Role of 3-Nitropropanoic acid in nitrate formation by Aspergillus flavus.
Doxtader, K. G. (Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.), and M. Alexander. Role of 3-nitropropanoic acid in nitrate formation by Aspergillus flavus. J. Bacteriol. 91:1186-1191. 1966.-Aspergillus flavus formed nitrate, 3-nitropropanoic acid (3-NPA), kojic acid, and a substance tentatively identified as N-formyl-N-hydroxy-glycine during growth in a medium with ammonium as sole nitrogen source. The concentration of the nitro compound reached a maximum prior to the appearance of nitrate; the 3-NPA level subsequently decreased with a concomitant increase in nitrate concentration. Replacement cultures of A. flavus produced nitrate from culture filtrates containing 3-NPA or from synthetic 3-NPA but not when supplied with fresh ammonium-sucrose medium, the nitrate-nitrogen formed being equivalent to 50% of the quantity of the 3-NPA-nitrogen initially present. Neither nitrate nor 3-NPA was synthesized by the fungus during growth in media with low pH or low ammonium concentrations. It is proposed that 3-NPA is either an intermediate or is in equilibrium with an intermediate in nitrification by the fungus.
D000433:1-Propanol / Q000378:metabolism*; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000378:metabolism*; D005998:Glycine / Q000378:metabolism; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009566:Nitrates / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009586:Nitrogen Fixation; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000378:metabolism
D009566:Nitrates; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D000433:1-Propanol; D005998:Glycine