Phenylserine Studies. IV. Biochemical Activity of o- and p-Fluorophenylserine

Abstract

The o- and p-fluoroanalogues of phenylserine were synthesized and tested for inhibitory effects on bacterial growth. Only p-fluorophenylserine inhibits growth of Escherichia coli, and its action is reversed by phenylalanine, tryptophan, and to a limited extent, tyrosin. These results seem to emphasize the existence of a phenylalanine-tryptophan metabolic interconversion in bacteria.