[Carboxylation enzymes of coryneform bacteria]

The enzymes of carbon dioxide heterotrophic fixation were studied in six strains of coryneform bacteria belonging to the genera Arthrobacter, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium and Nocardia. All of the strains were found to contain PEP (phosphoenolpyruvate) carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.31), NADP or NAD dependent malic enzymes (EC 1.1.1.38--40). Pyruvate carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.1) was found only in three strains of coryneforms: Brevibacterium ammoniagenes, Corynebacterium aquaticum and Nocardia erythropolis. PEP carboxykinase (EC 4.1.1.32) was detected in Brevibacterium ammoniagenes and Nocardia erythropolis. PEP carboxytransphosphorylase (EC 4.1.1.38) was found only in Brevibacterium ammoniagenes. These data suggest that carboxylation of C3-acids is one of the essential pathways in some coryneforms supplying the citric acid cycle with the products of glycolysis. The composition and the level of carboxylation enzymes reflect the ecological characteristics of the organisms rather than their taxonomical relations.