Regulation of Nitrogenase Biosynthesis in Klebsiella pneumoniae: Effect of Nitrate

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Abstract
Summary: The rate of biosynthesis of nitrogenase polypeptides in Klebsiella pneumoniae was determined in a medium containing NaNO3 or NaNO2. Nitrogenase biosynthesis was completely repressed by NO3− in a mutant strain, strain SK-25, that is derepressed for nitrogenase biosynthesis in the presence of NH4+. Chlorate-resistant mutants, derived from strain SK-25, that are defective in NO3− respiration produced nitrogenase in the presence of NO3−. Strain SK-561, a chlorate-resistant derivative capable of NO3− respiration, produced no nitrogenase in the presence of NO3− or NO2−. Klebsiella pneumoniae respired under anaerobic conditions utilizing either NO3− or NO2− as terminal electron acceptor. A mechanism for the control of nitrogenase biosynthesis is discussed involving the redox control of anaerobic enzyme systems.