Studies in intermicrobial symbiosis. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus casei

Abstract

Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a riboflavin assay strain of Lactobacillus casei have been propagated anaerobically in mixed culture. Both batch and continuous culture techniques were used. By varying the concentrations of glucose and riboflavin in the growth medium, it was possible to produce symbioses of commensalism + competition, competition, and mutualism + competition. In short, the interaction prevailing is determined by the medium as well as by the genetic characteristics of the organisms. The behavior of the mixed cultures in these situations was predicted from data taken on pure cultures of the organisms.