UTILIZATION OF 1-AMINO-2-PROPANOL BY A SOIL BACTERIUM

Abstract

An aerobic, motile, Gram-negative bacterium of uncertain taxonomy has been isolated from soil by the enrichment method. This bacterium utilizes DL-1-amino-2-propanol as its sole source of carbon, nitrogen, and energy for growth in mineral media. The oxidation of the aminopropanol by resting cells is complete in the presence of 2,4-dinitrophenol. Lactic acid and a number of two and three carbon substrates are oxidized with molecular oxygen by resting cells and serve as adequate substrates for the growth of the bacterium, in the presence of ammonium chloride. The amino acids alanine and aspartic acid were found to be suitable growth substrates while serine, 3-amino-1-propanol, isopropylamine, and mono- and di-methylaminoethanol did not suffice. The results of this investigation are discussed with reference to a possible cycle of vitamin B₁₂synthesis and degradation in the soil.