Abstract
From the analysis of decomposition products of L-ascorbic acid by intact cells, it was presumed that L-ascorbic acid was decomposed through unknown substances to pyruvic acid, which then further oxidized to CO_2 and H_2O, remaining a small quantity of acetic and formic acid under aerobic condition. On the other hand, the accumulation of lactic acid was observed under unaerobic condition. It was therefore, proposed that the oxidation pathway of L-ascorbic acid by Micrococcus was as follows : [chemical formula]
