The oxidation of pyruvate and fatty acids by Mycobacterium ranae

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Abstract
M. ranae oxidizes pyruvate and acetate at approx. equal rates, which are about 4 times greater than the rate of endogenous respiration. Other n-fatty acids (up to C6) are oxidized at even faster rates. The action of inhibitors on the metabolism of M. ranae was investigated, notably that of iodo-acetate which suppresses metabolism of acetate without completely inhibiting the dissimilation of pyruvate. In the presence of iodoacetate, pyruvate is oxidized to acetate quantitatively, assimilation processes being abolished. These facts have been used to construct an hypothesis of normal pyruvate metabolism. Prepns. of broken cells and cell extracts were unable to oxidize pyruvate or acetate.