The effect of 4-methyltryptophan on growth and enzyme systems of Escherichia coli

Abstract
Growth of E. coli is inhibited by 4-methyltryptophan (4-MT), the inhibition being reversed by tryptophan in a non-competitive manner. 4-MT, in competition with indol, inhibits tryptophan desmolase in cell extracts. Extracts containing tryptophanase degrade 4-MT to a compound reacting like 4-methylindole. 4-MT inhibits strongly the anthranilate synthesis and indol utilization by washed cells of E. coli. Conversion of anthranilate into indol is not affected by 4-MT.