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The relationship between the energetic efficiency in different micro-organisms and the rate and type of metabolite overproduced

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Journal of Industrial Microbiology

Summary

Data regarding the degree of energy conservation as determined by the\(Y_{O_2 }^{\max } \) and the highest rates of metabolite production reported for various micro-organisms have been collated and analysed. The results have indicated that the highest rates of metabolite production occur in micro-organisms possessing low efficiencies of energy conservation. Moreover, in the case of exopolysaccharide production the oxidation state of the polymer is inversely related to the\(Y_{O_2 }^{\max } \) value of the producing organism. In general, the rate of ATP turnover associated with exopolysaccharide production or the potential rate associated with over-production of other metabolites is inversely related to the\(Y_{O_2 }^{\max } \) value of the producing organism. Analysis of current production rates for a range of metabolites suggests that there is scope for major improvements of existing processes by careful selection of appropriate micro-organisms.

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  1. Sittingbourne Research Centre, Shell Research Limited, ME9 8AG, Sittingbourne, Kent, U.K.

    J. D. Linton & A. J. Rye

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Linton, J.D., Rye, A.J. The relationship between the energetic efficiency in different micro-organisms and the rate and type of metabolite overproduced. Journal of Industrial Microbiology 4, 85–96 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01569792

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