Some Effects of Propionate on the Growth of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides S

Abstract

Effects of propionate on the growth of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides S were examined in the presence of various carbon compounds. Propionate strongly inhibits the growth on the medium containing glucose as a carbon source under aerobic-dark conditions, but not under anaerobic-light conditions. This inhibition can be restored by the addition of acetate or NaHCO₃ to the culture medium. Pyruvate, acetoin and acetaldehyde are accumulated in the culture medium during the growth inhibition induced by the addition of propionate. Metabolic pathway in the bacterium is discussed.