The Effect of Phenazine Derivatives on the Respiration of Microorganisms.

Abstract

The respiration of Escherichia coli and some other microorganisms was found to be more or less inhibited by phenazine and its derivatives tested. 1-phenazinol, 2-methoxyphenazine and griseolutein B were most inhibitory. The inhibition varied with the respiratory substrates used and it was strongest when malate was used as compared with glucose and succinate. The inhibition was not competitive with substrate concentration. In order to attain maximal inhibition, it was necessary to preincubate the cells with the inhibitors for a certain period of time. The inhibition mechanisms were briefly discussed.