METABOLISM OF ω-AMINO ACIDS

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Abstract
A previously unidentified clostridium, utilizing [DELTA]-aminovalerate as the sole carbon and nitrogen source, has been isolated from sewage sludge; and the name Clostridium aminovalericum, n. sp. is proposed. [beta]-alanine, gamma-aminobutyrate, norvaline, ornithine, and [epsilon] -aminocaproate will not support growth. Carbon and isotope balance experiments in growing cultures indicate that the overall fermentation occurs as follows: 2 moles of [DELTA]-aminovalerate yield 2 moles of ammonia and 1 mole each of acetate, propionate, and valerate in a balanced oxidation-reduction process. The isotope distribution suggests a [beta]-oxidation of the carbon chain of [DELTA]-aminovalerate to form acetate and propionate coupled with a reductive deamination to yield valerate. A reversal of the oxidative part of the reaction described does not occur to any great extent.