Studies on Fermentation of Soysauce Mash

Part VIII. Effect of o-vanillin on the respiration system of S. rouxii

Abstract

This paper deals with the effect of o-vanillin on the respiration system of S. rouxii.
Contents of cytochrome C, coenzyme Q, vitamin B₂ and sterol were not influenced by o-vanillin, but the peaks of cytochrome in absorption spectra of cells grown with o-vanillin were decreased or diminished. Of the respiratory enzymes, cytochrome C oxidase was influenced by o-vanillin, the specific activity of cells grown with o-vanillin was about 25% of cells grwn without o-vanillin. NAD contents of cells grown with o-vanillin were lower and NADH contents were higher than those of cells grown without o-vanillin. These results would indicate that cells grown with o-vanillin lack the respiration activity by the interference of cytochrome C oxidase biosynthesis and can not regenerate NAD necessary for glycolysis from NADH. Therefore, the alcohol dehydrogenase reaction is enhanced for reproduction of NAD, which consequently causes to stimulate alcohol fermentation.