Microbic Decomposition of Pantothenic Acid

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Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas were isolated from soil and air that could utilize pantothenate as a growth substrate in a medium containing only pantothenate and inorganic salts (pantothenate broth). [beta]-Alanine and pantoic acid were also utilized when substituted for pantothenate, but pantoyl-lactone did not support growth. In 0.1% pantothenate broth these bacteria decomposed 20% of the substrate within 24 hrs. and 100% within 72 hrs. Pantoyltaurine and dl-N-pantoyl-n-butylamine, analogues of pantothenic acid, exhibited a competitive type of inhibition with pantothenate. Warburg studies showed that pantothenate, [beta]-alanine, and pantoic acid were oxidized, respectively, to 50%, 67% and 43% of completion by a process of oxidative assimilation. KCN and NaN3, in critical conc., caused the oxidation of each substance to more nearly reach completion, presumably by inhibiting the processes of assimilation. Pantoyl-lactone was not oxidized. Various stock cultures of bacteria and fungi were not able to utilize pantothenate as a C source, nor were they able to oxidize this substance.
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