The influence of EDTA on the composition of alginate synthesized byAzotobacter vinelandii

✍ Scribed by Iain Couperwhite; May F. McCallum

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 1974
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 438 KB
• Volume: 97
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0302-8933
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00403047

✦ Synopsis

1. During an investigation of the physiology of Azotobacter vinelandii with particular reference to polysaccharide formation, a suitable medium which was precipitate-free was developed by adding EDTA at a concentration of 50 mg/1 to a basal medium containing one of eight different carbohydrates as sole carbon source.

2. Acetylated alginate was always produced by the organism when cultured under defined conditions, regardless of the carbohydrate source incorporated in the basal medium.

3. When EDTA was added to the medium, the bacteria produced acetylated polyuronides with a preponderance of mannuronic acid residues.

4. A comparison of the infrared spectra of the alginate produced by Azotobacter vinelandii and the affect of EDTA upon the malmuronic acid/guluronic acid ratios of the alginate are reported.