Summary
The formation of acetylmethylcarbinol from glucose by Esch. coli in vigorously aerated media constitutes additional proof of the intermediate formation of acetaldehyde in that fermentation. Interference of an accessory hydrogen acceptor (oxygen) preventing immediate reduction of the aldehyde results in its accumulation and condensation. Esch. coli in common with many other organisms possesses the carboligase system.
In the presence of glucose, Esch. coli can reduce small quantities of acetylmethylcarbinol to 2,3-butylene glycol.
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Supported by Industrial Science Research funds of Iowa State College.
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Reynolds, H., Werkman, C.H. Carboligatic activity of escherichia coli. Archiv. Mikrobiol. 8, 149–152 (1937). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00407195
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00407195