ROLE OF CITRITASE IN ACETOIN FORMATION BY <i>STREPTOCOCCUS DIACETILACTIS</i> AND <i>LEUCONOSTOC CITROVORUM</i>

Abstract

Harvey, R. J. (University of California, Davis) and E. B. Collins. Role of citritase in acetoin formation by Streptococcus diacetilactis and Leuconostoc citrovorum. J. Bacteriol. 82:954-959. 1961.-Cell-free extracts of Streptococcus diacetilactis and Leuconostoc citrovorum converted citrate to acetate, oxalacetate, pyruvate, carbon dioxide, and acetoin. The products, stoichiometry, and cofactor requirements of the citrate-splitting reaction were identical to those reported for citritase. Coenzyme A was not required; the reaction was stimulated by magnesium or manganous ions, and inhibited by calcium ions. In S. diacetilactis the enzyme is constitutive; it has been found inducible in all other organisms that have been studied. Ten strains of S. diacetilactis, three strains of Leuconostoc, and one strain of S. liquefaciens contained the enzyme; 21 strains of S. cremoris and 3 strains of S. lactis did not. Cell-free extracts of S. diacetilactis and L. citrovorum converted pyruvate to acetoin and carbon dioxide in the presence of manganous ions and thiamine pyrophosphate.