Wax ester fermentation in <i>Euglena gracilis</i>

Abstract

Aerobically grown Euglena gracilis , a bleached mutant, shows a prompt synthesis of wax esters with the concomitant fall of the paramylon (a β‐1,3‐glucan) content upon exposure to anaerobiosis. Bringing the anaerobic cells back to aerobiosis causes the reverse conversions. The anaerobic wax ester formation is accompanied by a net synthesis of ATP. The transition between the fermentation and respiration occurs at 10 −5 –10 −7 M of the O 2 concentration.