THE MECHANISM OF UPTAKE OF VITAMIN B₁₂ IN A B₁₂-REQUIRING LACTOBACILLUS

I. ROLE OF CELL WALL AS A ‘PRIMARY RESERVOIR’ OF VITAMIN B₁₂

Abstract

The site of accumulation of vitamin B₁₂ by the cells of Lactobacillus delbrueckii No. 1, a B₁₂-requiring organism, was investigated. The principal site of accumulation was found in the cell-wall fraction. The existence of a certain principle binding with the vitamin in the cell wall was suggested. It was also discussed on a possible role of the cell wall in the mechanism of uptake of B₁₂ in this organism.