Absorption and Utilization of Organic Matter by the Strict Autotroph, Thiobacillus thiooxidans , with Special Reference to Aspartic Acid

Abstract

Butler, Richard G. (Rutgers, The State University, New Brunswick, N.J.), and Wayne W. Umbreit . Absorption and utilization of organic matter by the strict autotroph, Thiobacillus thiooxidans , with special reference to aspartic acid. J. Bacteriol. 91: 661–666. 1966.—The strictly autotrophic bacterium, Thiobacillus thiooxidans , can be shown to assimilate a variety of organic materials. Aspartic acid can be assimilated into protein and can be converted into CO 2 , but even in the presence of sulfur it cannot serve as the sole source of carbon for growth. The reason appears to be that aspartic acid is converted into inhibitory materials.