SOURCES OF ENERGY AND THE DINITROPHENOL EFFECT IN THE GROWTH OF ACETOBACTER SUBOXYDANS

Abstract

Resting cells of Acetobacter suboxydans can oxidize dihydroxyacetone, sorbose, acetaldehyde, lactic and and pyruvic acids, but cannot utilize these compounds for growth. The following compounds are valueless for either oxidation or growth: alpha-glycerol phosphate, beta-glycerol phosphate, glucose-6-phosphate, fructose-1, 6-diphosphate, citraconic, itaconic, mesaconic, alpha-ketoglutaric, malic, fumaric, succinic and malonic acids. 2,4-Dinitrophenol at concns. inhibitory to dihydroxyacetone or sorbose oxidation in resting cells does not affect the growth on glycerol or sorbitol. It is suggested that "high-energy" phosphate esters may be formed at the substrate level, possibly corresponding to (enol) dihydroxyacetone phosphate or sorbose phosphate.