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Formation of sorbitol by Zymomonas mobilis

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Summary

Sorbitol is formed as the major by-product in ethanol fermentations by Zymomonas mobilis when both glucose and fructose are present in the fermentation medium. The amount of sorbitol produced was equivalent to as much as 11% of the original carbon source, decreasing the ethanol yield correspondingly. Only minor amounts of sorbitol were formed from glucose or fructose alone. The formation of sorbitol is apparently a consequence of the inhibition of fructokinase by glucose.

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Viikari, L. Formation of sorbitol by Zymomonas mobilis . Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 20, 118–123 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00252588

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00252588

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