STUDIES ON THE METABOLISM OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC BACTERIA

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Abstract
The formation of H2 as a major product of photosynthesis has been observed in growing and resting cultures of R. gelatinosa. Comparative studies have shown that this phenomenon is completely analogous to the photoproduction of H2 by R. rubrum. In addition to response to appropriate substrates, resting cell suspensions of R. gelatinosa exhibit a light-stimulated evolution of H2 and CO, from endogenous substances. Ho evolution is induced by a large variety of readily metabolized organic substrates. The presence of a certain steady-state concentration of CO2 appears to be an important requirement of H2 evolution from various substrates by both organisms. NH4CI and N2 exert an inhibitory influence on CO2 and H2 evolution. These substances do not inhibit the utilization of H2 for the photoreduction of CO2.