Hydrogenlyases

Abstract

Whether formic hydrogenlyase appeared in Bact. coli by a process of "natural selection" or in some other way, was studied. Addition of Na formate to a young culture of B. coli had no effect on the subsequent growth rate. The enzyme could be produced by the bacteria while no cell division was taking place, and this production proceeded linearly. It was concluded that the operation of "natural selection" was impossible, and the formation of formic hydrogenlyase was probably a chemical reaction between the medium and the cells.