SYNTHESIS AND DEGRADATION OF POLY-β-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID IN CONNECTION WITH SPORULATION OF BACILLUS MEGATERIUM

Abstract

Slepecky, Ralph A. (Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.), and John H. Law . Synthesis and degradation of poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid in connection with sporulation of Bacillus megaterium . J. Bacteriol. 82: 37–42. 1961.—The production of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate has been followed in Bacillus megaterium , a sporulating strain, and B. megaterium strain KM, a nonsporulating strain, by an improved assay procedure and by the use of C 14 -acetate. The production of polymer in the KM strain follows the growth curve very slowly and reaches a peak at the time the cells are entering the stationary phase of growth. Slow utilization of polymer follows. When the sporulating strain is grown under conditions favorable for polymer production, no spores are formed; polymer production and utilization follow kinetics similar to those observed with asporogenous strains. When the sporulating strain is grown under conditions unfavorable for polymer production but favorable for sporulation, less polymer is produced and peak production occurs during the log phase of growth. Rapid utilization of the polymer precedes sporulation. If the medium is made favorable for polymer production by the addition of glucose and acetate and vigorous aeration conditions are used, sporulation can be obtained after good polymer production and subsequent utilization.