Hydrogenase in Nitrogenase-Deficient Azotobacter Mutants.

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Abstract
Summary Non-fixing mutants of both Azotobacter agile and Azotobacter vinelandii grown on media containing ammonium-N had a reduced hydrogenase activity similar to that of the wild type. Those mutants which reverted to nitrogen fixation had a level of hydrogenase in N-free media at least double that of the cells grown on fixed nitrogen. The specific activity was equal to that of the wild type on N2 if the growth rate was normal, but was lower if the growth rate was less than the wild type. The results confirm the close relationship between hydrogenase and nitrogen fixation in the azotobacter but also suggest that hydrogenase in these organisms may have same secondary function as it is present, although to a lesser extent, in mutants unable to use N2.

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