Induction of acetoacetate decarboxylase in Clostridium acetobutylicum

Abstract

Factors that may initiate the biosynthesis of acetoacetate decarboxylase were investigated in resting cells of Clostridium acetobutylicum. Linear acids from C1 to C4 were inducers, whereas branched acids and linear acids from C5 to C7 were not inducers of acetoacetate decarboxylase biosynthesis. Induction of acetoacetate decarboxylase was maximal at pH 4.8 in the presence of acid concentrations comparable with those found during fermentation. In growth conditions repression of acetoacetate decarboxylase biosynthesis was found. This fact explains that acetone production by Clostridium acetobutylicum occurs when growth slows down.