by CO2 fixation. Under aerobic conditions CO2 formation is stimulated, chiefly at the expense of formic acid with organisms of the 1st group, while H2 formation by organisms of the 2d and 3d groups is depressed.