Carbon and Energy Sources for the Nitrifying Autotroph Nitrobacter

Abstract

Delwiche, C. C. (University of California, Davis), and M. S. Finstein. Carbon and energy sources for the nitrifying autotroph Nitrobacter. J. Bacteriol. 90:102-107. 1965.-The effect of various organic compounds on the growth and metabolism of the obligatively autotrophic nitrifying organism Nitrobacter was studied. A slight stimulation of both nitrification and growth was obtainable with a number of organic amendments, including yeast extract, Vitamin Free Casamino Acids, and some amino acids. Depending upon culture conditions, a strong stimulation of growth was obtained with acetate as an amendment to the culture solution. Several compounds, including valine, hydroxyproline, and threonine, were inhibitory at concentrations of 10(-3)m. The incorporation of carbon from isotopically labeled organic compounds was demonstrated. Acetate and glycine were particularly strong contributors to cell carbons. These could not substitute for carbon dioxide as a sole carbon source for growth, however, nor could any other of the carbon compounds that were tried.