The Nitrogen Metabolism of Micro-organisms

Abstract

CHAPTER I energy-rich phosphate group arising by a non-oxidative reaction is found in e«o/-2-phosphopyruvic acid, a substance formed by the dehydration of 2-phosphoglyceric acid under the influence of enolase. The phosphate groups and their associated energy can be transferred, in the presence of the appropriate enzyme (a phosphokinase), to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), or sometimes to adenosine monophosphate to synthesize complex organic nitrogenous compounds is especially variable, and whilst some organisms are exacting towards only one compound, e.g. Salmonella typhosa to tryptophan and Proteus vulgaris to nicotinic acid, the nutrition of other heterotrophs is far more complex, e.g. Leuconostoc mesenteroides P-60 requires eighteen amino-acids and NITROGEN METABOLISM Space available, the subject-matter of the chapter is confined to a few selected topics. In the concluding chapter the mode of action of chemotherapeutic agents is considered in terms of their observed effects on the metabolism of compounds containing nitrogen. BIBLIOGRAPHY The following books are recommended for general reading and as reference books for detailed information concerning specific topics: FOSTER, J. w. (1949), Chemical Activities of Fungi, Academic Press, U.S.A. FRY, B. A. and PEEL, J. L. (editors), (1954), Autotrophic Microorganisms, Soc. gen. Microbiol. Symp., 4, Cambridge University Press, G.B. GALE, E. F. (1949), Chemical Activities of Bacteria, University Tutorial Press, G.B. LWOFF, A. (1 95 1), Biochemistry and Physiology of Protozoa, Academic Press, U.S.A.