Abstract
Waxmonoester fermentation at the expense of endogenous paramylon was followed in the dark in autotrophically grown Euglena gracilis. With reduced oxygen tension and decreasing O2-consumption rates the proportion of odd-numbered fatty acids and alcohols increased up to a molar ratio of nearly 1:1 under strictly anaerobic conditions. Labelled 14CO2, succinate and propionate were incorporated into odd-numbered fatty acids and alcohols 11 to 33 times faster than in even-numbered chains. The electron-flow inhibitor rotenone diminished waxester formation in total, but especially CO2 fixation and the synthesis of odd-numbered chains, without impeding anaerobic carbohydrate breakdown. These findings are indicative for propionyl-CoA as an intermediate in the synthesis of odd-numbered chains. Its probable synthesis in the methylmalonyl-CoA pathway is discussed with regard to energetics.
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Abbreviations
- CCCP:
-
carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone
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Schneider, T., Betz, A. Waxmonoester fermentation in Euglena gracilis T. Factors favouring the synthesis of odd-numbered fatty acids and alcohols. Planta 166, 67–73 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397387
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397387