EFFECT OF CERTAIN ACIDS OF THE TRICARBOXYLIC ACID CYCLE ON THE GROWTH OF ESCHERICHIA COLI

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Abstract
Malic acid, fumaric acid, and to a lesser extent certain other members of the Kreb''s tricarboxylic acid cycle, when added to a "complete" medium for E. coli at levels up to 500 [mu]M (67 mg.) per 10 ml. of media, markedly stimulated the growth of the organism. At 500 [mu]M/10 ml. of media, malate approx. doubled the amt. of growth obtainable. This was found to occur whether growth was aerobic or anaerobic. Apparently the effect is primarily one of more readily available energy source.