Studies in the metabolism of the strict anaerobes (genus Clostridium)

Abstract

The products of the decomposition of pyruvats and l-( + )glutamate by washed suspensions of Cl. tetanomorphum were subjected to detailed quantitative analysis. The main products obtained in both cases are: H2, CO2, acetic acid and buytric acid; l-{ + )glutamate also gives NH3. A small amt. of lactic acid is formed from pyruvate but not from glutamate. On the basis of the quantitative data equations are proposed which express approximately the balance between initial and final products for the main course of the reactions. d-( [long dash] )glutamate is decomposed at about 50% of the rate obtained with the l-( + )isomeride.