Characterization and Energetics of Leuconostoc Oenos ml 34

Abstract

Characteristics of the malo-lactic bacterium <i>Leuconostoc oenos</i> ML 34 are reported indicating that this organism, previously designated <i>L. citrovorum</i> ML 34, should be placed in the new species <i>L. oenos</i> Garvie 1967. Of 26 compounds tested, energy sources for the organism were D-glucose, D-fructose, D-ribose, trehalose, and cellobiose. L-malic and citric acids, not energy sources themselves, provided a slight increase in cell yield in the presence of limited carbohydrate. Production of one of the end products, D-lactic acid, greatly exceeded that expected on the basis of the fermentation of glucose and L-malic acid substrates. It was concluded not only that sugar utilization is required for malo-lactic fermentation, but that malo-lactic fermentation also has a profound influence on the metabolism of the organism and implies a stimulation in utilization of carbon sources. Also discussed are the nomenclature and taxonomy of the wine leuconostocs.