title: Physiology of exopolysaccharide production by Azotobacter vinelandii from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid.
abstract: The relationship between exopolysaccharide (EPS) production by Azotobacter vinelandii ATCC 12837 from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid as sole carbon source and other physiological parameters was investigated. In relation to growth, Azotobacter needed more time in 4-hydroxybenzoic acid to reach levels of biomass similar to those obtained when sugars were used, although the phenolic compound led to a more extensive exponential phase. The encystment process was initiated after cells had grown for 24 h, in which small amounts of EPS were synthesized and poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) accumulation began. Both polymers, EPS and PHB, showed a similar evolution with time, as well as the formation of cysts, which points out the existence of a relation between these parameters. This was corroborated by a statistical study, in which significant correlations (P<0.05) were observed when each parameter was compared to the two others.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Microbiología, Departamento de Biología Aplicada, Universidad de Almería, Almería 04120, Spain.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Vargas-García
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: López
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Elorrieta
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Suárez
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moreno
mesh_terms: D016948:Azotobacter vinelandii / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D002244:Carbon / Q000378:metabolism; D003470:Culture Media; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D010226:Parabens / Q000378:metabolism*; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D010226:Parabens; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial; D002244:Carbon; C038193:4-hydroxybenzoic acid; D009584:Nitrogen