The biochemistry of the nitrifying organisms. 1. The ammonia-oxidizing systems of Nitrosomonas

Abstract

Nitrite formation by Nitrosomonas was studied by means of short-term incubation expts. on washed suspensions of the organisms. A wide variety of nitrogenous compounds were tested but only ammonia gave rise to nitrite under these conditions. All chelating agents tested inhibited the formation of nitrite from ammonia by Nitrosomonas. It is suggested that some metal enzyme is intimately concerned in ammonia oxidation by Nitrosomonas.