GLUTATHIONE AND SULFUR OXIDATION BY THIOBACILLUS THIOOXIDANS

Abstract

Elemental S was oxidized by a cell-free extract of T. thioxidans only in the presence of reduced glutathione. The oxidation of the S-glutathione system was studied manometrically. Thiosulfate and polythionates were detected in the reaction mixtures. Sulfide was oxidized rapidly by both the whole cells and the cell-free extract. Thiosulfate, polythionates, and sulfate were formed by the whole cells, while elemental S and thiosulfate were the reaction products in sulfide oxidation by the extract. Ethylenediamine tetraacetate enhanced the sulfide-oxidizing activity of the extract.