Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide -- independent formate dehydrogenase in Mycobacterium phlei

Formate dehydrogenase activity (EC 1.2.1.2) has been demonstrated in cell-free preparations of Mycobacterium phlei by following the reduction of 2,6 dichlorophenolindophenol. thiazolyl blue tetrazolium, or equine cytochrome c. The reduction of equine cytochrome c was inhibited by 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide. Neither nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide nor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate were reduced by this formate dehydrogenase. The enzyme was constitutive and associated with the particular fraction. The greatest level of activity was observed at pH 9.0, with 8 mM formate, and with extracts of cells taken from the log phase of growth. Formaldehyde, hypophosphite, nitrate, and bicarbonate all inhibited the oxidation of formate.