A GLUTAMIC ACID-PRODUCING BACILLUS

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Abstract
A biotin-dependent, facultatively aerobic, gram-negative, sporeforming rod belonging to the Bacillus megaterium - Bacillus cereus intermediates is described. In suitable media the bacterium is distinctively pleomorphic and produces extraordinary amounts of free L-glutamic acid. In 3% glucose medium, up to 12.5 mg of glutamic acid were synthesized/ml of medium (0.55 moles of glutamic acid/ mole of glucose utilized). The concentration of biotin is critical. In limiting biotin concentrations, glutamic acid synthesis occurs at the expense of cell synthesis; in non-limiting biotin concentrations, cell synthesis takes place at the expense of glutamic acid synthesis.