BIOTIN AND ARGININE REPLACEMENTS IN THE NUTRITION OF CLOSTRIDIUM SPOROGENES

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Abstract
DL-Oxybiotin or DL-desthiobiotin can replace biotin in the nutrition of C. sporogenes. Apparently, both isomers of the biotin analogues are utilized. When a fatty acid such as oleic is used in lieu of biotin, a substance like "Tween 40" is needed to obtain normal growth. Either substance alone or with biotin is toxic. The effect of "Tween" in a biotin medium is dependent on the number of cells in the inoculum but not the amt. of biotin present. The influence of oleic acid in the biotin medium is bacteriostatic and is overcome in long periods of incubation. In an arginine-free medium DL-ornithine is without any appreciable effect, but with a small amount of arginine and a large amt. of tyrosine it promotes growth. D-Arginine, DL-arginine, and DL-citrulline replace L-arginine and behave as if the D-form is fully utilized. DL-Tyrosine is only half as active as L-tyrosine. Arginine and glucose seem to have a mutual sparing action as fermentation substrates. In most cases tyrosine increases the utilization of glucose and reduces the amt. of ammonia formed.