CONTROL OF ETHANOL DEHYDROGENASE LEVELS IN AEROBACTER AEROGENES

Abstract

Formation of ethanol dehydrogenase in Aerobacter aerogenes is increased during anaerobiosis. When cells are grown anaerobically on polyhydric alcohols as sole sources of carbon and energy, it is found that the most reduced compound gives the highest ethanol dehydrogenase level. The formation of ethanol dehydrogenase in cells growing anaerobically on glycerol is found to be represented several fold if a hydrogen acceptor is provided in the growth medium. Formation of the enzyme is found not to be appreciably influenced by ethanol, acetaldehyde, or acetate, These data permit us to conclude that the formation of the enzyme is regulated by the availability of hydrogen acceptors and not by molecular oxygen itself.