PHENYLSERINE STUDIES III

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Abstract
The preparation, properties and antimicrobial activity of 4 ring-substituted chloro-analogs of phenylserine are described. None of the compounds tested shows bacteriostatic activity against Escherichia coli or Serratia marcescens. 3,4-Dichlorophenylserine prevents formation of conidiophores and conidiospores by Aspergillus niger. Investigation of the mechanism of this inhibition has led to the conclusion that this substance irreversibly binds the trace amounts of Cu known to be required for sporulation in this mold. The substance thus provides a simplified technique for the study of spore formation and of other reactions in which Cu acts in catalytic amounts. It appears to be a rare example of a specific trace element inhibitor.[long dash]Auth. summ.