The metabolism of some saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols and fatty acids by Proactinomyces opacus Jensen (Nocardia opaca Waksman & Hendrik)

Abstract

The O2 uptake of washed suspensions of P. opacus is increased in the presence of n-dodecane, n-tetradecane, n-hexadecane, n-octadecane and paraffin wax. Decyl, lauryl (dodecyl) and octadecyl alcohols give increased O2 uptake, but amyl, isoamyl, isohexyl, and heptyl alcohols are toxic. The long-chain fatty acids (C7-C16) are all actively metabolized at low concns. (0.0012 [image]). at 1% octanoate, decanoate, undecanoate and laurate (dodecanoate) are toxic. The rate of methylene-blue reduction by the supernatant liquid obtained from the crushed cells of P. opacus is increased in the presence of dodecane and hexadecane.