CONVERSION OF DISACCHARIDES TO THE CORRESPONDING GLYCOSIDE-3-ULOSES BY INTACT CELLS OF AGROBACTERIUM TUMEFACIENS

Abstract

The conversion of trehalose, maltose, and lactose to their corresponding glycoside-3-uloses was demonstrated with growing, intact cells of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Moreover, 3-ketotrehalose, 3-ketomaltose, and 3-ketolactose, the products of these biological conversions, were obtained in the crystalline state and their properties and physical constants are reported here. Structural analyses were carried out as far as possible using such methods as: periodate oxidation, acid and specific enzymatic hydrolysis, and borohydride reduction followed by hydrolysis and subsequent product identification.