THE METABOLISM OF SPECIES OF STREPTOMYCES I

Abstract

S. coelicolor produces, in a glucose medium with excess CaCO3 and with mechanical agitation, large amts. of succinic acid, smaller amts. of lactic acid, and traces of other acids. Volatile acids were not detected. Succinic acid is formed during active glucose consumption and in media with different N sources. Other spp. of the genus do not form succinic acid or form it only in traces. It is suggested that S. coelicolor represents a genetic change from the usual actinomycete metabolic pattern, resulting in loss or impairment of the enzyme systems concerned with organic acid metabolism.