Mechanism of Propionate Formation by Selenomonas ruminantium, a Rumen Micro-organism

Abstract

SUMMARY: The mechanism of propionate formation by two strains of Selenomonas ruminantium has been investigated using substrates specifically labelled by 14C. Both strains behaved similarly. When [2-14C] lactate was fermented, the label in propionate was completely randomized in carbons 2 and 3. When cells were grown on lactate in the presence of 14CO2, label was fixed exclusively into propionate carboxyl. The results are consistent with propionate being formed by the ‘succinate’ pathway.