The Induced Synthesis of Hydrogenase by Hydrogenomonas facilis

Abstract

Hydrogenomonas facilis lack hydrogenase activity when grown heterotrophically, but these organisms develop hydrogenase activity when incubated, in phosphate buffer, under an atmosphere of 95% (v/v) hydrogen +5% (v/v) air. The development of hydrogenase activity is inhibited by 2:4-dinitrophenol and by chloramphenicol. The development is also inhibited by the addition of sodium lactate or sodium acetate unless a nitrogen source (e.g. ammonium sulphate) is present.