THE UTILIZATION OF THE THREE SINGLY-C 14 -MARKED LACTIC ACIDS BY ESCHERICHIA COLI

Abstract

Carboxyl carbon is largely, but not exclusively, converted to CO2- The alpha and beta carbons are mostly utilized in synthetic reactions, but some are converted to CO2 and an appreciable amt. of the C2 fragment left from decarboxylation of the lactate is excreted into the medium. Casein hydrolysate supplement (apparently) is used synthetically and as an energy source in preference to the C2 fragment.